[Comparison of the application of new and old specification for occupational health surveillance of radiation workers and analysis of influencing factors].

Objective: To investigate the impact of the implementation of GBZ 98-2020 "Health Requirements and Surveillance Specifications for Radiation Worker" on the results of occupational health examination for radiation workers. Methods: In April 2022, the subjects of the study were the radiation workers who underwent occupational health examination in Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Institute of Hefei. The radiation workers whose registration period was from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022 were the new standard group, and the occupational health surveillance standard was GBZ 98-2020 "Health Requirements and Surveillance Specifications for Radiation Worker". The radiationl workers registered from May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 were the old standard group, whose occupational health surveillance standards were GBZ 98- 2017 "Health Requirements for Radiation Workers" and GBZ 235-2011 "Specifications for Occupational Health Surveillance for Radiation Workers". To analyze whether there were differences between the two groups in the detection rate of missing items in the examination, re-examination, and the detection rate of occupational contraindications. The radiation workers whose occupational health examination results showed re-examination and/or occupational contraindications were judged to be in the unqualified group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to find the factors affecting the determination of unqualified group. Results: The missing item detection rate of radiation workers in the new standard group was 3.04% (63/2074) , significantly higher than that in the old standard group (0.68%, 14/2054) (P<0.05) . The re-examination and occupational contraindications detection rates in the new standard group were 5.93% (123/2074) and 0.58% (12/2074) , respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the old standard group (13.83%, 284/2054) and 2.34% (48/2054) (P<0.05) . The missing item detection rate of males in the new standard group was 2.78% (40/1440) , which was significantly higher than that in the old standard group (0.72%, 11/1536) (P<0.05) . The re-examination and occupational contraindications detection rates of males in the new standard group were 3.61% (52/1440) and 0.21% (3/1440) , respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the old standard group (12.17%, 187/1536) and 2.08% (32/1536) (P<0.05) . The missing item detection rate of females in the new standard group was 3.63% (23/634) , which was significantly higher than that in the old standard group (0.58%, 3/518) (P<0.05) . The re-examination detection rate of females in the new standard group was 11.20% (71/634) , which was significantly lower than that of females in the old standard group (18.73%, 97/518) (P<0.05) . Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender, radiation classification, determination basis, occupational health examination category, and registration category were all influencing factors for the unqualified occupational health examination results of radiation workers (P<0.05) . Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of being judged as unqualified based on the old standard was 2.466 times that of the new standard (95%CI: 1.975-3.080, P<0.05) , and the risk of being judged as unqualified for females was 1.869 times that of males (95%CI: 1.498-2.333, P<0.05) , the risk of being judged as unqualified for radiation workers during and after employment was 0.802 times that of pre-employment individuals (95%CI: 0.650-0.989, P<0.05) , and the risk of being judged as unqualified for re-examined individuals was 4.056 times that of initial examinees (95%CI: 3.161-5.203, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The results of occupational health examination of radiation workers are related to the determination basis, gender, occupational health examination category, and registration category. The implementation of GBZ 98-2020 "Health Requirements and Surveillance Specifications for Radiation Worker" may reduce the detection rate of unqualified personnel.

Rethinking students' mental health assessment through GHQ-12: evidence from the IRT approach.

BACKGROUND: The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) is a widely used screening tool for mental health assessment however its traditional scoring methods and cutoffs may not adequately capture the mental health complexities of younger populations. METHODS: This study explores GHQ-12 responses from a sample of university students. Possible differences in means scores considering gender, age, academic field and degree course were assessed through t-test or one-way ANOVA as appropriate. To deeper understanding different levels of severity and individual item impact on general distress measurement, we applied Item-Response-Theory (IRT) techniques (two-parameters logistic model). We compared students' population with a population of workers who underwent a similar psychological evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 3834 university students participated in the study. Results showed that a significant proportion (79%) of students reported psychological distress. Females and younger students obtained significantly higher average scores compared to others. IRT analysis found item-specific variations in mental distress levels, with more indicative items for short-term fluctuations and potential severe mental health concerns. Latent class analysis identified three distinct subgroups among students (including 20%, 37%, 43% of the participants respectively) with different levels of psychological distress severity. Comparison with a population of adults showed that students reported significantly higher scores with differences in the scale behavior. CONCLUSION: Our results highlighted the unique mental health challenges faced by students, suggesting a reevaluation of GHQ-12 applicability and cutoff scores for younger populations, emphasizing the need for accurate instruments in mental health evaluation.

