Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology

126-131

Authors: R Vazirinejad , M Karimi , F Fatehi , N Gomnami *

Background: Accidents, such as domestic accidents, and the resulting injuries are presently a matter of concern in communities. Some factors such as urbanization cause an increase in the incidence of accidents for recognized and unrecognized reasons. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of domestic accidents among a group of families who had migrated to the determined urban aria (Rafsanjan County, Kerman Province, Iran) and compare the results with that of urban families in the last year. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, we compared the 1-year incidence rate of domestic accidents among 115 families who had migrated to Rafsanjan County from rural areas and 100 families who had lived in Rafsanjan throughout their life. Data were collected during 3 years (2009-2012) using the study checklist during interview sessions. Families were recruited via urban health centers. All indoor accidents and injuries which were serious enough to require medical intervention were considered as domestic accidents. Data were analyzed in SPSS software using parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: The mean age of injured individuals in migrated and urban families were 35.9 ± 18.7 and 30.7 ± 20.6, respectively. In addition, 22 cases of injuries were reported among urban families (1-year incidence rate = 220 cases per 1000 families) and 37 cases were reported among migrated families (1-year incidence rate = 322 cases per 1000 families). There was a significant difference between these incidence rates (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our finding showed that individuals who migrate to an urban area are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic accidents compared to those who are familiar with the urban lifestyle. This might be due to the novelty of the city lifestyle for those who have immigrated to the urban area from rural regions. More investigations are needed to shed more light on this phenomenon.

140-144

Authors: Z Mohamadi , A Ghanbary Sartang * , J Attar-abdolabadi

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper limbs are the most common occupational diseases and injuries and one of the causes of disability in workers. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of MSDs and the risk of these disorders using the loading postural upper body assessment (LUBA) method. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 100 male workers of appliance manufacturing industry. The study population included 15 workers of the foam injection workshop, 17 of the molding workshop, 17 operators of Press, 17 of the packaging, 17 of the cutting unit, and 17 of rivets. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was completed by the participants for the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, and back and their working postures were recorded through photography and observation. Then, The analysis and evaluation of the desired posture was performed using the LUBA method. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: NMQ results revealed that the highest rate of disorders was observed in the wrist (37%), neck (35%), and shoulder (30%), respectively. Moreover, ANOVA showed that age and work experience had significant correlation with prevalence of MSDs (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). The results of the LUBA method showed that the highest level of risk was associated with the rivet unit (risk level 4) and the lowest level of risk with the foam injection unit (risk level 2). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that household appliances production workers, due to the nature of their occupations, are at risk of MSDs. Therefore, ergonomic interventions such as work station design based on ergonomic principles, the use of ergonomically designed tools, and training of workers about the work are necessary.

152-159

Authors: Sh Rashidi , N Askari * , M Abbasnejad

Background: Testosterone level in men decreases with aging (andropause) and androgen deficiency is responsible for a variety of behavioral symptoms such as anxiety. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pistacia atlantica (bane) fruit extract on anxiety-like behavior in intact and gonadectomized rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, adult male rats were divided into two groups of intact and gonadectomized rats. The rats were submitted to a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) paradigm, and subdivided into treated or nontreated groups (100 mg/kg of bane extract orally daily for 20 days). Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Results: Bane treatment increased the percentage of both time spent and entries in the open arms of EPM in intact and gonadectomized rats. Additionally, the effects of chronic stress were reversed by bane treatment; the percentages of entries and time spent in the open arms decreased in intact and gonadectomized chronically stressed rats. Conclusions: These results suggest that P. atlantica may have some anxiolytic-like properties in castrated and intact rats.

166-170

Authors: S Ghaneh *

Background: Ergonomics is a science that provides methods of creating reasonable adaption between occupation and worker by improving usability through consideration of job demands and human ability to satisfy them. A deep understanding of user’s thoughts on and attitudes toward utilizing a tool could improve its design. In the present study, two cushions designed particularly for one of car industries, assembly line were tested considering usability. Materials and Methods: From among the 50 employees of the assembly line, 44 employees were selected randomly to participate in the study. The research tool consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire containing 29 questions in 5 subscales (usefulness, efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, and safety). The validity of the questionnaire was estimated by a specialist (CVI = 0.85) and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.87). Results: The mean scores of the 5 subscales of usefulness, efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, and safety were 6.5 ± 0.534, 6.5 ± 0.488, 5.3 ± 0.278, 6.4 ± 0.310, and 6.5 ± 0.534, respectively. Conclusions: Scores in all dimensions were above moderate and acceptable levels. Workers utilized them satisfactorily, and thus, producers can produce these cushions in large numbers without any problems. The performance of similar studies is recommended in designing other tools and instruments and the application of ergonomic principles in their design.