The role of lifestyle, health, and work in educational inequalities in sick leave and productivity loss at work

Purpose

To investigate the influence of lifestyle, health, and work conditions in the association between education and productivity loss at work and sick leave.

Methods

Employees of six companies filled out a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle-related, health, and work-related factors, and productivity loss at work and sick leave at baseline (n = 915) and after 1-year (n = 647).

Results

Employees with a low education were more likely to report productivity loss at work (OR = 1.49, 95 % CI 0.98–2.26) and sick leave (OR = 1.81, 95 % CI 1.15–2.85). After adjustment for lifestyle, health, and work conditions, the association between education and productivity loss at work did not attenuate. Work conditions attenuated the association between low education and sick leave (OR = 1.62, 95 % CI 1.01–2.61), and additional adjustment for health and lifestyle-related factors further reduced the strength of the association (OR = 1.42, 95 % CI 0.86–2.34).

Conclusion

Work conditions and lifestyle-related factors partly explained the association between education and sick leave, but did not influence the association between education and productivity loss at work. The educational differences in sick leave prompt for interventions that address behavioral aspects as well as work-related and lifestyle-related factors.     

Work-related psychosocial and mechanical risk factors for neck/shoulder pain: a 3-year follow-up study of the general working population in Norway

Purpose

This study examines the impact of work-related psychosocial and mechanical exposure on the development of neck/shoulder pain in the general working population.

Methods

A randomly drawn cohort from the general population in Norway aged 18–66 was followed up for 3 years (n = 12,550, response rate = 67 %). Eligible respondents were in paid work during the reference week in 2006 and 2009, or temporarily absent from such work (n = 6,745). Four work-related psychosocial factors and six mechanical exposures were measured. Outcomes of interest were moderate or severe neck/shoulder pain at follow-up adjusted for baseline neck/shoulder pain.

Results

In total, 16.9 % (1,138 individuals) reported neck/shoulder pain during the last month at follow-up. Work related psychosocial predictors of neck/shoulder pain were high job demands (highest OR 1.41, 95 % CI 1.11–1.78) and low levels of supportive leadership (highest OR 1.66, 95 % CI 1.08–2.54). Mechanical factors were neck flexion (highest OR 1.77, 95 % CI 1.31–2.39) and lifting in awkward postures (highest OR 1.81, 95 % CI 1.21–2.71). The estimated population risk attributable to these factors was about 23 %. The relative risk for neck/shoulder pain associated with psychosocial exposure was slightly influenced by adjustment for physical risk factors, and vice versa. There was no substantial confounding related to age, gender, education, occupation or psychological distress.

Conclusions

Highly demanding jobs, neck flexion and awkward lifting appear as the most important predictors of neck/shoulder pain.     

Prevalence and occupational predictors of psychological distress in the offshore petroleum industry: a prospective study

Objectives

This study investigates the prevalence of psychological distress and stressors in the work environment as prospective predictors of distress, among employees in the offshore petroleum industry.

Methods

Correlation and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine longitudinal relationships between stressors and distress in a randomly drawn sample of 741 employees from the Norwegian petroleum offshore industry. Time lag between baseline and follow-up was 6 months. Work environment stressors included safety factors, leadership, and job characteristics.

Results

The prevalence of psychological distress was 9 % at baseline and 8 % at follow-up. All investigated work environment factors correlated with subsequent distress. In bivariate logistic regression analyses, caseness of distress was predicted by baseline distress, near miss accidents, risk perception, poor safety climate, tyrannical leadership, laissez-faire leadership, job demands, and workplace bullying. After adjustment for baseline distress, control variables, and other predictors, laissez-faire leadership (OR = 1.69; 95 % CI: 1.12–2.54) and exposure to bullying (OR = 1.49; 95 % CI: 1.07–2.10) emerged as the most robust predictors of subsequent distress.

Conclusions

The findings show that the prevalence of psychological distress is lower among offshore employees than in the general population. Although offshore workers operate in a physically challenging context, their mental health is mainly influenced by stressors in the psychosocial work environment. This highlights the importance of developing and implementing psychosocial safety interventions within the offshore industry.     

Exposure to disturbing noise and risk of long-term sickness absence among office workers: a prospective analysis of register-based outcomes

Purpose

To investigate the association between self-reported exposure to disturbing noise and risk of long-term sickness absence (LTSA) for more than two consecutive weeks among office workers.