Prevalence and factors associated with inadequate work ability among community health workers in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais state, Brazil: a cross-sectional study, 2018 / Prevalencia y factores asociados a la capacidad laboral inadecuada entre los trabajadores comunitarios de salud en Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil: estudio transversal, 2018 / Prevalência e fatores associados à capacidade inadequada para o trabalho entre agentes comunitários de saúde de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais: estudo transversal, 2018

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence and analyze factors associated with inadequate work ability among community health workers (CHWs). Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted with CHWs, from July to October 2018, in Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil; work ability, sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical factors were investigated; prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using Poisson regression. Results Of the 675 CHWs, 25.8% (95%CI 22.7;29.2) showed inadequate work ability; length of service greater than five years (PR = 1.64; 95%CI 1.24;2.18), poor health status (PR = 2.10; 95%CI 1.56;2.83), depressive symptoms (PR = 1.98; 95%CI 1.54;2.55) and voice disorders (PR = 1.85; 95%CI 1.26;2.73) were associated with the event. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of inadequate work ability, associated with occupational and clinical factors.

RESUMEN Objetivo Estimar la prevalencia y analizar factores asociados a la inadecuada capacidad para el trabajo entre los agentes comunitarios de salud (ACSs). Métodos Estudio transversal realizado con ACS, de julio a octubre de 2018, en Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil; se investigó la capacidad de trabajo y factores sociodemográficos, ocupacionales y clínicos; las razones de prevalencia (RP) con intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%) se calcularon mediante regresión de Poisson. Resultados De los 675 ACS, el 25,8 % (IC95% 22,7;29,2) presentó capacidad laboral inadecuada; tiempo de servicio superior a 5 años (RP = 1,64; IC95% 1,24;2,18), mal estado de salud (RP = 2,10; IC95% 1,56;2,83), síntomas depresivos (RP = 1,98; IC95% 1,54;2,55) y trastornos de la voz (RP = 1,85; IC95% 1,26;2,73) estaban relacionados con el evento. Conclusión Hubo alta prevalencia de capacidad inadecuada para el trabajo, asociada a factores laborales y clínicos.

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e analisar fatores associados à capacidade inadequada para o trabalho entre agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS). Métodos Estudo transversal realizado com ACS, no período de julho a outubro de 2018, em Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil; foi investigada a capacidade para o trabalho, fatores sociodemográficos, laborais e clínicos; razões de prevalência (RPs) com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) foram calculadas por regressão de Poisson. Resultados Dos 675 ACS estudados, 25,8% (IC95% 22,7;29,2) apresentaram capacidade inadequada para o trabalho; tempo de serviço superior a cinco anos (RP = 1,64; IC95% 1,24;2,18), percepção do estado de saúde ruim (RP = 2,10; IC95% 1,56;2,83), sintomas depressivos (RP = 1,98; IC95% 1,54;2,55) e distúrbios da voz (RP = 1,85; IC95% 1,26;2,73) estiveram associados ao evento. Conclusão Houve prevalência elevada de capacidade inadequada para o trabalho, associada a fatores laborais e clínicos.

[Discussion on the use of occupational contraindication cardiovascular disease in Technical Specifications for Occupational Health Surveillance (GBZ 188-2014)].

Technical Specifications for Occupational Health Surveillance (GBZ 188-2014) has played an important role in screening occupational contraindications and preventing occupational diseases since its implementation. However, during the use of occupational health examination, we found that the use of occupational contraindication on cardiovascular disease was not "homogenized" due to the differences in the understanding of various physical examination institutions. Therefore, this paper mainly discussed the connotation and quantitative standards of organic heart disease, arrhythmia, hypertension in the occupational contraindication cardiovascular disease in the specification for "homogenization".

Work: A Social Determinant of Health Worth Capturing.

