Exploring the impact of occupational factors on low back pain in ride-sharing motorbike drivers in Bangladesh: A comprehensive cross-sectional analysis.

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is a major global public health issue, prevalent among various occupational groups worldwide. However, existing studies have predominantly focused on sedentary workers in developed nations, leaving a gap in understanding LBP prevalence and associated factors among occupational cohorts in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and occupational factors contributing to LBP among ride-sharing motorbike drivers (RSMD) in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dhaka city from May 20 to August 08, 2023. Data were collected from Bangladeshi adult RSMD using a paper-based questionnaire developed by Eriksen et al. Chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests compared categorical variables with and without LBP, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed with LBP as the dependent variable and various predictors to compute adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The one-month prevalence of LBP was 58.8%. Regression analysis revealed elevated adjusted odds of experiencing LBP among participants with hypertension, those using multiple ride-sharing operators, commuter and older bike users, and non-users of riding kits. Additionally, increased adjusted odds of LBP were observed among participants of higher age, higher body mass index, and those covering longer distances per week. Conclusion: This study underscores a significantly higher prevalence of LBP among RSMD in Bangladesh, with occupational factors strongly predicting LBP. Implementing strategies such as regular physical exercise, weight reduction, using sports and newer motorbikes, and reducing working hours per week may help mitigate the prevalence of LBP within this cohort.

Photoplethysmography-based assessment of varicose vein-related risk factors, exercise health beliefs, and venous refill time in healthcare professionals working in operating rooms and outpatient clinics.

BACGROUND: Impaired venous return is observed in healthcare professionals who spend long periods standing and sitting. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate varicose vein-related risk factors, exercise health beliefs, and venous refill time in healthcare professionals working in operating rooms and outpatient clinics by photoplethysmography. METHOD: The study sample consisted of 100 healthcare professionals without a diagnosis of peripheral venous insufficiency. Data were collected using a descriptive characteristics form, the Health Belief Model Scale for Exercise, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and photoplethysmography. RESULT: This study found that OR nurses had shorter venous refill times and experienced more pain due to prolonged standing, despite their high health beliefs about exercise. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals working in operating rooms should be screened for venous insufficiency and trained regarding the practices to prevent venous insufficiency, such as lying down, elevating legs, and using elastic stockings.

Colonization of bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens among healthcare workers in China during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Healthcare settings may amplify transmission of respiratory pathogens, however empirical evidence is lacking. We aimed to describe the spectrum and distribution of respiratory pathogens among healthcare workers in eastern China. Methods: Healthcare workers were recruited from October 2020 to November 2021 in Jiangsu province. Participants were interviewed regarding demographic and hospital-based protective measures. Thirty-seven common respiratory pathogens were tested using real-time PCR/RT-PCR (Probe qPCR). The role of demographic and hospital-based protective measures on pathogens colonization using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Among 316 enrolled healthcare workers, a total of 21 pathogens were detected. In total, 212 (67.1%) healthcare workers had at least one respiratory pathogen; 195 (61.7%) and 70 (22.2%) with a bacterial and viral pathogen. The most commonly detected pathogen was streptococcus pneumoniae (47.5%) followed by Haemophilus influenzae (21.2%). One hundred and five (33.2%) healthcare workers with copathogens had at least two respiratory pathogens. Both bacterial and viral colonization were more common in 2020 compared to 2021. A decreased risk of colonization was seen in participants with infection prevention and control training and suitable hand hygiene. Conclusions: Colonization of respiratory pathogens in healthcare workers from eastern China was high. Differential risk was impacted only by hospital-based protective measures and not demographic factors.

Factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in commercial motorcyclists.

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and to investigate factors associated with WMSDs in commercial motorcyclists in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study involved commercial motorcyclists operating in Indonesia. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire, including the Indonesian Version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, occupational driving posture questionnaire, and occupational factor-related questions. The questionnaire was distributed at four rest stops located in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. The result showed that 40% of participants (129/322) were having WMSDs. Older age, overweight body mass index (BMI), obese body mass index, nonregular physical activity, driving duration (> 8 h/day), seniority (≥5 years), and poor driving posture were significant risk factors for WMSDs in commercial motorcyclists. Based on the risk factors identified in this study, the development of preventive strategies among commercial motorcyclists is warranted.