Methods

LTSA was measured using register data that were linked to survey data from 2,883 office workers aged 18–59 who were surveyed in 2005 on exposure to disturbing noise. The risk of LTSA was investigated using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Of the study population, 4.4 % had LTSA in the 1-year follow-up period. Compared to office workers who were ‘rarely or never’ exposed to disturbing noise at work, office workers who reported being ‘frequently’ exposed to disturbing noise had a significantly increased estimated risk of LTSA when adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, and managerial position (HR = 1.90; 95 % CI, 1.12–3.22). After additional adjustment for psychosocial work conditions, the estimated risk of LTSA for office workers who were frequently exposed to disturbing noise became marginally insignificant (HR = 1.73; 95 % CI, 0.99–3.01). A subgroup analysis showed that women who reported being frequently exposed to disturbing noise had a significantly increased estimated risk of LTSA (HR = 1.94; 95 % CI, 1.04–3.64), whereas the corresponding risk for men was insignificant (HR = 1.28; 95 % CI, 0.37–4.41).

Conclusions

This study indicates that frequent self-reported exposure to disturbing noise at work is associated with increased risk of LTSA among office workers and that this association may be stronger for women than for men.     

The role of gender in the association of social capital, social support, and economic security with self-rated health among older adults in deprived communities in Beirut

Purpose

To examine gender variations in the association of self-rated health (SRH) with social capital, social support, and economic security among older adults from three deprived communities in the suburbs of metropolitan Beirut.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study using the Older Adult Component of the Urban Health Survey. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 328 older men and 412 older women aged 60 years and above. SRH was assessed by a single question and treated as a dichotomous outcome, and several indicators of social capital, social support, and economic security were examined as independent variables.

Results

Women were significantly more likely to report poor SRH compared to men (37.2 vs. 25.9 %, respectively). Better social capital indicators decreased significantly the odds of poor SRH among both men (OR = 0.76, 95 % CI: 0.65–0.89) and women (OR = 0.71, 95 % CI: 0.62–0.82). Social support was strongly associated with SRH among women (OR = 0.56), but not among men (OR = 0.94). The reverse situation was observed for economic security (OR = 0.57 among men, OR = 0.80 among women).

Conclusions

In these deprived neighborhoods, social and economic factors may have gender-specific effects on the promotion of well-being among older adults, with social support being more salient to women’s SRH and economic security being more salient to men’s SRH. In health studies among older people, SRH captures not only social and physical health but also broader economic well-being.     

Organizational factors associated with work-related sleep problems in a nationally representative sample of Korean workers

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the association of organizational factors with work-related sleep problems (WRSP) among Korean workers.

Methods

The data were derived from the First Korean Working Conditions Survey conducted in 2006 with a representative sample of the Korean working population (n = 10,039).

Results

The overall prevalence of WRSP was 5.1  % (95  % confidence interval (CI) 4.7–5.5). Those who experienced sexual harassment at work (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.47: 95 % CI 1.77–6.81), discrimination due to sex (aOR 2.44: 95 % CI 1.36–4.36) or age (aOR 2.22: 95 % CI 1.52–3.23), violence at work (aOR 1.98: 95 % CI 1.06–3.68), threat of violence (aOR 1.96: 95 % CI 1.05–3.66), poor work-life balance (aOR 1.78: 95 % CI 1.44–2.20), low job satisfaction (aOR 1.69: 95 % CI 1.37–2.09), high cognitive (OR 1.64: 95 % CI 1.32–2.03) and emotional (aOR 1.53: 95 % CI 1.22–1.91) demands, job insecurity (aOR 1.32: 95 % CI 1.07–1.63), and high work intensity (aOR 1.55: 95 % CI: 95 % CI 1.25–1.92) had an increased risk of WRSP compared to their respective counterparts (p < 0.01). Low social support was not significantly associated with WRSP (aOR 0.88: 95 % CI 0.67–1.15).

Conclusion

The results revealed that poor psychosocial working conditions may be related to a high prevalence of WRSP among representative Korean workers.     

Prevalence of anemia and associated factors in women of childbearing age in rural Lebanon

Aim

This community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and their association with nutritional behavior and other determinants.