Work is a recognized social determinant of health. This became most apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers, particularly those in certain industries and occupations, were at risk due to interaction with the public and close proximity to co-workers. The purpose of this study was to assess how states collected work and employment data on COVID-19 cases, characterizing the need for systematic collection of case-based specific work and employment data, including industry and occupation, of COVID-19 cases. A survey was distributed among state occupational health contacts and epidemiologists in all 50 states to assess current practices in state public health surveillance systems. Twenty-seven states collected some kind of work and employment information from COVID-19 cases. Most states (93%) collected industry and/or occupation information. More than half used text-only fields, a predefined reference or dropdown list, or both. Use of work and employment data included identifying high risk populations, prioritizing vaccination efforts, and assisting with reopening plans. Reported barriers to collecting industry and occupation data were lack of staffing, technology issues, and funding. Scientific understanding of work-related COVID-19 risk requires the systematic, case-based collection of specific work and employment data, including industry and occupation. While this alone does not necessarily indicate a clear workplace exposure, collection of these data elements can help to determine and further prevent workplace outbreaks, thereby ensuring the viability of the nation's critical infrastructure.

Occupational health surveillance and detection of emerging occupational diseases among Taiwan farmers, through analysis of national-based farmers' and medico-administrative databases.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify occupational injuries and diseases associated with agriculture in Asia, to provide a reference for prevention and hypotheses for future research. METHODS: We matched data on agricultural workers (n = 963,124) enrolled in Taiwan's national Farmers Health Insurance since its inception in 1989, to general population controls of the same age, gender, and township. The study population was linked to the National Health Insurance Research Database from 2001 to 2016 for inpatient cases. Logistic regression was used to assess odds ratios for outcomes. RESULTS: Farmers had 2.76 times the risk of mycotic corneal ulcer (95% CI: 1.96-3.87) and 1.65 times the risk of typhus fever infections (95% CI: 1.47-1.85) compared to the general population. The odds ratio for poisonous animal bites was 2.22 (95% CI: 2.07-2.38), for falling into a storm drain or manhole was 2.04 (95% CI: 1.30-3.20), and for toxic effects from pesticides was 2.01 (95% CI: 1.92-2.11). The toxic effects of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides were correlated with the cultivation of rice, fruit trees, and flowers. Q fever and motorcycle accidents were associated with fruit tree cultivation. CONCLUSIONS: The study identifies agricultural occupational injuries and diseases that may inform occupational health policy and the development of prevention priorities to prevent occupational hazards for farmers.

Elevada prevalência de doenças infecciosas entre trabalhadores da saúde indica a necessidade de melhorar a vigilância / The high prevalence of infectious diseases among health workers indicates the need for improving surveillance

Resumo Objetivo: estimar soroprevalências de arboviroses, sífilis, HIV e Hepatite B (VHB) em trabalhadores de saúde (TS). Métodos: inquérito entre TS selecionados por amostragem aleatória, em uma cidade da Bahia - Brasil. Pesquisa realizada em 2019 por meio de questionário estruturado, que coletou informações sociodemográficas, ocupacionais e de saúde. Testes imunocromatográficos rápidos foram utilizados para rastrear as infecções; dessa forma, resultados positivos para arboviroses, sífilis, HIV e VHB indicaram soropositividade para a respectiva infecção. Além disso, detecção simultânea de anticorpos para zika (ZIKV) e dengue (DENV) indicou soropositividade para infecção por flavivírus. Resultados: 453 TS foram incluídos, sendo 82,8% do sexo feminino. A maioria (55,1%) relatou contato com material biológico; 5,2% referiram acidentes com material biológico. Encontrou-se soroprevalência de 34,7% (IC95%:30,1-39,4) para dengue, 1,7% (IC95%:0,7-3,4) para zika, 9,9% (IC95%:7,2-13,2) para chikungunya e 39,9% (95%CI:35,2-44,7) para flavivírus (ZIKV+DENV); 21,9% (IC95%:18,1-26,2) foram negativos para todos os arbovírus. Soropositividade para arbovírus aumentou com a idade e foi maior entre agentes de combate a endemias. Três TS testaram positivo para VHB (HBsAg); nenhum para HIV. Conclusão: elevado percentual de TS estava exposto a agentes infecciosos (contato com material biológico e/ou exposição a arbovírus). Entre as condições necessárias à prevenção de infecções no ambiente de trabalho, destacam-se: monitoramento de infecções entre TS, vigilância dos ambientes laborais e medidas de controle de exposições ocupacionais, como disponibilidade de repelentes.