The relative contribution of PM2.5 components to the obstructive ventilatory dysfunction-insights from a large ventilatory function examination of 305,022 workers in southern China.

BACKGROUND: The new round of WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease assessment requires futher research to provide more evidence, especially on the health impact of ambient air pollution around the workplace. However, the evidence linking obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (OVD) to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical components in workers is very limited. Evidence is even more scarce on the interactive effects between occupational factors and particle exposures. We aimed to fill these gaps based on a large ventilatory function examination of workers in southern China. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 363,788 workers in southern China in 2020. The annual average concentration of PM2.5 and its components were evaluated around the workplace through validated spatiotemporal models. We used mixed-effect models to evaluate the risk of OVD related to PM2.5 and its components. Results were further stratified by basic characteristics and occupational factors. FINDINGS: Among the 305,022 workers, 119,936 were observed with OVD. We found for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 concentration, the risk of OVD increased by 27.8 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 26.5-29.2 %). The estimates were 10.9 % (95 %CI: 9.7-12.1 %), 15.8 % (95 %CI: 14.5-17.2 %), 2.6 % (95 %CI: 1.4-3.8 %), 17.1 % (95 %CI: 15.9-18.4 %), and 11 % (95 %CI: 9.9-12.2 %), respectively, for each IQR increment in sulfate, nitrate, ammonium salt, organic matter and black carbon. We observed greater effect estimates among females, younger workers, workers with a length of service of 24-45 months, and professional skill workers. Furthermore, it is particularly noteworthy that the noise-exposed workers, high-temperature-exposed workers, and less-dust-exposed workers were at a 5.7-68.2 % greater risk than others. INTERPRETATION: PM2.5 and its components were significantly associated with an increased risk of OVD, with stronger links among certain vulnerable subgroups.

Determinants of psychological injury among health and social care workers in community settings: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Health and Social Care (HSC) workers face psychological health risks in the workplace. While many studies have described psychological injuries in HSC workers, few have examined the determinants. Previous research has primarily focused on hospitals, lacking systematic reviews of community-based settings. OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify and appraise current evidence on the determinants of psychological injuries among HSC workers in community settings. METHODS: Searches were conducted in three bibliographic databases, supplemented by citation searches. Included studies focused on community-based HSC workers, reporting statistical associations between psychological injury and personal, health, occupational, or organizational factors. Quantitative studies published in English between January 1, 2000 and August 15, 2023 were included. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. RESULTS: Sixty-six studies were included. Study quality was highly variable, and all studies were cross-sectional. Twenty-three studies linked psychological injury with occupational factors (e.g. low job control, high job demands and low job satisfaction). Thirteen studies observed an association between work environment and psychological injury, and a further eleven between workplace social support and psychological injury. Fewer studies have examined the relationship between psychological injury and personal/individual factors. CONCLUSION: Occupational and organisational factors are significantly associated with psychological health among HSA workers, in community settings. These aspects of job design, work environment and workplace relationships are modifiable, suggesting an opportunity for work design interventions to improve workers' psychological health and reduce the prevalence of psychological injury in this sector.

Voice Disorders Among Teachers in Taif City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background Voice disorders (VD) pose significant challenges for teachers as they impact their professional and personal lives. Teaching requires extensive use of the voice, making teachers particularly susceptible to vocal health issues. VD can hinder the quality of education. Objectives This study aimed to comprehensively explore the prevalence, associated factors, and impact of VD among teachers and their health-seeking behavior regarding VD. Methodology A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Taif City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), between November and December 2023. The data were collected through a questionnaire covering demographic variables, occupational factors, voice-related symptoms, associated health conditions, and the impact of VD. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 26 (IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), and chi-squared tests were used to assess associations. Results The study involved 568 teachers, 61.8% of whom had VD. The study identified significant associations between VD and demographic characteristics, habits, and teaching-related variables. Age, gender, teaching subject, class size, and weekly teaching load were associated with the prevalence of VD. Hoarseness, throat pain, and throat dryness were prevalent symptoms among teachers with VD. The impact of VD on teachers was evident, with a considerable proportion reporting work absenteeism (28.7%) and even contemplating retirement due to voice problems (6.3%). Conclusion This study offers a nuanced understanding of VD among teachers in the Taif region, emphasizing the complex interplay of demographic, symptomatic, and behavioral factors. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including awareness campaigns, preventive strategies, and streamlined healthcare access, to address the unique challenges that different subgroups of teachers face. Future research should further explore longitudinal trajectories and objective measures to enhance our understanding of VD in educational settings.