Subjects and methods

Arabic-speaking women, aged 15–49 years old, residing in Lebanon’s rural areas were included. Demographic and behavioral characteristics, obstetrical and gynecological history, personal and family medical history, and dietary intake data were collected. Predictors of anemia and IDA were determined using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 578 women were included (Lebanese: 55.2%; Syrian: 43.3%) in which 35.5% had anemia and 23.2% had IDA. The mean number of pregnancies was 3.1 ± 3.0 (number of children: 2.5 ± 2.5). In total, 30% had a personal history of anemia or IDA, 29% a family history of anemia, and 20% a family history of IDA. Iron-rich products were consumed by >?90% of the women, whereby >?66.7% mentioned eating liver, tuna, dates and nuts. Syrian nationality (OR = 2.21; CI 95%: 1.38–3.54), age (OR = 1.03, CI 95%: 1.00–1.06), personal history of anemia (OR = 1.97; CI 95%: 1.31–2.95), consumption of dates (OR = 2.07, CI 95%: 1.29–3.31), molasses (OR = 1.61; CI 95%: 1.03–2.51), and soft drinks >?5 times/week (OR = 1.66; CI 95%: 1.09–2.53) were predictors of anemia. Syrian nationality (OR = 1.73, CI 95%: 1.14–2.62), number of pregnancies (OR = 1.08; CI 95%: 1.01–1.15), period >?8 days (OR = 2.01, CI 95%: 1.07–3.80), consumption of eggs (OR = 0.48; CI 95%: 0.25–0.90), dates (OR = 2.58, CI 95%: 1.49–4.46), and coffee or tea (OR = 1.59, CI 95%: 1.03–2.45) were predictors of IDA.

Conclusion

Anemia and IDA are prevalent in women of childbearing age in rural Lebanon. Intervention programs for raising the population’s awareness about IDA’s risk factors and proper nutrition must be implemented.

     

Association between perceived inadequate staffing and musculoskeletal pain among hospital patient care workers

Objective

To examine association between perceived inadequate staffing and musculoskeletal pain and to evaluate the role of work-related psychosocial and physical work factors in the association among hospital patient care workers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,572 patient care workers in two academic hospitals. Perceived inadequate staffing was measured using the “staffing adequacy subscale” of Nursing Work Index, which is a continuous scale that averages estimates of staffing adequacy by workers in the same units. Musculoskeletal pain (i.e., neck/shoulder, arm, low back, lower extremity, any musculoskeletal pain, and the number of area in pain) in the past 3 months was assessed using a self-reported Nordic questionnaire. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to examine associations between perceived inadequate staffing and musculoskeletal pain, considering clustering among the workers in the same units.

Results

We found significant associations of perceived inadequate staffing with back pain (OR 1.50, 95 % CI 1.06, 2.14) and the number of body area in pain (OR 1.42, 95 % CI 1.01, 2.00) after adjusting for confounders including work characteristics (job title, having a second job or not, day shift or not, and worked hours per week). When we additionally adjusted for physical work factors (i.e., use of a lifting device, and the amount of the time for each of five physical activities on the job), only the association between perceived inadequate staffing and back pain remained significant (OR 1.50, 95 % CI 1.03, 2.19), whereas none of the associations was significant for all of musculoskeletal pains including back pain (OR 0.96, 95 % CI 0.66, 1.41) when we additionally adjusted for work-related psychosocial factors (i.e., job demands, job control, supervisor support, and co-worker support) instead of physical work factors.

Conclusions

Perceived inadequate staffing may be associated with higher prevalence of back pain, and work-related psychosocial factor may play an important role in the potential pathway linking staffing level to back pain among hospital workers.     

Stigma related to sex work among men who engage in transactional sex with men in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam

Objectives

Male sex workers (MSW) in Vietnam face high levels of stigma related to sex work, which may be associated with depression and increased vulnerability to HIV.

Methods

In 2010, 300 MSW completed a behavioral and psychosocial survey. Multivariable models assessed factors associated with sex work-related stigma and the association between stigma and depression.

Results

Factors associated with increased stigma included having disclosed sexual orientation to healthcare workers (b 1.75, 95 % CI 0.69–2.80), meeting clients in the street/park (b 1.42, 95 % CI 0.32–2.52), and having been forced to have sex without a condom (b 2.36, 95 % CI 1.27–3.45). Factors associated with decreased stigma included meeting clients via the telephone or internet (b ?1.26, 95 % CI ?2.39 to ?0.12) and receiving financial support from family or friends (b ?1.31, 95 % CI ?2.46 to ?0.17). Stigma was significantly associated with increased odds of depression (AOR 1.07, 95 % CI 1.01–1.15).

Conclusions

Addressing stigma and depression in HIV prevention interventions is crucial for tailoring these programs to MSWs’ needs, and may result in decreased HIV spread.     