Abstract Objective: to estimate the seroprevalence of arboviruses, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B (HBV) in Healthcare Workers (HCW). Methods: a survey among HCW among was randomly selected in a city in Bahia-Brazil. The research used a structured questionnaire, which collected sociodemographic, occupational, and health information in 2019. Rapid immunochromatographic tests were used to track infections. Thus, positive results for arboviruses, syphilis, HIV, and HBV indicated seropositivity for the respective infection. In addition, simultaneous detection of antibodies for zika (ZIKV) and dengue (DENV) viruses indicated seropositivity for flavivirus infection. Results: a total of 453 HCW were included, 82.8% were women. Most HCW (55.1%) reported contact with biological material; 5.2% reported injuries with biological material. The seroprevalence was 34.7% (95%CI:30.1-39.4) for dengue, 1.7% (95%CI:0.7-3.4) for zika, 9.9% (95%CI:7.2-13.2) for chikungunya, and 39.9% (95%CI:35.2-44.7) for flavivirus (ZIKV+DENV); with 21.9% (95%CI:18.1-26.2) being negative to all arboviruses. Seropositivity to arboviruses increased with age and was higher among endemic disease control agents. Three HCW tested positive for HBV (HBsAg); no HIV cases were detected. Conclusion: a high percentage of HCW was exposed to infectious agents (contact with biological material and/or exposure to arboviruses). Among the necessary conditions for preventing infections in the work environment, the following stand out: monitoring of infectious diseases among HCW, surveillance of work environments, and measures to control occupational exposures, such as the availability of repellents.

Acidentes de trabalho: análise epidemiológica dos casos e óbitos notificados em Minas Gerais, entre 2010 e 2019 / Work accidents: epidemiological analysis of cases and deaths reported in Minas Gerais, between 2010 and 2019

Os acidentes de trabalho no Brasil são agravos que, pelo seu expressivo impacto na morbimortalidade da população, são importante problema de saúde pública, sendo, objeto prioritário das ações do Sistema Único de Saúde. O objetivo geral consistiu na análise do perfil dos casos e óbitos, notificados como acidentes de trabalho, em Minas Gerais no período de 2010 a 2019. Metodologicamente tratou-se de estudo transversal descritivo, a partir da análise de dados secundários das fichas de acidente de trabalho do Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificações (SINAN) e das declarações de óbito por acidentes de trabalho (Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade ­ SIM). Foram calculadas as incidências e prevalências anuais, intervalos de confiança de 95% e análise espacial por meio de mapas temáticos, utilizando o software SPSS versão 19.0. Resultados: As maiores incidências ocorreram em 2018 e 2019 (1,4 e 1,39, por 1.000 trabalhadores, respectivamente). A maior taxa de mortalidade por AT foi em 2019 (0,07 por 1000 trabalhadores). Em relação a prevalência de AT: segundo Unidade Regional de Saúde (URS) destacaram-se Pirapora e Uberaba (23,9 e 22,6 por 1000 trabalhadores, respectivamente), por área de abrangência de Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (CEREST) destacaram-se Poços de Caldas, Betim, Uberaba e Araxá (27,5, 24,5, 22,3 e 20,2 por 1000 trabalhadores, respectivamente). A taxa de mortalidade por AT: segundo URS destacaram-se Uberaba e Governador Valadares (1,1 e 1,0 por 1000 trabalhadores, respectivamente), já em relação aos CERESTs foram Araxá, Betim, Governador Valadares e Uberaba (1,7, 1,4, 1 e 0,9 por 1000 trabalhadores, respectivamente). Na análise municipal destaca-se Brumadinho com taxa de mortalidade de 15,5 por 1000 trabalhadores. Com relação ao perfil sociodemográfico predominaram os casos e óbitos no gênero masculino, na faixa etária de 18 a 39 anos. Negros representaram 52,8% (SINAN) e 54,5% (SIM) dos casos. Em relação a Escolaridade, 36,2% apresentaram o ensino fundamental incompleto (SINAN) e 38,9% ensino médio completo (SIM). A escolaridade apresentou significativo percentual de dados ignorados nos dois sistemas de informação (35,2% e 31%), assim com classificação étnico-racial (30,8% no SINAN e 1,6% no SIM). No SINAN predominaram os acidentes típicos (79,3%), com membros afetados (superior 47,5% e inferior 25,8%). Ocorreram em sua maioria nas instalações do contratante (53,3%), entre trabalhadores registrados com vínculo celetista (67,7%). Quanto a evolução a incapacidade temporária foi a mais frequente (69,8%) e o óbito por AT representou 4,3%. Em 57% dos casos foi emitida Comunicação de Acidente de Trabalho (CAT). Quanto as ocupações foram mais frequentes no SINAN e SIM, respectivamente: Trabalhadores da indústria extrativa e construção civil (17,8% e 17,6%), dos serviços (13,7% e 7,6%), da exploração agropecuária (12,1% e 10,2%) e de funções transversais (9,8% e 29,6%). Já a causa do acidente e causa básica do óbito, foram mais frequentes no SINAN o intervalo CID-10: W20-W49 - Exposição a forças mecânicas inanimadas (31,3%). No SIM foi o V40-V49 Ocupante de um automóvel traumatizado em um acidente de transporte (14,5%). Com concentração em ambos os sistemas, dos acidentes de transporte -V01 a V99, SINAN (19,5%) e SIM (53,1%) dos casos. Constatou-se que os dados sobre os AT estão difusos em vários sistemas. Porém ainda não existe vinculação dos casos entre os mesmos, o que contribui para o subdimensionamento, dificulta o processo de investigação dos AT e compromete a elucidação da real magnitude das estimativas de morbimortalidade relacionadas a ocorrência dos AT. Como produto técnico, foi elaborado um relatório com a caracterização geral do cenário epidemiológico de AT no estado de Minas Gerais e com recomendações dirigidas aos gestores municipais e Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de Minas Gerais e Coordenação-Geral de Saúde do Trabalhador do Ministério da Saúde.