Factors Associated With Worsened Mental Health of Health Care Workers in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) in Canada have endured difficult conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many worked long hours while attending to patients in a contagious environment. This introduced an additional burden that may have contributed to worsened mental health conditions. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examine the factors associated with worsened mental health conditions of HCWs as compared to before the start of the pandemic. METHODS: We use data from a survey of HCWs by Statistics Canada. A regression model is used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of worsened mental health after the start of the pandemic. The estimated odds ratio (OR) is associated with different independent variables that include demographics (age, sex, immigration status, and geographic area), occupational factors (work status, occupational group, and exposure category), and different access levels to personal protective equipment (PPE). RESULTS: Of 18,139 eligible participants surveyed, 13,990 (77.1%) provided valid responses. We found that HCWs younger than 35 years old were more likely (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.27; P=.01) to exhibit worsened mental health as compared to the reference group (35-44 years old). As for sex, male HCWs were less likely (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.67-0.86; P<.001) to exhibit worsened mental health as compared to female HCWs. Immigrant HCWs were also less likely (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.51-0.64; P<.001) to exhibit worsened mental health as compared to nonimmigrant HCWs. Further, HCWs working in Alberta had the highest likelihood of exhibiting worsened mental health as compared to HCWs working elsewhere (Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia, and Northern Territories). Frontline workers were more likely (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.16-1.38; P<.001) to exhibit worsened mental health than nonfrontline HCWs. Part-time HCWs were less likely (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.93; P<.001) to exhibit worsened mental health than full-time HCWs. HCWs who reported encountering COVID-19 cases were more likely (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.41-1.70; P<.001) to exhibit worsened mental health as compared to HCWs who reported no contact with the disease. As for PPE, HCWs who never had access to respirators, eye protection, and face shields are more likely to exhibit worsened mental health by 1.31 (95% CI 1.07-1.62; P<.001), 1.51 (95% CI 1.17-1.96; P<.001), and 1.41 (95% CI 1.05-1.92; P=.02) than those who always had access to the same PPE, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Different HCW groups experienced the pandemic differently based on their demographic and occupational backgrounds as well as access to PPE. Such findings are important to stakeholders involved in the planning of personalized support programs and aid mental health mitigation in future crises. Certain groups require more attention.

Self-Esteem and Occupational Factors as Predictors of the Incidence of Anxiety and Depression among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latvia.

The prevalence of depression and anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic is high. The aim of the study is to identify the importance of self-esteem and occupational factors in association with the incidence of depression and anxiety among HCWs through a longitudinal cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. Participants received seven questionnaires during the COVID-19 pandemic on demographic parameters, work-related information, and contact with COVID-19 patients, and three standardized questionnaires that evaluated symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and self-esteem (Rosenberg's self-esteem scale). The Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) was used to identify factors associated with the incidence of depression and anxiety among HCWs. A total of 322 participants were included in the data analysis for depression and 352 for anxiety. HCWs with low self-esteem were 83% more likely to experience depression and 76% more likely to experience anxiety. Working at a general practitioner practice is associated with twice the risk of developing depression and anxiety. A 31% increase in the odds of depression is observed among HCWs with direct contact with COVID-19 patients. The organizational and government levels must look for opportunities to facilitate the mental health of HCWs to ensure better-quality healthcare.