Pregnancy outcomes in female hairdressers

Purpose

The hairdressing occupation may entail exposure to a wide range of chemical products, psychosocial and physical stress. All these factors may affect the health of a pregnant hairdresser and her offspring. Our aim was to analyse whether employment in this profession is associated with adverse reproductive effects.

Method

Female hairdressers working in the 248 hairdressing salons in Alicante (Spain), who became pregnant for the first time after 1990 were included (n = 94). The incidence of spontaneous abortions, number of children born and their birth weight and preterm delivery among hairdressers was compared with a control group of shop assistants and office workers (n = 138). Information was collected through personal interviews at their work place. A structured questionnaire was used gathering information concerning exposure variables including the use of chemical products, ventilation at the salons, work-related stress and hours of standing work. In addition, socio-demographic factors and smoking information were obtained. Crude and adjusted relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using logbinomial regression.

Results

Hairdressers showed a non-significant increased risk of spontaneous abortions (RR = 1.6, 95%CI 0.9–2.7). There were no differences in preterm delivery and birth weight of the children born of mothers in the two groups. Among hairdressers, the RR of spontaneous abortion among those with high perceived work-related stress was 2.4 (95%CI: 0.2–28.3) relative to those with low or normal perceived stress.

Conclusions

A slightly increased risk of spontaneous abortion among hairdressers was found, mainly associated with perceived work-related stress. Observed results deserve further research.     

Ten years incidence of natural rubber latex sensitization and symptoms in a prospective cohort of health care workers using non-powdered latex gloves 2000–2009

Objectives

To assess the incidence of sensitization and gloves-related symptoms in 10-year follow-up in a group of health care workers (9,660 person-years) using non-powdered latex gloves from 2000 to 2009 and to examine related factors.

Materials and methods

We studied 2,053 health care workers in Trieste Hospitals by means of skin prick test for latex extract, patch tests and medical examinations. We report the incidence of latex sensitization among workers using non-powdered latex gloves.

Results

The incidence of latex sensitization, rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis were 1.0; 0.12; 0.21; 0.72; 2.39 and 2.50 cases per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Respiratory symptoms and urticaria were positively related with latex sensitization (OR = 8.0; 95 % CL 1.27–48.6), with common allergic respiratory symptoms (OR = 4.19; 95 % CL 1.04–16.8) and with familial atopy (OR = 4.47; 95 % CL 1.1–17.9).

Conclusion

The incidence of latex sensitization and latex-related symptoms were very low but subjects with allergic symptoms related to common allergens are at higher risk. The use of non-latex gloves is suggested for them.     

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intakes and endometrial cancer risk in a population-based case–control study

Purpose

Animal and laboratory studies suggest that long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat found in fatty fish, may protect against carcinogenesis, but human studies on dietary intake of polyunsaturated fats and fish with endometrial cancer risk show mixed results.

Methods

We evaluated the associations between endometrial cancer risk and intake of fatty acids and fish in a population-based sample of 556 incident cancer cases and 533 age-matched controls using multivariate unconditional logistic regression methods.

Results

Although total n-3 fatty acid intake was not associated with endometrial cancer risk, higher intakes of eicosapentaenoic (EPA 20:5) and docosahexaenoic (DHA 22:6) fatty acids were significantly associated with lower risks (OR = 0.57, 95 % CI: 0.39–0.84; OR = 0.64, 95 % CI: 0.44–0.94; respectively) comparing extreme quartiles. The ratio of n-3:n-6 fatty acids was inversely associated with risk only on a continuous scale (OR = 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.71–0.99), while total fish intake was not associated with risk. Fish oil supplement use was significantly associated with reduced risk of endometrial cancer: OR = 0.63 (95 % CI: 0.45–0.88).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that dietary intake of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA in foods and supplements may have protective associations against the development of endometrial cancer.     

The use of household cleaning products during pregnancy and lower respiratory tract infections and wheezing during early life

Objective

To evaluate the effects of household use of cleaning products during pregnancy on infant wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).

Methods

In four prospective Spanish birth cohorts (n = 2,292), pregnant women reported the use of household cleaning products. When infants were 12–18 months old, current cleaning product use and infant’s wheezing and LRTI were reported. Cohort-specific associations between the use of specific products and respiratory outcomes were evaluated using multivariable regression analyses and estimates were combined using random-effects meta-analyses.