Work accidents in Brazil are injuries that, due to their significant impact on the population's morbidity and mortality, are an important public health problem, being a priority object of the actions of the Unified Health System. The general objective consisted of analyzing the profile of cases and deaths , reported as work accidents, in Minas Gerais from 2010 to 2019. Methodologically, it was a descriptive cross-sectional study, based on the analysis of secondary data from work accident records from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and death certificates due to work accidents (Mortality Information System ­ SIM). Annual incidences and prevalences, 95% confidence intervals and spatial analysis were calculated using thematic maps, using SPSS version 19.0 software. Results: The highest incidences occurred in 2018 and 2019 (1.4 and 1.39, per 1,000 workers, respectively). The highest mortality rate from TA was in 2019 (0.07 per 1000 workers). Regarding the prevalence of TA: according to the Regional Health Unit (URS), Pirapora and Uberaba stood out (23.9 and 22.6 per 1000 workers, respectively), by area covered by the Reference Center for Occupational Health (CEREST ) Poços de Caldas, Betim, Uberaba and Araxá stood out (27.5, 24.5, 22.3 and 20.2 per 1000 workers, respectively). The mortality rate due to AT: according to URS, Uberaba and Governador Valadares stood out (1.1 and 1.0 per 1000 workers, respectively), while in relation to CERESTs they were Araxá, Betim, Governador Valadares and Uberaba (1.7, 1.4, 1 and 0.9 per 1000 workers, respectively). In the municipal analysis, Brumadinho stands out with a mortality rate of 15.5 per 1000 workers. Regarding the sociodemographic profile, cases and deaths predominated in males, aged between 18 and 39 years. Black people represented 52.8% (SINAN) and 54.5% (SIM) of cases. In relation to Education, 36.2% had incomplete primary education (SINAN) and 38.9% completed secondary education (SIM). Education presented a significant percentage of ignored data in both information systems (35.2% and 31%), as well as ethnic-racial classification (30.8% in SINAN and 1.6% in SIM). In SINAN, typical accidents predominated (79.3%), with affected limbs (upper 47.5% and lower 25.8%). They mostly occurred at the contractor's facilities (53.3%), among workers registered with a CLT (67.7%). Regarding evolution, temporary disability was the most frequent (69.8%) and death due to TA represented 4.3%. In 57% of cases, a Work Accident Report (CAT) was issued. The occupations were most frequent in SINAN and SIM, respectively: Workers in the extractive industry and civil construction (17.8% and 17.6%), services (13.7% and 7.6%), agricultural exploration ( 12.1% and 10.2%) and transversal functions (9.8% and 29.6%). As for the cause of the accident and the underlying cause of death, the ICD-10 range: W20- W49 - Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (31.3%) was more frequent in SINAN. In SIM it was V40-V49 Occupant of a car injured in a transport accident (14.5%). With a concentration in both systems, from transport accidents -V01 to V99, SINAN (19.5%) and SIM (53.1%) of cases. It was found that data on AT are diffuse across several systems. However, there is still no link between the cases, which contributes to undersizing, complicates the process of investigating TAs and compromises the elucidation of the real magnitude of morbidity and mortality estimates related to the occurrence of TAs. As a technical product, a report was prepared with the general characterization of the TA epidemiological scenario in the state of Minas Gerais and with recommendations addressed to municipal managers and the State Health Department of Minas Gerais and the General Coordination of Workers' Health of the Ministry of Health.

