Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology

202-210

Authors: S Ansari , SS Ataei , S Varmazyar * , P Heydari

Background: Due to high prevalence of musculoskeletal risk factors among kitchen workers and their role in causing discomfort, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ergonomic factors (mental workload and working posture) on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers of training hospitals in Qazvin, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done through census among 60 workers of teaching hospital's kitchens of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2016. Data were collected using pain perception and mental workload questionnaires and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method was used for posture assessment. Data were analyzed using single and multiple logistic regression tests. Results: About 85% of the workers reported that their work shift was very heavier than normal. The best and worst exposure score in QEC method were assigned to cooking and trolley responsible tasks, respectively. Seventy percent of working postures were classified in action level 3 (i.e. investigation and changes are required soon) that increased the backache prevalence by nearly about 4 times. Heavy workload in interaction with other influential factors increased the neck discomfort about 5 times and back discomfort by 2.5 times. Conclusions: Long working hours, heavy workload, stress, high-speed work, long standing and inadequate rest are the factors influencing the increase of MSDs prevalence among the kitchen workers. By increasing numbers of manpower, reducing the workload and working hours and adequate rest, in addition to doing the work properly, MSDs in this group can somehow be reduced.

218-225

Authors: H Nadri , F Fasih-Ramandi *

Background: Non-specific pain of low back and neck has direct impact on quality of life, active days at work, and health care costs. The purpose of this study was to determine the pain intensity and disability index for low back and neck among dentists. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 dentists (44.6% female and 55.4% male). Dentists pain intensity and low back and neck disability index were evaluated with the self-administered visual analog scale and Oswestry questionnaire, respectively. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS. Results: Disability index of low back and neck has been reported equal to 26.6 ± 10.7 and 22.0 ± 8.8, respectively. Also the data showed the average pain intensity of low back and neck to be 75.5 ± 24 and 49.6 ± 19.7. The result showed significant relationship between pain intensity and disability index for low back and neck with body mass index (BMI) and exercise (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to results, dentists have a high pain prevalence and moderate disability index of low back and neck. Also based on the relationship between the pain and disability index values with BMI and exercise, we recommend practice of relaxation and stretching exercises during breaks in the dentists work schedules to minimize the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists.

235-244

Authors: R Vazirinejad , M Rezaeian , F Nazari , SM Hosseini *

Background: A disease impacts patients’ participation level in their individual and social life through impacting their physical and mental performance. Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), and the importance of patients’ participation and quality of life (QOL) and the determination of the most important aspects affected by the disease in the participation and Quality of Life of patients with type II DM in Rafsanjan, Iran, the present study was conducted. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 227 patients with type II DM were assessed. The data collection tool consisted of a 2-part questionnaire. The first part was a demographic characteristics checklist. The second part was the Persian version of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA-p) scale. The IPA-p scale was used to collect data on the subjects' participation in their own life. Then, a trained individual completed the demographic checklist through interviews. Subsequently, the subjects were asked to complete the IPA-p scale.The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software. Statistical tests such as t-test and ANOVA were used to compare the obtained means. Results: The highest level of participation was observed in the age group of 30-49 years, and participation was higher in men, single individuals, and individuals with a good economic status. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggested the presence of a statistically significant relationship between the participation of patients with type II DM and individual, social, economic factors. Thus, this disease causes a reduction in their participation in different life aspects, and therefore, causes a reduction in QOL. With the consideration of the long-term course of the disease, taking measures to improve individuals’ participation level seems necessary.

253-255

Authors: M Sheikh Fathollahi *

No Abstract