Results

The period prevalence of LRTI was higher when sprays (combined odds ratio (OR) = 1.29; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.59) or air fresheners (OR = 1.29; CI 1.03–1.63) were used during pregnancy. The odds of wheezing increased with spray (OR = 1.37; CI 1.10–1.69) and solvent (OR = 1.30; CI 1.03–1.62) use. The associations between spray and air freshener use during pregnancy and both outcomes remained apparent when these products were not used after pregnancy. Nevertheless, the estimates were higher when post-natal exposure was included.

Conclusion

The use of cleaning sprays, air fresheners and solvents during pregnancy may increase the risk of wheezing and infections in the offspring.     

Sick leave due to back pain in a cohort of young workers

Purpose

Evidence on risk factors for sick leave from prospective studies in work settings is limited. Furthermore, most available studies focused on workers with substantial low back disorders. These studies consistently report that physical work factors constitute a hindrance to work. However, it remains unclear whether the same risk factors are relevant in workers with less severe conditions or in early phases of the development of back pain. Therefore, this article aims to study risk factors for the occurrence of sick leave due to low back pain (LBP) among young workers with no or a modest history of back pain.

Methods

Participants were 716 young healthcare or distribution workers with no or minimal antecedents of LBP in the year before inclusion. We investigated the role of potential physical, psychosocial and individual risk factors at baseline on the occurrence of sick leave due to LBP 1 year later. To this purpose, we used Cox regression with a constant risk period.

Results

Six per cent (95 % CI 4.1–7.6) of the workers reported sick leave 1 year later; they accounted for 12 % of the sick-leave days independent of cause. A non-stimulating psychosocial work environment turned out to be the strongest risk factor for sick leave due to LBP (RR 6.08; 95 % CI 1.42–26.07). Physical factors were not predictive.

Conclusions

In the early phases of back pain and in less severe conditions, the main benefit of interventions lies in targeting the organisation and design of jobs to create a challenging professional environment.     

Sick building syndrome (SBS) and sick house syndrome (SHS) in relation to psychosocial stress at work in the Swedish workforce

Purpose

Medical symptoms called sick building syndrome (SBS) and sick house syndrome (SHS) are usually investigated separately: in this study, SBS and SHS were explored simultaneously. The significance of personal factors, perceptions of air quality, and psychosocial work situation in explaining SBS and SHS were investigated.

Methods

A random sample of 1,000 subjects (20–65 year) received a postal questionnaire including questions on personal factors, medical symptoms, and the psychosocial demand-control-support model. The response rate was 70 % (n = 695), of which 532 were occupationally active.

Results

In logistic regression models, atopy, poor air quality at work, and low social support, especially low supervisor support, were associated with both SBS and SHS when age, gender, smoking, and BMI were introduced. The general work-related symptoms (headache, tiredness, nausea, and sensation of a cold) were also related to low control over work.

Conclusions

The perception of poor physical environmental conditions is associated with common medical symptoms that are both work and home related. The associations between medical symptoms and poor air quality are still present, even when controlling for the psychosocial environment.     

Major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder in Korean subway drivers

Purpose

The purposes of this study are to investigate the prevalence of major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Korean subway drivers, and find the association between these disorders and the drivers’ person-under-train (PUT) experiences.

Methods

A total of 826 subway drivers who participated in a cross-sectional work and health survey were included for this study. The Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 2.1 was applied to assess major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD. The date of PUT, whether victim died, and how many PUTs the drivers experienced were asked using a structured questionnaire.

Results

The standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) for lifetime prevalence of panic disorder and PTSD in subway drivers were 13.3 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 6.6–22.4) and 2.1 (95 % CI 1.1–3.4), respectively. In lifetime prevalence, after adjusting for age, education, income, and working career, the drivers who experienced PUT had significantly higher risks for panic disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 4.2, 95 % CI 1.2–16.6) and PTSD (OR = 4.4, 95 % CI 1.3–16.4). In 1-year prevalence, the drivers who experienced PUT had a significantly higher risk for PTSD (OR = 11.7, 95 % CI 1.9–225.8). There was no significant value of SPR and OR in major depressive disorder.

Conclusions

This study suggests that Korean subway drivers are at higher risk for panic disorder and PTSD compared to the general population, and PUT experience is associated with panic disorder and PTSD. Drivers who have experienced PUT should be treated quickly, sympathetically, and sensitively by a psychological professional and their colleagues, so they can return to work soon.     

Factors associated with illicit opioid use in methadone maintenance treatment clients in 5 Provinces,China

Objectives

To investigate factors associated with illicit opioid use among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) population.