Testing the association between shoulder pain prevalence and occupational, physical activity, and mental health factors in two generations of Australian adults.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is common among the adult population, but it appears to reduce in prevalence around retirement age. Associations between shoulder pain and work-place exposures, physical activity, or mental health status are unclear and may change with age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain in Australian adults across two generations and test the association with occupational factors, physical activity, and mental health. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we used data from a longitudinal Australian pregnancy cohort (the Raine Study). We analysed data from the children (Gen2) at the 22-year follow-up (N = 1128) and parents (Gen1) at the 26-year follow-up (N = 1098). Data were collected on self-reported shoulder pain, occupational factors (employment status and work description), physical activity, and mental health at the respective follow-ups. Prevalence rates were provided as percentages with 95% confidence intervals. Univariate analysis for group comparisons included chi squared for categorical comparisons. The association of predictor variables and shoulder pain was assessed using logistical regression. RESULTS: In Gen1 31.4% of adults aged 40-80 reported the presence of shoulder pain in the last month, with no significant difference between females and males. Gen1 participants younger than 65 reported more shoulder pain (OR[95%CI] = 1.80 [1.04-3.09]). Gen2 females (14.7%) reported shoulder pain in either shoulder more frequently than males (7.7%) and bilateral shoulder pain (8.0%) more frequently than males (1.9%). Gen1 had increased odds of reporting shoulder pain if their work was "physical or heavy manual" compared to "sedentary" (OR [95% CI] = 1.659 [1.185-2.323]) and when categorised with depression (OR [95% CI] = 1.940 [1.386-2.715]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 1.977 [1.368-2.857]). Gen2 participants with depression (OR [95% CI] = 2.356 [1.620-3.427]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 2.003 [1.359-2.952]) reported more shoulder pain. CONCLUSION: Overall, shoulder pain was more prevalent in young females than males and was more prevalent in those under the age of 65. Cross-sectional associations were established between some occupational factors in older adults and depression in all adults, and shoulder pain.

Prospective associations of psychosocial work factors with sickness absence spells and duration: Results from the French national working conditions survey.

BACKGROUND: Some psychosocial work factors are associated with sickness absence, however little information is available on the associations of various psychosocial work factors and multiple exposures with sickness absence spells and duration, and gender differences. METHODS: Data were from the French working conditions survey conducted on a nationally representative sample of the working population. The study sample included 17,437 employees (7292 men, 10,145 women) followed from 2013 to 2016 and/or from 2016 to 2019. Occupational exposures (20 psychosocial work factors, 4 working time/hours factors, 4 physical work exposures) were measured at the beginning of each follow-up period. Hurdle and multinomial models were used to study the associations with the number of days and spells of sickness absence. RESULTS: Most of the psychosocial work factors predicted the risk of at least 1 day of sickness absence. Stronger associations were found among women than men for some factors. Psychosocial work factors were more likely to predict the number of spells than the number of days of sickness absence. Some physical work exposures predicted sickness absence spells and days, whereas shift work in women predicted the risk of at least 1 day of sickness absence. Dose-response associations were found between multiple psychosocial work exposures and sickness absence spells, and between multiple physical exposures and sickness absence spells and days. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive prevention policies oriented toward the whole psychosocial and physical work environment should be useful to reduce sickness absence among men and women.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and depression after the 2018 Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack: a comparison of exposed and non-exposed police personnel.

Background: Police personnel are among the first responders exposed to terrorist attacks, raising in number in the late decades. Due to their profession, they are also exposed to repetitive violence, increasing their vulnerability to PTSD and depression.Objective: Our study aims at comparing the prevalence of PTSD and depression, and the risk factors associated with these conditions among directly and indirectly exposed versus non-exposed police personnel during the Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack.Method: Three months after the attack, participants completed a survey assessing their sociodemographic characteristics, occupational data, degree of exposure, sleep debt around the event, event centrality (CES), and three mental health conditions: PTSD (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-9), and suicide risk (yes/no questions).Results: A total of 475 police personnel responded to the questionnaire: 263 were exposed to the attack (182 of them directly) and 212 were non-exposed. Among directly exposed participants, the prevalences of partial and complete PTSD were 12.6 and 6.6%, and the prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression was 11.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed that direct exposure was associated with a higher risk of PTSD (OR = 2.98 [1.10-8.12], p = .03). Direct exposure was not associated with a higher risk of depression (OR = 0.40 [0.10-1.10], p = .08). A significant sleep debt after the event was not associated with a higher risk of later PTSD (OR = 2.18 [0.81-5.91], p = .13) but was associated with depression (OR = 7.92 [2.40-26.5], p < .001). A higher event centrality was associated with both PTSD and depression (p < .001).Conclusions: Police personnel directly exposed to the Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack were at higher risk of PTSD but not depression. Efforts to prevent and treat PTSD should focus on directly exposed police personnel. However, general mental health should be monitored for every personnel member.