Discussion on the use of occupational contraindication cardiovascular disease in Technical Specifications for Occupational Health Surveillance (GBZ 188-2014) / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Technical Specifications for Occupational Health Surveillance (GBZ 188-2014) has played an important role in screening occupational contraindications and preventing occupational diseases since its implementation. However, during the use of occupational health examination, we found that the use of occupational contraindication on cardiovascular disease was not "homogenized" due to the differences in the understanding of various physical examination institutions. Therefore, this paper mainly discussed the connotation and quantitative standards of organic heart disease, arrhythmia, hypertension in the occupational contraindication cardiovascular disease in the specification for "homogenization".

Factors affecting high-frequency hearing loss among noise-exposed workers in an automobile manufacturing company / 环境与职业医学

Background The influencing factors of noise hazards in the automotive manufacturing industry are complex, diverse, and mutually correlated, resulting in significant health impacts on workers. Objective To explore the application of generalized estimating equations (GEE) to analyze the factors affecting high-frequency hearing loss among noise-exposed workers in an automotive manufacturing company, guiding enterprises to scientifically carry out employee hearing protection programs. Methods The data of occupational health field evaluation and occupational health surveillance of an automobile manufacturing company for five consecutive years from 2018 to 2022 were collected, and 806 noise-exposed workers with pure tone hearing test results for all five consecutive years were selected as study participants. The retrieved indicators were gender, physical examination year, noise intensity, blood pressure, white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, platelet counts, concentrations of hemoglobin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, smoking, drinking, etc. Gender, noise intensity, blood pressure, white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, concentrations of hemoglobin, platelet counts, glutamate aminotransferase, glutamate aminotransferase, smoking, and drinking were set as independent variables, and occurrence of high-frequency hearing loss was set as a dependent variable, and GEE were constructed by using the statistical software of SPSS 20.0 to analyze the influencing factors of high-frequency hearing loss. Results Of the 806 workers, 698 were male (86.6%) and 108 were female (13.4%). The detection rates of high-frequency hearing loss in each year from 2018 to 2022 were 66.4% (535/806), 69.8% (563/806), 70.0% (564/806), 68.9% (555/806), and 68.2% (550/806), respectively. The detection rate of high-frequency hearing loss in the company was varied significantly by gender, lowered white blood cell counts, lowered red blood cell counts, lowered platelet counts, smoking, and drinking (P<0.05). The results of GEE analysis showed that after adjusting for selected confounding factors and excluding interaction effects, the risk of high-frequency hearing loss was higher in men than in women (P=0.001; OR=1.907, 95%CI: 1.286, 2.829); it was higher in workplace with disqualified noise intensity than in those without (P=0.043; OR=1.289, 95%CI: 1.009, 1.648); it was also higher in smokers than in non-smokers (P=0.004; OR=1.507, 95%CI: 1.137, 1.999). Conclusion Gender, noise intensity, and smoking are the main influencing factors of high-frequency hearing loss in noise-exposed workers in this automobile manufacturing company. Controlling smoking and reducing noise exposure intensity may reduce the occurrence of high-frequency hearing loss in workers.

Introduction to revision of Technical Specification for Occupational Health Surveillance / 中国职业医学

To revise GBZ 188 Technical Specification for Occupational Health Surveillance based on national laws, regulations, standards, specifications and legal documents of occupational disease, and combination with the actual situation in China. The main modifications are as follows: the occupational health surveillance for workers exposed to toluene (xylene may implement by reference), bromopropane, methyl iodide, ethylene oxide, chloroacetic acid, indium and its compounds, coal tar, coal tarasphalt, asphalt, β-naphthylamine, dust of metal and its compounds(tin, iron, antimony, barium and its compounds), hard metal dust, erionite dust, low temperature, laser, tick-borne encephalitis virus, Borrelia burgdorferi, and human immunodeficiency virus, for scraper or grind operators, and underground workers using squatting or kneeling position, crawling position, side-lying position, or shoulder position for a long period of time are included. The emergency health screening for workers exposed to arsenic, fluorine and its inorganic compounds, and acrylamide are included. The occupational medical examination (OME) for workers exposed to amino and nitro compounds of benzene, phosgene, monomethylamine, organic fluorine and dimethyl sulfate has been adjusted and made mandatory, with corresponding assessments required upon leaving the job. The special occupational health surveillance for workers exposed to mycobacterium tuberculosis and hepatitis virus is removed. The OME conclusion of reexamination is removed, and standardize recheck/additional inspection requirements. The optional items in OME performed before, during and after leaving post are removed, but the optional items in emergency medical examination are retained. Additional OME items are added. The Guideline for OME Summary Reports is added as informative appendix, and so on. The revised GBZ 188 Technical Specification for Occupational Health Surveillance is more scientific and practical.

