فهرست مطالب

Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology
Volume:1 Issue: 3, Autumn 2012

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1392/02/10
  • تعداد عناوین: 7
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  • Dr R. Kalahasthi *, T. Barman, Dr R. Hr Pages 118-123
    Background
    There are many controversies reported about the association between blood lead levels and blood pressure among lead exposed workers. Studies have suggested incorporating lifestyle factors along with blood lead levels. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of lead exposure on blood pressure changes among lead exposed workers in contemplation of lifestyle factors.
    Materials And Methods
    Study design is descriptive. Three hundred ninety one male lead exposed workers were enrolled. The subjects were categorized into four groups according to their blood lead levels by using quartile distribution. Blood lead levels were measured by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Blood pressure was measured by using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed by using SPSS (Version 7.5).
    Results
    The mean systolic blood pressure in quartile-2 blood lead levels and the prevalence of hypertensive in quartile-4 blood lead levels were significantly increased as compared to quartile-1 blood lead levels. Multiple regression analysis found no significant association between blood pressure and blood lead levels among lead exposed workers. The lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, body mass index and chewing of tobacco products were significantly associated with blood pressure changes among lead exposed workers.
    Conclusion
    The findings of the present study showed that there was a significant association noticed between blood pressure and lifestyle factors.
    Keywords: Lead, workers, blood pressure
  • Dr A. Jafarzadeh, Dr Z. Shabani *, M. Hassanabadi, Mt Rezayati, M. Nemati, Mr Ar Sayadi, Dr A. Sheikhi, Dr R. Vazirinejad Pages 124-131
    Background
    Cigarette smoking has been linked with the suppression of immune responses and increased susceptibility to numerous infections in humans. Tetanus is also a major public health problem in many countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum levels of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in c igarette smoking and healthy non-smoking people.
    Materials And Methods
    A total of 100 c igarette smokers and 100 age-matched healthy non-smoker individuals were enrolled in this descriptive study. A blood sample was collected from each participant. The samples were tested for the levels of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies b y use of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.
    Results
    The seroprotective rate of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in non-smoking group (99%) was significantly higher than that observed in c igarette smoking group (78%, P<0.0001). The mean titer of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in non-smoking group (5.32± 0.26 IU/ml) was also significantly higher than that in smoker subjects (1.03 ± 0.16 IU/ml; P<0.0001). The mean titer of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in individuals with smoking duration >10 years was significantly lower than that among smokers with smoking duration ≤10 years (0.59 ± 0.12 IU/ml vs 1.98 ± 0.41 IU/ml; P<0.001). The seroprotection rate was also significantly lower in persons with smoking duration >10 years in comparison to smokers with smoking duration ≤10 years (72.1% vs 90.6%; P=0.037). The mean titer of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in individuals with daily smoking >10 cigarettes was also significantly lower in comparison to smokers with daily smoking ≤10 cigarettes (0.68 ± 0.15 IU/ml vs 1.63 ± 0.36 IU/ml; P<0.001).
    Conclusion
    These results showed lower levels of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in cigarette smokers which represents c igarette smoking as a risk factor for susceptibility to tetanus. A negative association was also observed between the immunity to tetanus and smoking burden.
    Keywords: Immunity, Tetanus, Antibody, Cigar Smoking
  • Dr Mh Sayadi A. Movafagh *, Mr R. Kargar Kh Movafagh Pages 132-138
    Background
    Educational centers have higher standards for controlling noise pollution as it has been shown that noise pollution is a major cause of discomfort for teachers and students. Noise pollution reduces concentration, interferes in the conversation, and leads to dropouts and lower grades especially in mathematics. The present study aimed to evaluate noise pollution in the schools of Birjand and its administrative solutions in 2011.
    Materials And Methods
    This study examined the level of noise pollution in the schools of Birjand city and suggested implementation to reduce noise pollution. The Casellacel model Cel-450 was used in accordance with international standards. Through exhaustive field visits and interviews with school authorities; 12 schools (4 each from primary, middle and high schools) were randomly selected in the different parts of the city.
    Results
    The results showed that the schools under study were badly affected by noise pollution, as these noise levels were higher than the standard levels (35 dB). The maximum noise level during class time was recorded as 72.3 dB, while the maximum noise level during recess time was recorded as 87.4 dB. Ineluctably, the schools with high student/class ratio showed a higher noise pollution level.
    Conclusion
    It can be concluded that, the schools in different regions of Birjand have problems in terms of noise pollution. Fortunately, all school authorities were aware of this issue and with all facilities and special arrangements tried to resolve the problem. However, the major factors responsible for the noise pollution were out of their control.
    Keywords: Schools, Noise pollution, Educational
  • N. Mohammadinia, H. Sharifi, Ma Rezaei *, N. Heydari Pages 139-149
    Background
    Malnutrition is steel a major health problem in the developing countries. It is recognized that 60% of death among children fewer than five years in these countries are associated with malnutrition. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in children under 5 years old in Iranshahr in 2011.
