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Authors:Franciele Cascaes Da Silva; Salma Stéphany Soleman Hernandez; Elizandra Gonçalves; Beatriz Angélica Valdivia Arancibia; Thiago Luis Da Silva Castro; Rudney Da Silva Pages: 891 - 901 Abstract: Abstract The aim of this paper was to summarize scientific literature on obesity in policemen through a systematic review of observational studies. For this purpose the following electronic databases were selected: Medline by Pubmed, CINAHL, and Scopus; and a manual search of the referenced studies concerning this topic was performed. There were no restrictions with respect to the year or language of the publication. Twenty-three studies were identified and 9 articles, considered as potentially relevant, were included. The labor time, shift and career progression promoted changes in body composition. Most of the policemen taking part in the studies included in this paper were overweight (BMI: 25.2–29.3), obese (body fat ≥ 25%), had increased waist (90.4–102 cm) and abdominal perimeters (18.9–90.5 cm), and had a higher risk of chronic disease, which is associated with depression and stress development. Interventional studies are needed for the purpose of proposing preventive and rehabilitation programs, which would result in providing physical and mental well-being, improvement of life quality and, especially, prevention of obesity related to police work. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0318-0 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Marek Zieliński; Joanna Kamińska; Marta Czerska; Danuta Ligocka; Magdalena Urbaniak Pages: 902 - 918 Abstract: Abstract Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are unwanted by-products in a variety of industrial and thermal processes. They have been present on Earth long before the human era, since they may be also formed as a result of forest fires or volcanic explosions. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in turn, have been intentionally produced by humans. Poland was a minor producer of PCB mixtures (Chlorofen and Tarnol), which were a source of direct and indirect environmental diffusion with PCB and less with PCDDs/PCDFs. Industrial accidents with PCDDs/PCDFs were absent in Poland. Their stability and resistance to thermal breakdown made them very dangerous for environment and, in consequence, due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the terrestrial and aquatic food chains, to humans. Humans may become affected by PCDDs/PCDFs and PCBs through environmental (soil and water contamination, fish and food), occupational (incinerators; pulp, paper and metallurgy industry; copper production), or accidental (Seveso accident) exposure. The aim of this review was to evaluate environmental hazard caused by PCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like-PCBs in the central region of Poland based on the accessible data on diffusion of those compounds in sediments and riverine, reservoir and storm water from our previous studies and discussed in the context of other achievements in Poland and elsewhere. PubDate: 2014-12-01 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0336-y Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Vilija Malinauskiene; Staale Einarsen Pages: 919 - 932 Abstract: Objectives The study investigated associations between workplace bullying and post-traumatic stress symptoms as compared to and controlled for associations between the latter and other psychosocial stress factors at work and in everyday life. The study employed a representative sample of Lithuanian family physicians, hence investigated a particularly resourceful occupational group in a geographical region earlier found to have a high risk context for exposure to bullying at work. Material and Methods With a response rate of 89.2%, a total of 323 family physicians filled in an anonymous questionnaire on workplace bullying, post-traumatic symptomatology (IES-R), other psychosocial stressors at work and in everyday life, personal health resources (sense of coherence), behavioral characteristics and demographic variables. The statistical software SPSS 14.0, Windows was used in the analysis. Associations were tested using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A high prevalence of bullying was found among family physicians in Lithuania, with 13% of them experiencing severe workplace bullying and 17.3% experiencing more occasional incidents of bullying. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms was also high with 15.8% scoring above the standardized cut-off thresholds for post-traumatic stress disorder. The odds ratio (OR) of severe bullying for post-traumatic stress after adjustment for age and gender was 8.05 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 3.80–17.04). In the fully adjusted model it increased to 13.88 (95% CI: 4.68–41.13) indicating cumulative effects of all the investigated stressors. Conclusions Workplace bullying is particularly prevalent among Lithuanian family physicians, as are the symptoms of post-traumatic distress. Strong associations between post-traumatic stress and exposure to severe bullying indicate that bullying is a significant source of mental health. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0328-y Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Dorota Merecz; Aleksandra Andysz Pages: 933 - 949 Abstract: Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore configurations of positive versus negative interactions between work and home (WHI) and their relation to burnout and demographic characteristics. Material and Methods Sample of 533 Polish workers were interviewed by means of self-administered questionnaires (SWING and MBI-GS). Demographic and work characteristics were also controlled. Results Cluster analysis distinguished 5 types of WHIs: positive WHI (18%), negative WHI (15.9%), no interaction (29.3%), mutual positive interactions (15.4%) and positive HWI (21.4%). The quality of WHI was associated with number of work hours and tenure at main place of employment. The effect of gender on the quality of work-home interaction was not significant. Configuration of WHIs affected the level of burnout. Again, there was no significant difference between men and women in terms of burnout and its sub-dimensions. The least burned-out were people from positive WHI, positive HWI and mutual positive interaction groups. The most burned-out were people who experienced negative WHI the most often. In this group, predominance of men working more than 10 h per day was observed. The majority of study group (71%) experienced rather integration than segmentation of both spheres. Conclusions Our results suggest that segmentation is not an universal and effective strategy of coping with work and home demands — it may prevent the positive home-work spillover, which can be buffer or remedy against stress or burnout. We consider cluster analysis the appropriate method in research on relation to work-family balance issue, which may be useful in unraveling relationships between this phenomenon and attitudes and behaviors. PubDate: 2014-12-18 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0320-6 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Khue Pham Minh Pages: 950 - 958 Abstract: Objectives To determine the prevalence and associated factors of work-related depression among the employees of a shoe manufacturing factory in Haiphong City, Vietnam. Material and Methods We carried out this cross-sectional study among 420 workers in 2012 in Le Lai II Shoe Manufacturing Factory in Haiphong City, Vietnam using Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM IV) tool for measuring depression. Results The study results show that a relatively high proportion of workers (20.7%) belongs to the high-strain group based on Karasek’s model. The prevalence of work-related depression among workers was relatively high (18.8%). The factors associated with depression at work were high psychological demand (adjusted OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1–8.3), low social support (adjusted OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.2–12.8), inadequate work protection materials (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.2–10.1) and work absenteeism (OR = 6.2, 95% CI: 2.5–18.9). Conclusions Strengthening the social support network (involving supervisors and co-workers), reducing psychological job demand and assuring work protection materials at the workplace may highly facilitate reducing work-related depression. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0323-3 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Charles H. Van Wijk Pages: 959 - 966 Abstract: Objectives Panic behavior poses a particular threat to the health and safety of subaquatic occupational specialists. Trait anxiety has previously been identified as a marker of panic behavior under water, and Spielberger’s State-Trait Personality Inventory (trait anxiety subscale) has been previously used to measure trait anxiety among subaquatic specialists. Using archived data, the trait anxiety scores of subaquatic specialists were analyzed to meet 3 objectives: 1stly — to develop a trait anxiety profile of subaquatic specialists; 2ndly — to investigate the predictive value of trait anxiety measures upon entering an occupational field; and 3rdly — to establish the reliability of these scores over time. Material and Methods Archival trait-anxiety data from 322 subjects were analyzed statistically. Results Analysis of the available scores revealed a highly homogenous as well as a very low trait anxiety profile for the investigated occupational group. Additionally, low trait anxiety was somewhat associated with success during specialist training: fewer candidates with high trait anxiety scores completed their qualification. Moreover, measurement of trait anxiety was stable over time, which suggests that when scores for this occupational group are screened, deviations from previous scores could signify a potential need for referral to an intervention from health professionals. Conclusions Using the trait anxiety subscale as part of occupational health surveillance of subaquatic specialists could support prevention of accidents by identifying high-risk candidates during their annual health assessments, and referral for timeous intervention. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0321-5 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Yusaku Morita; Masanori Ohta; Tomohiro Inoue; Toru Honda; Yoshimasa Konno; Yasumasa Eguchi; Hiroshi Yamato Pages: 967 - 979 Abstract: Objectives Sense of coherence (SOC) is an individual characteristic related to a positive life orientation, leading to effective coping. Little is known about the relationship between SOC and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This cross-sectional study aimed at testing the hypothesis that workers with a strong SOC have fewer atherosclerotic risk factors, including MetS, and healthier lifestyle behaviors. Material and Methods One hundred and sixty-seven computer software workers aged 20–64 years underwent a periodical health examination including assessment of body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and lifestyle behaviors (walking duration, smoking status, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and sleep duration). During this period, the participants also completed a 29-item questionnaire of SOC and the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire to assess job stressors such as job strain and workplace social support. Results Our results showed that the participants with a stronger SOC were likely to walk for at least 1 h a day, to eat slowly or at a moderate speed, and to sleep for at least 6 h. Compared with the participants with the weakest SOC, those with the strongest SOC had a significantly lower odds ratio (OR) for being overweight (OR = 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11–0.81), and having higher FBS levels (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02–0.54), dyslipidemia (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.09–0.84), and MetS (OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02–0.63), even after adjusting for age, gender and job stressors. Conclusions High SOC is associated with a healthy lifestyle and fewer atherosclerotic risk factors, including MetS. PubDate: 2014-12-27 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0322-4 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Yasuaki Saijo; Shigeru Chiba; Eiji Yoshioka; Yasuyuki Kawanishi; Yoshihiko Nakagi; Toshihiro Itoh; Yoshihiko Sugioka; Kazuyo Kitaoka-Higashiguchi; Takahiko Yoshida Pages: 980 - 992 Abstract: Objectives Days off, on call, night duty, working hours and job stress can affect physicians’ mental health, and support from supervisors and co-workers may have a buffering effect. This study elucidates whether job strain and job factors affect physicians’ mental health, and whether support from supervisors and co-workers has a protective effect on their mental health. Material and Methods The subjects included 494 physicians. The Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) was used to evaluate job demand, job control and support. High job strain was defined as a combination of high job demand and low job control. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey was used to evaluate burnout. Possible confounder adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to obtain odds ratios for depressive symptoms and burnout. Results As per the analysis, high job strain had significantly higher odds ratios, and support from co-workers had significant protective odds ratios for depressive symptoms. High job strain and having only 2–4 days off per month (compared to > 8 days off per month) had significantly higher odds ratios, and support from co-workers had significant protective odds ratios for burnout. Conclusions High job strain was related to depressive symptoms and burnout, and support from co-workers had a buffering effect on depressive symptoms and burnout. An inadequate number of days off was related to burnout. Assessment of job strain may be a good tool to measure physicians’ mental health, and a sufficient number of days off may be needed to prevent burnout. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0324-2 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Beata A. Basińska; Ewa Gruszczyńska; Wilmar B. Schaufeli Pages: 993 - 1004 Abstract: Objectives The aim of this study was to verify psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Job-related Affective Well-being Scale (JAWS). Specifically, theoretical 4-factor structure (based on the dimensions of pleasure and arousal) and reliability of the original – 20-item JAWS (van Katwyk et al., 2000) and the shortened – 12-item (Schaufeli and Van Rhenen, 2006) versions were tested. Material and Methods Two independent samples were analyzed (police officers, N = 395, and police recruits, N = 202). The Polish version of the original, 20-item, JAWS was used to measure job-related affective states across the past month (van Katwyk et al., 2000). This version of JAWS includes 2 dimensions: valence and arousal, which allow to assess 4 categories