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.

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.

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.