Work-related injuries and illnesses among kitchen workers at two major students' hostels.

BACKGROUND: Kitchen workers face a disproportionately high risk of injuries and illnesses. Yet, despite the ubiquity of kitchen-related injuries, there has been a relative lack of comprehensive research on this topic, particularly in developing countries. Ain Shams University, as a prestigious educational institution with its diverse kitchen staff, provides an ideal setting for studying the challenges faced in professional kitchens. This study aims to measure the prevalence of work-related injuries and illnesses among kitchen workers of two major students' hostels at Ain Shams University in Cairo and to explore their risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study involving kitchen staff from two hostels that house students at the university was carried out in 2021. The study involved all kitchen staff in the dorms for students (n = 128). Data was collected using a structured interview questionnaire. RESULTS: The findings showed a significant prevalence of work-related illnesses (81.3%) and injuries (77.3%) among restaurant employees. Age, education, and job type all had a statistically significant relationship with the frequency of work-related injuries over the previous year. Additionally, there was a statistically significant relationship between age, job type, and the frequency of diseases among kitchen workers (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cooks and other food service employees are more susceptible to occupational diseases and injuries in the workplace. Restaurants and the university hostel authorities should implement preventative measures and policies to lower the risk of harm among these employees by offering occupational health and safety services such as training and education programs, personal protective equipment, and regular health examinations.

The Impact of Vitamin D on Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that has multiple biological effects on the body. Recent findings have also linked vitamin D deficiency to a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this review article is to provide insight into the metabolism of vitamin D and its effect on the body, especially on the brain, and to recognize the role of vitamin D in some neuropsychiatric disorders. Vitamin D is well-known as a neuroactive steroid that modulates brain functions and development. There is strong evidence to show that optimal vitamin D levels are important to protect against neuropsychiatric disorders. Vitamin D has also been proposed to alter neurotransmitter pathways in the central nervous system. Abnormalities in these neurotransmitters have been implicated in various neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and depression. Vitamin D also has some reported neurosteroid-like actions, including regulation of calcium homeostasis, clearance of amyloid-peptide, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as possible protection against the neurodegenerative mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's disease and autism. Vitamin D is an important modulator of brain development and has many functions in the brain. Several studies found that vitamin D has a protective role in neuropsychiatric disorders, and its supplementation decreases the development of these disorders and lowers their symptoms. Therefore, evidence shows that early intervention to maintain vitamin D concentrations at sufficiently high levels is crucial to slow, prevent, or improve neurocognitive decline.

Frequency and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among kitchen workers.

BACKGROUND: Kitchen work is associated with exposure to heavy workload which has been linked to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and many other occupational hazards. This study aimed to measure the frequency of WRMSDs related to working in kitchens of two major Egyptian students' hostels, to determine the associated risk factors, and determine the distribution of musculoskeletal problems in various joints in different job categories. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 128 kitchen workers of two major students' hostels in Cairo, Egypt. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect information on personal and occupational data and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months based on the valid Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire (NMQ). RESULTS: The study revealed that the majority of kitchen workers (90.6%) at the students' hostel reported WRMSDs within the past 12 months. The lower back (64.8%), knee (46.9%), foot (46.1%), neck (29.7%), and shoulders (23.4%) were the most affected sites. Age, educational status, job category, job duration, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with WRMSDs among kitchen workers. CONCLUSION: kitchen workers are at a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the poor work environment, the massive workload, and great time pressure to perform their duties. Interventions such as hiring more workers of younger age, providing rest breaks, and health education about occupational hazards to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems should be reinforced.

Relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 precautionary measures and the frequency of infection among medical students at an Egyptian University.

BACKGROUND: Medical undergraduates are at high risk of COVID-19 infection. Thus, conformance to healthy practices is advised to reduce disease transmission and control the current epidemic. The present study aimed to explore the relationship of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to COVID-19 precautionary measures with the frequency of infection among medical students at an Egyptian University. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 404 undergraduate medical students from different grades using a web-based self-administered anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: More than one-third of medical students (37.4%) were previously infected with COVID-19, where the majority (60.5%) were diagnosed with relevant signs and symptoms. Medical students with low levels of KAP experienced higher frequencies of infection than did other students. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between the number of previous COVID-19 infections among medical students and their knowledge and attitude scores toward COVID-19. In addition, a statistically significant positive correlation was noted among KAP scores (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Improving the knowledge, attitude, and conformance of medical students to precautionary measures toward COVID-19 may substantially reduce the risk and frequency of infection and, hence, reduce community transmission.