of emotions: low-arousal positive emotions, high-arousal positive emotions, low-arousal negative emotions and high-arousal negative emotions. Results The results of multidimensional scaling analysis showed that the theoretical circumplex model of emotions underlining JAWS was satisfactorily reproduced. Also the hypothesized 4-factor structure of the Polish version of JAWS was confirmed. The 12-item version had better fit with the data than the original, 20-item, version, but the best fit was obtained for the even shorter, 8-item version. This version emerged from a multidimensional scaling of the 12-item version. Reliabilities of the 20- and 12-item versions were good, with lower values for the 8-item JAWS version. Conclusions The findings confirmed satisfactory psychometric properties of both Polish versions of the Job-related Affective Well-being Scale. Thus, when both psychometric properties and relevance for cross-cultural comparisons are considered, the 12-item JAWS is recommended as a version of choice. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0329-x Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Gian Luca Rosso; Massimo Perotto; Mauro Feola; Michele Caramella Pages: 1005 - 1012 Abstract: Objectives A high percentage of professional drivers (PDs) often report feeling fatigue during their work, and falling asleep at the wheel (FAW) is a major contributing factor to the occurrence of near-miss or actual accidents. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of FAW among Italian PDs and the effect of fatigue on this occurrence (corrected for the main predictive factors already known). Material and Methods We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Data from PDs (N = 497) were used for analyses. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of reported sudden-onset sleep at the wheel with working conditions and general lifestyle factors. Results Forty-one percent of the interviewees experienced at least 1 episode per month of sudden-onset sleep at the wheel (4.7% per week). Predictive factors of self-reported FAW were: age > 55 years old (odds ratio (OR) = 4.91, confidence interval (CI): 1.79–13.50, p < 0.01), traveling more than 40 thousand miles per year (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.08–3.22, p < 0.05), body mass index ≥ 30 (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.01–4.64, p < 0.05) and Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire score > 22 (OR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.90–8.14, p < 0.01). Conclusions There are different work and human factors underlying FAW among PDs. The Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire might be useful in measuring fatigue in this group and in detecting PDs at high risk of experiencing FAW. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0327-z Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Halina Sińczuk-Walczak; Beata M. Janasik; Małgorzata Trzcinka-Ochocka; Magdalena Stanisławska; Maria Szymczak; Tadeusz Hałatek; Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa Pages: 1013 - 1025 Abstract: Objectives The assessment of the neurotoxic effect of arsenic (As) and its inorganic compounds is still the subject of interest due to a growing As application in a large array of technologies and the need to constantly verify the principles of prevention and technological parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the status of the nervous system (NS) in workers exposed to As at concentrations exceeding hygiene standards (Threshold Limit Values (TLV) — 10 μg/m3, Biological Exposure Index (BEI) — 35 μg/l) and to analyze the relationship between the NS functional state, species of As in urine and As levels in the workplace air. Material and Methods The study group comprised 21 men (mean age: 47.43±7.59) employed in a copper smelting factory (mean duration of employment: 22.29±11.09). The control group comprised 16 men, matched by age and work shifts. Arsenic levels in the workplace air (As-A) ranged from 0.7 to 92.3 μg/m3; (M = 25.18±28.83). The concentration of total arsenic in urine (Astot-U) ranged from 17.35 to 434.68 μg/l (M = 86.82±86.6). Results Syndrome of peripheral nervous system (PNS) was manifested by extremity fatigue (28.6%), extremity pain (33.3%) and paresthesia in the lower extremities (33.3%), as well as by neuropathy-type mini-symptoms (23.8%). Electroneurographic (ENeG) tests of peroneal nerves showed significantly decreased response amplitude with normal values of motor conduction velocity (MCV). Stimulation of sural nerves revealed a significantly slowed sensory conduction velocity (SCV) and decreased sensory potential amplitude. Neurophysiological parameters and the results of biological and environmental monitoring showed a relationship between Astot, AsIII (trivalent arsenic), the sum of iAs (AsIII+AsV(pentavalent arsenic))+MMA (monomethylarsonic acid) concentration in urine and As levels in the air. Conclusions The results of the study demonstrate that occupational exposure to inorganic arsenic levels exceeding hygiene standards (TLV, BEI) generates disorders typical of peripheral neuropathy. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0316-2 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Belgin Bamac; Serap Colak; Gulmine Dundar; Hamit Macit Selekler; Yavuz Taşkiran; Tuncay Colak; Emin Balci Pages: 1026 - 1035 Abstract: Objectives Repetitive microtrauma or overuse injuries may often affect upper extremities of the long term computer users. The aim of this study was to compare sensory nerve conduction velocities (SNCV) for median, radial and ulnar nerves in the wrist of computer users with the same parameters in controls who do not use computers regularly. Material and Methods Twenty one male computer users (age: mean (M) = 28.3 years ± standard deviation (SD) = 7.5 years) and 21 male control subjects (age: M±SD = 24.1±4.6 years) were recruited for the study. Limb length and the perimeters of the dominant arm and forearm were measured for each subject. The neurophysiological study consisted of measuring sensory nerve conduction of the median, ulnar and radial nerves. Results The sensory conduction velocities of both median and ulnar nerves were significantly delayed in the dominant arm of the computer users compared to the controls. In addition, sensory conduction velocity of the median nerve was significantly delayed in the dominant extremity of the computer users compared to their non-dominant extremity. Conclusions This study shows that computer users have a tendency toward developing median and ulnar sensory nerve damage in the wrist region. Mechanism of delayed SNCV in the median and ulnar nerves may be due to sustained extension and ulnar deviation of the wrist during computer mouse use and typing. Reduced SNCV changes were more apparent on the dominant side of the median nerve. This may indicate the increased neural deficits related to an increased use of the dominant side. Further investigation is needed to determine how to reduce potential risk factors at this stage in order to prevent development of median or ulnar neuropathy in the long term computer users. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0335-z Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Péter Pál Necz; József Bakos Pages: 1036 - 1042 Abstract: Objectives Nowadays more and more newly introduced light sources (tungsten-halogen, compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) lamps) are used in households. It is important to know whether their radiation poses any possible risk for human health or not. These light sources emit optical radiation not solely in the visible spectrum. Other bands emitted by these sources, i.e. ultraviolet and infrared, are potentially hazardous for human health. The visible light, especially the blue light, could also damage human retina. The purpose of this study was to determine the ultraviolet (UV) and blue light (BL) emissions from halogen bulbs, CFLs and LED lamps, and to evaluate them from the point of view of possible health risks for general public. Material and Methods The exposure of UV and BL emissions from 19 types of CFLs, 11 types of halogen lamps and 4 types of LED lamps produced by different manufacturers were measured at 200 mm distance from the source. Results The exposures to UV and BL were below the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) exposure limits in spite of the very conservative assumption of the assessment. Conclusions Results of this study indicate that the UV and BL radiation from the newly introduced lamps does not exceed the current exposure limit values and thus, in comparison with the former incandescent bulbs, does not result in a higher risk for general public. PubDate: 2014-12-18 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0332-2 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Krzysztof Gryz; Jolanta Karpowicz; Wiesław Leszko; Patryk Zradziński Pages: 1043 - 1054 Abstract: Objectives The aim of the study was to identify and assess electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation (EMRR) exposure in a workplace located in a publicly accessible environment, and represented by offices (where exposure is caused by various transmitters of local fixed indoor and outdoor wireless communication systems). Material and Methods The investigations were performed in 45 buildings (in urban and rural areas in various regions of Poland), using frequency-selective electric field strength (E-field) exposimeters sensitive to the EMRR with a frequency range of 88–2500 MHz, split into 12 sub-bands corresponding to the operating frequencies of typical EMRR sources. The variability of the E-field was analyzed for each frequency range and the total level of exposure by statistical parameters of recorded exposimetric profiles: minimum, maximum, median values and 25–75th — percentiles. Results The main sources of exposure to EMRR are mobile phone base transceiver stations (BTS) and radio-television transmitters (RTV). The frequency composition in a particular office depends on the building’s location. The E-field recorded in buildings in urban and rural areas from the