    Materials And Methods
    This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample consisted of 700 children less than 5 years old were randomly selected by cluster and quota method among health centers. Child growth was mensured based on NCHS-WHO charts. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed by SPSS Ver.18, using chi-square, and logistic Regression tests for comparing groups.
    Results
    Prevalence of stunting (height for age) was 11.1%, (disorder of growth = 7.7%, severe malnutrition = 3.4%), underweight (weight for age) was 9.8% (disorder of growth = 7%). Malnutrition has significant association with birth grade, delivery type, hospitalization history, educational level of parents, parents'' job, birth weight, vaccination and the regular consumption of supplementary vitamins (p<0/05).
    Conclusion
    Although prevalence of malnutrition in this study was lower than WHO statistic report, (30%) but this is locally important and health staff and parents must be educated on nutritional values. Malnutrition is a major problem that is a reason for suppressed immune system, causing the increase of infectious diseases and infant mortality.
    Keywords: Malnutrition, Dwarfism, Wasting Disease, Body Dysmorphic Disorder
  • Dr F. Kiani *, Dr Mr Khodabakhsh Pages 150-161
    Background
    Nowadays job stress is one of the most important health problems that health and safety professionals are facing with. Much of previous studies have focused on interventions such as stress management and, they have ignored the role of psychosocial factors in occurrence of job stress. This study investigated the mediator role of supervisor support on the association between work stress and both physical and psychological symptoms, among Isfahan steel company employees in 2012.
    Materials And Methods
    The study questionnaire was completed by 189 employees of Isfahan Steel Company in 2012 who accepted to help with this descriptive study. The questionnaire consisted of items asking about work stress, physical and psychological symptoms as well as supervisor support.
    Results
    There were significant intercorrelations between the dependent and independent variables under research. Hierarchy regression analysis showed that supervisor support partially mediated the relationship between work stress and physical and psychological symptoms (p<0.05).
    Conclusion
    It was concluded that supervisor support is a protective shield against the effects of stress on psychological and physical health, among employees working in the steel company.
    Keywords: Psychologic Stress, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Cardiovascular Diseases
  • M. Shokoohmand, Mr Mofidi *, A. Bitaraf, Dr Ma Emami Meibodi Saeedabadi Pages 162-170
    Background
    Since milk is considered as one of the most common foods in human life, this research aimed to evaluate the quality of milk produced in traditional and industrial dairy farms of Yazd province in 2007.
    Materials And Methods
    In this descriptive study, six farms were selected in the cities Sadoogh, Yazd and Mehriz and sampling was performed in each of them bimonthly throughout one year. The samples were taken directly from udder, storage tanks (industrial farms) and containers (traditional farms) and were immediately sent to laboratory stored in ice. Total cell count was determined by bacterial culture test. Protein and fat percent, specific gravity (g/cm3) and freezing point (ºC) were also measured.
    Results
    The results showed a significant increase in total cell count of samples at the time of shipment compared to those taken from udder (P<0.001). The total count in autumn and traditional farms was significantly higher than those in spring and industrial farms (P<0.01). Fat and protein percent, specific gravity and freezing point of milk showed the lowest and the highest significant values in summer and winter, respectively (P<0.01).
    Conclusion
    Based on the findings of this study, the low quality of milk in summertime could be improved by good management and implementing of proper feeding programs in dairy farms. It is possible to decrease microbial load to an acceptable level, particularly in traditional farms, by extension of new and efficient methods to farmers for disinfection and proper washing and drying of teat and mammary glands, tools and equipments used in milking along with immediate cooling of milk after milking.
    Keywords: Milk, hygiene, Industrialization, Traditional
  • M. Mohammadian, Dr Ar Choobineh, Ar Mostafavi Nave, Dr N. Hashemi Nejad Pages 171-181
    Background
    Human error is the most important cause of occupational and non-occupational accidents. Because, it seems necessary to identify, predict and analyze human errors, and also offer appropriate control strategies to reduce errors which cause adverse consequences, the present study was carried out with the aim of identifying human errors while operating meat grinder and offer suggestions in order to reduce human errors in this human-machine system.
    Materials And Methods
    This is a descriptive study. In this ergonomic study the “Task Analysis for Error Identification (TAFEI)” technique was used in order to identify human errors while operating a meat grinder machine. According to this technique, firstly, tasks of human side of the interaction were described by Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) and then the State-Space Diagrams (SSDs) were drawn. Finally, after forming the TAFEI diagrams, the transition matrix table was prepared in order to identify human errors.
    Results
    After completing all the steps of TAFEI technique, the transition matrix table was formed. Results showed 49 illegal transition states; therefore, 49 human errors were identified and described while operating the meat grinder machine.
    Conclusion
    The results of this study showed how and under which conditions may meat grinder users do error in the human-machine i nteraction. In this regard, possible human errors resulting from non-ergonomic design of Iranian meat grinder machine were identified.
    Keywords: Human, identification, product, design, Methods