Direct exposure to the terrorist attack and gender (female) were significantly associated with a higher risk of PTSD among police personnel.Sleep debt after the attack was significantly associated with depression but not with PTSD.No occupational factor was associated with either PTSD or depression.Both PTSD and depression were significantly associated with a higher suicide risk.A higher event centrality was significantly associated with direct exposure and a higher risk of both PTSD and depression.

Pathways to Suicide among Police in Rajasthan: Perceptions and Experiences of Police Personnel.

Background: Evidence regarding the experience and perceptions of police personnel with suicide in South Asia is limited. This study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of suicide among police personnel in an Indian state. The focus was on explanations of and reasons for suicide. Methods: We conducted 20 qualitative interviews in 2021 with police of different ranks, guided by a topic guide. The reflexive thematic analysis approach was supported by the use of NVivo 12, a qualitative software package. Results: We explore three intersecting key themes around suicide in the police force, including: (1) the stressful police environment; (2) expectations of mental strength; and (3) police image and help-seeking. We discuss the tensions between these themes and how to address the challenges of supporting police personnel. Conclusions: To support and improve police personnel's mental well-being training and support are needed but also broader changes at the organisational level. These need to take social and historical factors into account. An increased level of suicide and mental health literacy will not only benefit the police force but also the general public, and it would be very timely with recent changes in the Indian mental health and suicide policy context.

Influencing factors and population attributable risk percent of low back pain in automobile assemblers / 中国职业医学

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors and population attributable risk percent (PAR%) of low back pain in automobile assemblers. Methods: A total of 634 assemblers from 11 automobile manufacturers in Shiyan City, Hubei Province were chosen as research subjects using judgment sampling method. The prevalence of low back pain in the past one year was investigated using Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. PAR% was used to analyze the contribution of influencing factors to low back pain. Results: The annual prevalence of low back pain was 68.8%. The results of multivariate logistics regression showed that length of service>15 years, high school or secondary college education or above, standing most of the time, sitting most of the time, the proportion of cumulative time of poor posture in work shift time ≥1/8, and bending for insufficient height of working space were the risk factors for low back pain (all P<0.05). The PAR% of the proportion of cumulative time of poor posture in work shift time ≥1/8 was 43.0%, 37.8% for standing most of the time, and 12.8% for bending for insufficient height of working space. Conclusion: The annual prevalence of low back pain was higher in automobile assemblers. The influencing factors included individual factors and occupational factors. The proportion of cumulative time of poor posture in work shift time ≥1/8, standing most of the time and bending for insufficient height of working space should be taken as the priority intervention factors to reduce the prevalence of low back pain among assemblers in this enterprise.

Statistical Analysis of Absenteeism in a University Hospital Center between 2007 and 2019.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the evolution of compressible absenteeism in a hospital center and identify the professional and sociodemographic factors that influence absenteeism. METHOD: All hospital center employees have been included over a period of twelve consecutive years (2007 to 2019). Compressible absences and occupational and sociodemographic factors were analyzed using Occupational Health data. Since the distribution of the data did not follow a normal distribution, the number of days of absence was presented as a median (interquartile range (IQR): 1st quartile-3rd quartile), and comparisons were made using non-parametric tests followed by a negative binomial model with zero inflation (ZINB). RESULTS: A total of 16,413 employees were included, for a total of 2,828,599 days of absence, of which 2,081,553 were compressible absences (73.6% of total absences). Overall, 42% of employees have at least one absence per year. Absent employees had a median of 15 (IQR 5-53) days of absence per year, with an increase of a factor of 1.9 (CI95 1.8-2.1) between 2007 and 2019 (p < 0.001). Paramedical staff were most at risk of absence (p < 0.001 vs. all other occupational categories). Between 2007 and 2019, the number of days of absence was multiplied by 2.4 (CI95 1.8-3.1) for administrative staff, 2.1 (CI95 1.9-2.3) for tenured, 1.7 (CI95 1.5-2.0) for those living more than 12 km from the workplace, 1.8 (CI95 1.6-2.0) among women, 2.1 (CI95 1.8-2.6) among those over 50 years of age, 2.4 (CI95 1.8-3.0) among "separated" workers, and 2.0 (CI95 1.8-2.2) among those with at least one child. CONCLUSIONS: Paramedical personnel are most at risk of absenteeism. Meanwhile, absenteeism is increasing steadily, and overall, the increase is major for administrative staff. The profile of an employee at risk of absenteeism is a titular employee, living at distance from work, probably female, over 50 years old, separated, and with children. Identifying professionals at risk of absenteeism is essential to propose adapted and personalized preventive measures.