The association between black stain and lower risk of dental caries in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous literature shows that children with dental black stain might be less susceptible to dental caries. The aim of this study was to systematically review the available literature to determine whether black stain presence could influence the prevalence or severity of dental caries in primary dentition. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and Egyptian Universities Libraries Consortium was conducted up to December 2020. Quality assessment was done using a modified version of Down's and Black checklist. Meta-analyses were performed to assess the association between dental black stain and: (i) Likelihood of developing dental caries/being caries-free (ii) Number of teeth affected by dental caries (iii) Number of tooth surfaces affected. RESULTS: The database search yielded 2164 results, 14 of which matched the eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis showed that the likelihood of developing caries (Fixed effect model: OR [95% CI]: 0.67 [0.54; 0.82]; I2=37%; τ2=0.05), number of teeth affected (Random effects model: MD [95% CI]: -0.98 [-1.54; -0.42]; I2=79%; τ2 =0.44), and number of surfaces affected (Random-effects model: MD [95% CI]: -2.34 [-4.23; -0.44]; I2=85%; τ2 =2.93), were all lower in children with black stain. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that dental black stain is associated with lower dental caries experience in children with primary dentition. However, it is questionable whether black stain has a protective effect against dental caries, or whether children at low risk of dental caries are more likely to develop BS because their oral microbiome favors BS-forming organisms.

Rising trends in Caesarean section in 6 Egyptian governorates.

Background: Caesarean section (CS) is a life-saving operation when vaginal delivery is risky to the mother or baby. However, if not medically indicated or performed under suboptimal conditions, it can be harmful and resource-intensive. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of CS in 6 Egyptian governorates and identify possible risk factors (including demographic, social and healthcare services factors) stratified according to geographical areas. Methods: We used secondary data collected from a large survey to investigate the sociodemographic and health indicators of 6 purposefully selected Egyptian governorates with suboptimal health indicators: 3 from Upper Egypt (Sohag, Assiut and Menia) and 3 from Lower Egypt (Sharkia, Beheira and Ismailia). The survey data were gathered using an interview questionnaire that targeted household members. Results: The CS rate was estimated at 55.1% for the 3 years preceding the study, and the highest rate was 67.8% in Behira and the lowest was 49.0% in Assiut. In most governorates, the CS rate was higher in rural than in urban areas, but the difference was not significant. High CS rates were significantly related to higher social class and lower number of children (≤ 3). Conclusion: In the governorates investigated, CS was performed more often, with higher rates than those reported in the 2015 Egypt Health Issue Survey. The adoption of protocols for elective CS should be enforced with a more multisectoral effort. Pregnant women should be well informed of the risks associated with CS and its medical indications.

Correlates and reproductive consequences of consanguinity in six Egyptian governorates.

This study aimed to explore some correlates and potential reproductive consequences of consanguinity. We analysed data for 8515 ever-married women aged 15-49 derived from a household survey conducted in 2017 in six governorates. The prevalence of consanguineous marriage was 35.9%. The odds (OR (95%CI)) of consanguinity were higher in rural southern governorates (3.68 (3.03-4.46)), with less than secondary education (1.55 (1.42-1.7)), with unemployment (1.74(1.48-2.04)) and in the lowest wealth quintile (3.09 (2.66-3.6)). After adjusting for residence, education, wealth, age at marriage and the number of children; the OR (95%CI) for spontaneous abortion and still births with consanguinity were 1.31 (1.09-1.59) and 1.63 (1.18-2.25) respectively. Consanguinity remains highly prevalent in Egypt especially in rural southern governorates. Women empowerment in terms of attaining higher education and employment may reduce the problem. Consanguinity appears to be associated with adverse reproductive outcomes including spontaneous abortion and still birth.