Targeted medical examinations for workers exposed to fumigants.

Fumigants are gaseous pesticides or biocides which eradicate pests by suffocation or poisoning. Worker exposure to fumigants is mainly via inhalation, followed by dermal contact and ingestion, leading to various acute and chronic health effects. Implementation of appropriate workplace controls such as adequate ventilation, training and personal protective equipment ensure that exposure to fumigants are kept to the lowest level as practically possible. In addition, routine medical examinations also allow for doctors to identify and manage possible exposure to fumigants and ascertain workers' fitness to work.While management guidelines after an acute exposure to such fumigants is clear and consistent, the guidelines on routine medical examination for fumigators is sparse. Components of the medical examinations vary according to the fumigant, workers are exposed to and its chronic health effects. Hence, this paper highlights the health hazards of commonly utilised fumigants; Methyl Bromide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Hydrogen Phosphide and Sulfuryl Fluoride; and outlines the guidance for routine medical examinations for exposed fumigators.

A Concise Occupational Mental Health Screening Tool for South African Workplaces.

Mental health in the workplace is becoming of ever greater importance. General occupational health surveillance programmes are already in widespread use, with established referral systems for treatment and rehabilitation, and the same mechanisms could be expanded to include mental health screening and intervention. This study aimed to develop a concise composite mental health screening tool, based on analysis of existing data, for application in routine occupational health surveillance in South Africa. Data from workplace occupational health surveillance programs from 2,303 participants were analysed. Participants completed a number of questions/scaled items collated into a survey format, and partook in an interview with a psychologist. The data was analysed using frequency of positive self-reports, Chi square to calculate associations with outcomes, Receiver Operator Characteristic curve analysis to explore predictive ability, and binomial logistic regression to calculate the relative contribution of markers to outcomes. An exploratory factor analysis was further conducted on identified items. A general workplace model with 14 markers (and a maritime workplace model with 17 markers) were identified. The factor analysis suggested their organisation into five domains (similar for both models), namely neurocognitive health, common mental disorders, history of adaptation in occupational specific contexts, family-work interface, and stress overload. The study's data-driven approach proposed a concise composite screener with less than 50 items, comprising five domains. This tool appears useful in identifying employees at risk for workplace injuries or poor mental health outcomes, and could be applied to related workplace settings in South Africa.

Health Equity and Worker Justice in Temporary Staffing: The Illinois Case.

Temporary staffing has an increasing role in world economies, contracting workers and dispatching them to work for leasing employers within countries and across borders. Using Illinois as a case study, co-authors have undertaken investigations to understand the occupational health, safety, and well-being challenges for workers hired through temporary staffing companies; to determine knowledge and attitudes of temp workers and temp staffing employers; and to assess temporary staffing at a community level. Temporary staffing workers in Illinois tend to be people of color who are employed in the most hazardous sectors of the economy. They have a higher rate of injury, are compensated less, and often lose their jobs when injured. Laws allow for ambiguity of responsibility for training, reporting, and compensation between the staffing agency and host employers. Our findings illustrate the ways in which principles of fairness and equity are violated in temporary staffing. Shared responsibility for reporting injuries, providing workers' compensation insurance, and training workers should be mandated in law and required in contractual language between temporary staffing and host/contracting employers. Monitoring, enforcement, and adjustment of the law based on experience are required to "promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.