Pyemotes ventricosus Dermatitis: A Case Report and an Extensive Review of Outbreaks and Clinical Cases.

(1) Background: Pyemotes ventricosus dermatitis, caused by free-living mites, could be difficult to diagnose since bites are painless and ectoparasites are not visible. We present an unpublished clinical case that occurred in Italy and an extensive review of clinical cases and outbreaks of Pyemotes species. (2) Methods: Case reports and outbreaks of Pyemotes spp. were searched for on Pubmed and Embase. Epidemiological and clinical data were analysed with descriptive statistics. (3) Results: In total, we found 40 case reports and 21 outbreaks to be considered in this review. The majority of cases involved young females, occurred in summer and were observed in Europe. Dermatitis was the most common clinical manifestation. Diagnosis was mainly based on risk factors. Treatment was based on topical steroids and antihistamine drugs. Regarding outbreaks, contact with grain or feed and exposure with infested furniture were the main risk factors. The mean number of involved patients were 69, with symptoms most commonly ending within a week. (4) Conclusions: Pyemotes ventricosus dermatitis is underreported, especially in countries like Africa and Central and South-America, since disease is self-limiting and comet sign is reported in a quarter of cases. The reduction in use of pesticides in agriculture could lead to an increased exposure to Pyemotes spp. in the future.

Mathematical Modeling of the Evolution of Absenteeism in a University Hospital over 12 Years.

Increased absenteeism in health care institutions is a major problem, both economically and health related. Our objectives were to understand the general evolution of absenteeism in a university hospital from 2007 to 2019 and to analyze the professional and sociodemographic factors influencing this issue. An initial exploratory analysis was performed to understand the factors that most influence absences. The data were then transformed into time series to analyze the evolution of absences over time. We performed a temporal principal components analysis (PCA) of the absence proportions to group the factors. We then created profiles with contributions from each variable. We could then observe the curves of these profiles globally but also compare the profiles by period. Finally, a predictive analysis was performed on the data using a VAR model. Over the 13 years of follow-up, there were 1,729,097 absences for 14,443 different workers (73.8% women; 74.6% caregivers). Overall, the number of absences increased logarithmically. The variables contributing most to the typical profile of the highest proportions of absences were having a youngest child between 4 and 10 years old (6.44% of contribution), being aged between 40 and 50 years old (5.47%), being aged between 30 and 40 years old (5.32%), working in the administrative field (4.88%), being tenured (4.87%), being a parent (4.85%), being in a coupled relationship (4.69%), having a child over the age of 11 (4.36%), and being separated (4.29%). The forecasts predict a stagnation in the proportion of absences for the profiles of the most absent factors over the next 5 years including annual peaks. During this study, we looked at the sociodemographic and occupational factors that led to high levels of absenteeism. Being aware of these factors allows health companies to act to reduce absenteeism, which represents real financial and public health threats for hospitals.