Methods

Participants were recruited from Beijing (2 clinics), Shanghai (2 clinics), Guangdong (2 clinics), Chongqing (2 clinics) and Gansu (1 clinic) provinces. Information about heroin use and MMT was obtained from a self-reported questionnaire, illicit opioid use was obtained from monthly medical records. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with illicit opioid use.

Results

Five hundred ninety-eight eligible MMT participants were used for data analysis. Variables such as age, gender, route of heroin use and daily MMT dosages were associated with illicit opioid use. Compared with MMT participants aged <40 years, participants aged 40–44 years (P = 0.027, OR = 0.57, 95 % CI 0.35–0.94), 45–49 years (P < 0.001, OR = 0.41, 95 % CI 0.24–0.67) and ≥50 years (P = 0.008, OR = 0.52, 95 % CI 0.33–0.85) were more likely not to have illicit opioid use. Compared with male participants, females were more likely to have illicit opioid use (P = 0.044, OR = 1.53, 95 % CI 1.01–2.32). Compared with inhalation heroin abusers, abusers with route of inhalation + injection heroin use were more likely to have illicit opioid use (P = 0.009, OR = 2.00, 95 % CI 1.19–3.36). Compared with daily MMT dosages <60 mg participants, participants with daily MMT dosages >80 mg were more likely to have illicit opioid use (P = 0.003, OR = 2.37, 95 % CI 1.35–4.15).

Conclusions

Age, gender, route of heroin use and daily MMT dosages were associated with illicit opioid use. A tailored intervention is needed for a promotion of MMT.

     

Incidence rates of surgically treated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment among manual workers,non-manual workers and housewives in Tuscany,Italy

Purpose

Candidate risk factors for idiopathic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) include heavy manual handling (requiring Valsalva’s maneuver). We assessed incidence rates of surgically treated idiopathic RRD among manual workers, non-manual workers and housewives resident in Tuscany, Italy.

Methods

We retrieved all hospital discharge records bearing a principal diagnosis corresponding to RRD coupled with retinal surgery for any resident of Tuscany during 1997–2009. After elimination of repeated admissions and patients with coexistent, associated conditions (including recent trauma), subjects aged 25–59 years were classified as manual workers, non-manual workers or housewives. Population data were extracted from the 2001 census.

Results

We identified 1,946 eligible cases (1,142 men). Among men, manual workers experienced a 1.8-fold higher age-standardized rate per 100,000 person-years than non-manual workers [17.4 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 16.1–18.7) vs. 9.8 (95 % CI 8.8–10.8)]. Age-standardized rates among women were 1.9-fold higher for manual workers [11.1 (95 % CI 9.8–12.3)] and 1.7-fold higher for housewives [9.5 (95 % CI 8.3–10.8)] than in non-manual workers [5.7 (95 % CI 4.8–6.6)].

Conclusions

This large population-based study suggests that manual workers are affected by idiopathic RRD requiring surgical treatment more often than non-manual workers. The higher rates of surgically treated RRD experienced by manual workers are in accord with the hypothesis that heavy manual handling may have a causal role.     

Skin symptoms in bakery and auto body shop workers: associations with exposure and respiratory symptoms

Purpose

Despite the importance of skin exposure, studies of skin symptoms in relation to exposure and respiratory symptoms are rare. The goals of this study were to describe exposure–response relationships for skin symptoms, and to investigate associations between skin and respiratory symptoms in bakery and auto body shop workers.

Methods

Data from previous studies of bakery and auto body shop workers were analyzed. Average exposure estimates for wheat allergen and isocyanates were used. Generalized linear models were constructed to describe the relationships between exposure and skin symptoms, as well as between skin and respiratory symptoms.

Results

Data from 723 bakery and 473 auto body shop workers were analyzed. In total, 5.3 % of bakery and 6.1 % of auto body shop workers were female; subjects’ mean age was 39 and 38 years, respectively. Exposure–response relationships were observed in auto body shop workers for itchy or dry skin (PR 1.55, 95 % CI 1.2–2.0) and work-related itchy skin (PR 1.97, 95 % CI 1.2–3.3). A possible exposure–response relationship for work-related itchy skin in bakery workers did not reach statistical significance. In both groups, reporting skin symptoms was strongly and significantly associated with reporting respiratory symptoms, both work-related and non-work-related.

Conclusions

Exposure–response relationships were observed for skin symptoms in auto body shop workers. The lack of significant exposure–response associations in bakery workers should be interpreted cautiously. Workers who reported skin symptoms were up to four times more likely to report respiratory symptoms. Improved awareness of both skin and respiratory outcomes in exposed workers is needed.