outdoor BTS did not exceed respectively: medians − 0.19 and 0.05 V/m, 75th percentiles − 0.25 and 0.09 V/m. In buildings equipped with the indoor BTS antennas the E-field did not exceed: medians − 1 V/m, 75th percentiles − 1.8 V/m. Whereas in urban and rural areas, the median and 75th percentile values of the E-field recorded in buildings located near the RTV (within 1 km) did not exceed: 1.5 and 3.8 V/m or 0.4 and 0.8 V/m, for radio FM band or for TV bands, respectively. Conclusions Investigations confirmed the practical applicability of the exposimetric measurements technique for evaluating parameters of worker’s exposure in both frequency- and time-domain. The presented results show EMRR exposure of workers or general public in locations comparable to offices to be well below international limits. PubDate: 2014-12-18 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0334-0 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 6 (2014)
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Authors:Anna Różańska; Anna Szczypta; Magda Baran; Edyta Synowiec; Małgorzata Bulanda; Marta Wałaszek Pages: 747 - 756 Abstract: Objectives The study presents data concerning occupational exposures among the staff of 5 hospitals in the Małopolska province in 2008–2012, taking into account the frequency and circumstances of exposure formation, occupational groups of hospital workers, as well as diversification of the reported rates in subsequent years between the hospitals and in each of them. An additional objective of the analysis was to assess the practical usefulness of the reported data for planning and evaluation of the effectiveness of procedures serving to minimize the risk of healthcare workers’ exposure to pathogens transmitted through blood. Material and Methods Data were derived from occupational exposure registries kept by 5 hospitals of varying sizes and operational profiles from the Małopolska province from the years 2008–2012. Results Seven hundred and seventy-five cases of exposure were found in a group of 3165 potentially exposed workers in the analyzed period. Most cases were observed in nurses (68%) and these were mainly various types of needlestick injuries (78%). Exposure rates with respect to all workers ranged from 2.6% to 8.3% in individual hospitals, but the differences in their values registered in the hospitals in subsequent years did not bear any statistical significance, in a way similar to the rates calculated separately for each occupational group. Conclusions There was no upward or downward trend in the number of reported cases of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the studied period in any of the hospitals. Statistically significant differences in the percentages of exposures were reported between individual hospitals in some years of the analyzed period, which confirms the need for registries in individual units in order to plan and evaluate the effectiveness of preventative measures. PubDate: 2014-10-01 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0307-3 Issue No:Vol. 27, No. 5 (2014)
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Authors:Wah-Yun Low; Yew-Kong Lee; Alexander Lourdes Samy Abstract: Abstract Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) lead to substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide. The most common NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. With the rapid increase in NCD-related deaths in Asia Pacific countries, NCDs are now the major cause of deaths and disease burden in the region. NCDs hamper achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). People in the low socio-economic group are most affected by NCDs as they have poor access to policies, legislations, regulations and healthcare services meant to combat NCDs. This results in loss of productivity by a decreasing labor force with implications at the macroeconomic level. The 3 major NCDs in the Asia Pacific region are CVDs, cancer and diabetes due to the increasing loss of disability adjusted life years (DALYs). The 4 major behavioral risk factors for NCDs are: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, inadequate physical activity and unhealthy diet. The underlying risk factors are urbanization, globalization, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and hypertension. Strategies to combat NCDs in the Asia Pacific region are as follows: population-based dietary salt reduction, health education, psychological interventions, i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational-interviewing, taxation and bans on tobacco-related advertisements, implementing smoke-free zones and surveillance by the World Health Organization. Control measures must focus on prevention and strengthening inter-sectorial collaboration. PubDate: 2014-12-18 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0326-0