Role of environmental and occupational factors in fall-related maxillofacial fractures.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and patterns of maxillofacial fractures in falls due to environmental and occupational reasons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and nineteen patients were included in this study who presented to the department of Oral and maxillofacial surgery at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. The duration of study was 3 years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Demographic data such as age, gender and data environmental or occupational etiology of falls and pattern of fractures was noted in a customized Performa after detailed history, clinical and radiographic examination. Patients of maxillofacial fractures resulting due to falls with age ranging from 16 to 64 years were included. Those cases of falls that presented with systemic diseases or had chances of pathological fractures were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Male population was affected more than females (60% vs. 39.4%). The mean age was 32.39 SD ± 16.031. Falls due to environmental factors were more common than occupational factors (81.5% vs 18.5%). Fracture of midface was more common (57.1%) than fracture of mandible (36.7%) in patients of falls. 5.5% had both midface and mandible fractures. CONCLUSION: We concluded that Environmental and work-related facial fractures in falls are common in third and fourth decade of life. Falls due to stumbling, tripping and slipping, falls from height and falls from stairs most commonly result in midface fractures. Mandible fractures are commonly seen in sportsmen and laborers. Preventive strategies shall be adopted to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with such injuries.

Sickness absence and disability pension after carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis: A register-based study of patients and matched references in Sweden.

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine sickness absence and disability pension (SA/DP) during working lifespan among individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and their matched references, accounting for sociodemographic factors. Methods: We used a register cohort of 78,040 individuals aged 19-60 years when diagnosed with CTS in secondary health care (hospitals and outpatient specialist health care) and their 390,199 matched references from the general population in 2001-2010. Sociodemographic factors and SA/DP net days during a three-year follow-up were included. Negative binomial regression was used. Results: For those not on DP at inclusion, the average number of SA/DP days per person-year was 58 days (95% confidence interval (CI) 56-60 days) among individuals with CTS and 20 days (95% CI 19-21 days) among the matched references. Among both groups, these numbers increased with age and were higher among women than among men. The rate ratio (RR) of SA/DP days was threefold higher among people with CTS than among the matched references (adjusted RR=3.00, 95% CI 2.91-3.10) Moreover, compared to the matched references, the RR for SA/DP was higher among men with CTS (RR=3.86, 95% CI 3.61-4.13) than among women with CTS (RR=2.69, 95% CI 2.59-2.78). The association between CTS and the number of SA/DP days was smaller among older age groups. Sociodemographic factors were similarly associated with SA/DP among people with and without CTS. Conclusions: Numbers of SA/DP days were higher among people with CTS than their matched references in all age groups, particularly among individuals in their early work careers, highlighting public-health relevance of the findings.

Epidemiological, life style, and occupational factors associated with lower limb varicose veins: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Few data were documented about risk factors for lower limb varicose veins (LLVV) among Egyptian population. Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial to plan for prevention. The current research aims to study the epidemiological, life style, and occupational factors associated with LLVV in a sample of Egyptian population. METHODS: A case control study was adopted. Cases with LLVV (n = 150) were compared with controls (n = 150). Data was collected using an interview questionnaire and clinical assessment. Data was analyzed using the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: According to multivariate analysis among all participants (n = 300), the odds of LLVV was 59.8 times greater for those who frequently lift heavy objects (95% CI = 6.01, 584.36) and 6.95 times higher for those who drink < 5 cups of water/day (95% CI = 2.78, 17.33). Moreover, it was 4.27 times greater for those who infrequently/never consume fiber-rich foods (95% CI = 1.95, 9.37) and 3.65 times greater for those who stand > 4 h/day (95% CI = 1.63, 8.17). Additionally, odds of LLVV was 3.34 times greater for those who report irregular defecation habit (95% CI = 1.68, 6.60), and 2.86 times higher for those who sleep < 8 h/day (95% CI = 1.14, 7.16), and 2.53 times higher for smokers compared with ex-smokers/non-smokers (95% CI = 1.15, 5.58). In addition, a standing posture at work was an independent predictor of LLVV among ever employed participants (n = 234) in the current study (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.02, 9.38). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted seven modifiable independent predictors of LLVV mostly related to the life style, namely, frequent lifting of heavy objects, drinking < 5 cups of water/day, infrequent/no consumption of fiber-rich food, standing more than 4 h/day, irregular defecation habit, sleeping less than 8 h/day, and smoking. These findings provide a basis to design an evidence-based low-cost strategy for prevention of LLVV among Egyptian population.