Mapping the knowledge domain of occupational health research in China / 中国职业医学

@#Objective To map the knowledge domain of occupational health research in China. Methods Articles were searched in the China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database using“occupational health”as the subject term. Journal sources were limited to the journals of China Social Science Citation Index and core journals of China and Chinese Science Citation Database. The search period starts in 1992 and ends on November 26，2021. The valid data was visually analyzed using CiteSpace softwere. Results A total of 2 351 papers related to occupational health from 1992 to 2021 were obtained. In the past 30 years，the number of articles with the title of“occupational health”has been on the rise and reached its peak in 2014. China Occupational Medicine，Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases，and Chinese Journal of Industrial Medicine were the top three journals in terms of number of articles published，which produced 438，339 and 280 articles respectively. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment were the top two organizations in terms of number of articles published，which produced 169 and 116 articles respectively. Occupational medical examination，occupational health surveillance，and occupational health risk assessment were the three hot issues in the field of occupational health research. Conclusions In the past 30 years， occupational health research in China has achieved remarkable progress in terms of article publications and interdisciplinary cooperation，and future work should focus on the academic impact of articles and interdisciplinary research cooperation.

Mapping the knowledge domain of occupational health research in China / 中国职业医学

@#Objective To map the knowledge domain of occupational health research in China. Methods Articles were searched in the China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database using“occupational health”as the subject term. Journal sources were limited to the journals of China Social Science Citation Index and core journals of China and Chinese Science Citation Database. The search period starts in 1992 and ends on November 26，2021. The valid data was visually analyzed using CiteSpace softwere. Results A total of 2 351 papers related to occupational health from 1992 to 2021 were obtained. In the past 30 years，the number of articles with the title of“occupational health”has been on the rise and reached its peak in 2014. China Occupational Medicine，Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases，and Chinese Journal of Industrial Medicine were the top three journals in terms of number of articles published，which produced 438，339 and 280 articles respectively. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment were the top two organizations in terms of number of articles published，which produced 169 and 116 articles respectively. Occupational medical examination，occupational health surveillance，and occupational health risk assessment were the three hot issues in the field of occupational health research. Conclusions In the past 30 years， occupational health research in China has achieved remarkable progress in terms of article publications and interdisciplinary cooperation，and future work should focus on the academic impact of articles and interdisciplinary research cooperation.

[Research progress of hidden hearing loss in occupational health surveillance].

According to the research on the pathogenesis of the hidden hearing loss in recent years, the occurrence of the hidden hearing loss is earlier than the permanent hearing threshold shift. This paper reviews the risk factors of hidden hearing loss, the pathogenesis of noise-induced hidden hearing loss, and the detection methods of hidden hearing loss. To explore the significance of hidden hearing loss in occupational health surveillance, and to provide reference for hearing protection of workers exposed to noise and hearing loss early in the future.

Gender differences and health inequality: Evolution of cardiovascular risk in workers.

The aim was to find out if there are any such differences due to gender in a cohort of workers followed for ten years, comparing their lifestyles and following the evolution of the main cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and their impact on cardiovascular risk. An observational longitudinal study of 698 civil servants workers (186 women and 512 men) of a local government office from Córdoba (Spain), was conducted over the period 2003-2014. We compared the initial and final prevalence of physical activity, smoking, obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Cardiovascular risk was also assessed using the REGICOR (Registre Gironí del Cor) and SCORE (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation) equations. There was a greater rise in the prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in the cohort in women than in men (94.2% vs. 38% and 92% vs 21.1%), while the reduction in smoking also differed by gender (26.4% vs. 36.5%). It could be that since women present a lower cardiovascular risk profile, they are treated less or less effort is made to keep the risk factors low, resulting in a worse evolution of smoking, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension in women.

Research progress of hidden hearing loss in occupational health surveillance / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

According to the research on the pathogenesis of the hidden hearing loss in recent years, the occurrence of the hidden hearing loss is earlier than the permanent hearing threshold shift. This paper reviews the risk factors of hidden hearing loss, the pathogenesis of noise-induced hidden hearing loss, and the detection methods of hidden hearing loss. To explore the significance of hidden hearing loss in occupational health surveillance, and to provide reference for hearing protection of workers exposed to noise and hearing loss early in the future.

Informatics Approaches for Recognition, Management, and Prevention of Occupational Respiratory Disease.

Computer and information systems can improve occupational respiratory disease prevention and surveillance by providing efficient resources for patients, workers, clinicians, and public health practitioners. Advances include interlinking electronic health records, autocoding surveillance data, clinical decision support systems, and social media applications for acquiring and disseminating information. Obstacles to advances include inflexible hierarchical coding schemes, inadequate occupational health electronic health record systems, and inadequate public focus on occupational respiratory disease. Potentially transformative approaches include machine learning, natural language processing, and improved ontologies.