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Authors:Akizumi Tsutsumi Abstract: Abstract Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) constitute a major burden for health of working populations throughout the world with as much as 50% of all causes of death and at least 25% of work disability. There are some changes in CVD risk factors among occupational classes. This is mainly due to the new types of work-related causes of morbidity associated with the recent developments in global work life, particularly in the industrialized countries. Meanwhile, in the developing countries or those in transition (e.g., in Eastern Europe), CVD mortality is increasing due to major socioeconomic changes, the demographic transition and rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, all leading to growing challenges to cardiovascular health. Better control of known risk factors (i.e., smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood glucose) is effective to prevent CVD incidence. But the expected improvement has not been achieved. The obstacles of achieving such impact are due to lack of awareness, lack of policies and their implementation into practice and shortage of infrastructures and human resources. These are needed for wide-scale and long-term programme implementation. Considering the WHO Global Strategy on Occupational Health for All, the WHO Global Action Plan on Workers’ Health, the WHO Programme on Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases and the ILO Decent Work agenda, the 6th ICOH International Conference on Work Environment and Cardiovascular Diseases adopted the Tokyo Declaration. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0319-z
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Authors:Elena Fiabane; Ines Giorgi; Stefano M. Candura; Piergiorgio Argentero Abstract: Objectives Research into work reintegration following invasive cardiac procedures is limited. The aim of this prospective study was to explore predictors of job satisfaction among cardiac patients who have returned to work after cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Material and Methods The study population consisted of 90 cardiac patients who have recently been treated with coronary angioplasty or heart surgery. They were evaluated during their CR and 12 months after the discharge using validated self-report questionnaires measuring job satisfaction, work stress-related factors, emotional distress and illness perception. Information on socio-demographic, medical and occupational factors has also been collected. Results After adjusting for demographic, occupational and medical variables, baseline job satisfaction (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.01) and ambition (p < 0.05) turned out to be independent, significant predictors of job satisfaction following return to work (RTW). Patients who had a partial RTW were more satisfied with their job than those who had a full RTW, controlling for baseline job satisfaction. Conclusions These findings recommend an early assessment of patients’ psychosocial work environment and emotional distress, with particular emphasis on job satisfaction and depressive symptoms, in order to promote satisfying and healthy RTW after cardiac interventions. PubDate: 2014-12-10 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0313-5
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Authors:Jian Li; Min Zhang; Adrian Loerbroks; Peter Angerer; Johannes Siegrist Abstract: Abstract Though much evidence indicates that work stress increases the risk of incident of coronary heart disease (CHD), little is known about the role of work stress in the development of recurrent CHD events. The objective of this study was to review and synthesize the existing epidemiological evidence on whether work stress increases the risk of recurrent CHD events in patients with the first CHD. A systematic literature search in the PubMed database (January 1990–December 2013) for prospective studies was performed. Inclusion criteria included: peer-reviewed English papers with original data, studies with substantial follow-up (> 3 years), end points defined as cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction, as well as work stress assessed with reliable and valid instruments. Meta-analysis using random-effects modeling was conducted in order to synthesize the observed effects across the studies. Five papers derived from 4 prospective studies conducted in Sweden and Canada were included in this systematic review. The measurement of work stress was based on the Demand-Control model (4 papers) or the Effort-Reward Imbalance model (1 paper). According to the estimation by meta-analysis based on 4 papers, a significant effect of work stress on the risk of recurrent CHD events (hazard ratio: 1.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.23–2.22) was observed. Our findings suggest that, in patients with the first CHD, work stress is associated with an increased relative risk of recurrent CHD events by 65%. Due to the limited literature, more well-designed prospective research is needed to examine this association, in particular, from other than western regions of the world. PubDate: 2014-11-08 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0303-7
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