Computer vision syndrome, visual ergonomics and amelioration among staff members in a Saudi medical college.

Objectives. Nearly 60 million people suffer from computer vision syndrome (CVS) globally, resulting in reduced work productivity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CVS, describe the working conditions, visualize ergonomic factors and determine preventive measures application among university staff members. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with university medical staff members using a semi-structured questionnaire that included a validated CVS questionnaire. Results. CVS prevalence was 81.2%. Dryness, headache, feeling that sight is worsening and difficulty in focusing on near vision were the most experienced symptoms. Prevalence of CVS was significantly higher among females (52.3%), those having a higher mean work duration (21.65 ± 7.55 years), those who frequently use a smartphone (84.9%) and those spending most of their screen time during both day and night (87.1%). Visual ergonomics and preventive measures application, such as correct screen level, regular cleaning of the screen, appropriate illumination and use of eye drops, were significantly associated with negative CVS. Conclusions. These results raised attention to the essential need for visual assessment of university staff members for early and proper diagnosis of CVS to minimize its impact on working performance. Accordingly, it is recommended to organize university-based awareness programs regarding CVS for working personnel.

Shared decision-making aid for juvenile idiopathic arthritis: moving from informative patient education to interactive critical thinking.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and evaluate an illustrated, stand-alone, interactive evidence-based shared decision making (SDM) aid for JIA children; its ability to produce positive perceived involvement of JIA patients in their own management and its impact on their adherence to therapy, school absenteeism and treatment outcomes. METHODS: The SDM aid was developed to offer information about the disease, risks and benefits of treatment. A multidisciplinary team defined SDM criteria based on international standards (IPDAS). Eight categories emerged as highly important for SDM. Each category was supported by simple illustrations in an interactive style. At the end of each category, the child is asked to make a decision in view of the information given. Ninety-four JIA children were provided with the tool, in a randomised controlled study, in comparison to a control group of 95 JIA patients treated according to standard protocols. RESULTS: A total of 97.5% of the study children reported comprehensibility of more than 90%. The patients' adherence to therapy was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the SDM group, whereas stopping DMARDs for intolerability was significantly higher in the control group at 12 months of treatment. There was a significant improvement in the patient-reported outcomes in the SDM group, and absence from school was significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The developed SDM aid offered the children evidence-based information about the pros and cons of treatment options and improved their understanding of the disease and their ability to make an informed decision that is reflected on their adherence to therapy and better treatment outcomes. Key Points • This work represents the second generation of shared decision-making tools. • The developed tool adopts an interactive style and enhances critical thinking, giving the patients the facility of making their own decision regarding their management. • The work gives an example of core domain set of outcomes which can be used for shared decision-making interventions.

Introduction of new formulas and evaluation of the previous red blood cell indices and formulas in the differentiation between beta thalassemia trait and iron deficiency anemia in the Makkah region.

BACKGROUND: Many formulas from red blood cell (RCB) indices are instructed to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait. None had 100% Youden index. AIM OF THE WORK: To introduce two new formulas and evaluate them in the differentiation between IDA and beta thalassemia trait in adults Saudi (male and female; male; female) in the Makkah region. Furthermore, to evaluate the previous formulas in our population. METHODS: A total of 249 participants, 91 with IDA, 123 with beta thalassemia trait, and 35 healthy persons. All subjected to complete blood count, measurement of iron profile, hemoglobin electrophoresis and hemoglobin A2 by column chromatography. The first new formula equal hemoglobin (Hb) + hematocrit (Hct) + RBC and second equals Hb + Hct + RBC-red cell distribution (RDW). The previous formula used is England and Fraser, Mentzer, Strivastava, Ehsani, Green and King, red cell distribution index, Ricerca, and Shine and Lal Results: In both men and women, the England and Fraser was the best with a Youden's index of 70.4%, followed by Green and King 67.4%. In men, the England and Fraser and our new formula 1 had the highest Youden' index 84.7% and 84.1%, respectively. In women, the England and Fraser and RDW index had the highest Youden' index 74% and 69.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The England and Fraser and our new formula 1 are the best formulas in men. The England and Fraser and RDW index are the best formulas in women.