Occupational Health-2013 - OMICS International

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2nd International Conference and Exhibition on

May 21-22, 2013 DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing, China

Occupational Health & Safety

99th OMICS Group Conference

Occupational Health-2013

Accepted Abstracts

Volume 3 Issue 4Page 78

J Community Med Health Educ 2013ISSN: 2161-0711 JCMHE, an open access journal

Occupational Health-2013May 21-22, 2013


Occupational Health & SafetyMay 21-22, 2013 DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing, China

Vidhya Venugopal, J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Climate change impacts on working people-an overlooked threat: Research needs and challengesVidhya VenugopalSri Ramachandra University, India

Globally, human beings are exposed to climate change and the potential impact of raising temperatures on occupational health is rapidly gaining attention. A need to conduct a systemic review of the available literature on occupational heat

stress, its impacts on health, productivity and social wellbeing of the working population is imperative to identify effective control interventions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of heat stress across sectors and countries. Introduction: Heat stress, a direct implication of climate change, has much higher impacts on the working population, especially the poor working class, in the developing countries. The knowledge on the overview of the existing research literature on the impacts of heat stress on the health, productivity and social lives of the working population will help not only understand the magnanimity of the problem and the urgency with which this issue has to be addressed, but also points to the research gaps that needs to be addressed. In the light of climate change adaptation, one of the primary purposes of the literature review was to review interventions that have been used around the world to combat the impacts of heat stress in occupational setting. Sustainable cost-effective solutions that can be adapted by self-employed entrepreneurs, small and medium scale enterprises and industries can be adapted in similar set-ups globally for exposure reduction and worker health protection. Methods: About 600 research articles, technical reports and book chapters were reviewed systemically in a framework that had categories such as Climate change links, “heat stress/strain”, productivity loss, physiological and social impacts. Adaptation, mitigation, interventions and preparedness tools used for risk management from various workplaces were summarized. Conclusions: Occupational health and safety is one of the basic rights that workers are being denied in many developing countries. In addition to this, health issues, productivity reductions and social impacts are surmounting due to increasing temperatures. Adaptation, prevention and mitigation must be considered to bring about healthy sustenance of the working population. The review clearly points the need to study and conduct more research on profiling of vulnerable working population, low cost adaptation measures, productivity losses and social impacts studies due to heat stress. Challenges in understanding the multidimensional issue can be offset by working with an interdisciplinary group of researchers. The review reemphasizes the need for designing stronger policies to protect the working population from the risks of heat stress.

BiographyProfessor Vidhya Venugopal, a doctorate in Environmental Chemistry did post-doctoral research at Central Queensland University, Australia. She was awarded British Cheverning Scholarship to study Environmental Management at Manchester, UK. Trained in Sweden and Germany on Climate Change & Health, she serves as a visiting faculty at University of Heidelberg. She worked at Johnson & Johnson, Canada as Research Scientist for 9 years and served the Health and Safety committee. Currently she teaches Environmental & Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene. A BOHS certified Occupational Hygienist; she heads the Industrial Hygiene services and offers consultancy services to about 152 industries. Her research passion is CC & Occupational Heat Stress.

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Mohsen Vigeh et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Blood metal concentrations and adverse pregnancy outcomes; study in which trimester could be more appropriate?Mohsen Vigeh1, Kazuhito Yokoyama2 and Katsumi Ohtani11National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan 2Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Japan

Pregnancy is a unique period in women life. Fetal exposed to toxicants during this period can affect his/her health for long-life. Although, exposures to metal have sharply decreased in general population and workers, there is not a clear cut-off-point

between toxic and safe levels for many of them. On the other word, many of pregnant women are not exposed to high levels of toxic metal to show clear clinical symptoms, but their fetuses may suffer several adverse effects that may not be detectable before or at the time of delivery. Unfortunately, there are not sufficient studies about metal toxicities and pregnancy outcomes due to many difficulties, such as availability of pregnant subjects for survey, high rate of follow up loss, and various environmental and endogenous (bones) sources of exposure to metal. As a result, a critical question be considered “What study method is better to obtain metal effects on pregnancy?” Since it is easy to conduct, many researchers are gathering blood samples and data at the time of delivery. However, measurement of metal concentrations and pregnancy outcomes at this period may not be because gestational outcomes develop several weeks before birth and metal concentrations change during a few weeks by changing in amount of exposure. Therefore, multiple blood samples should be done throughout pregnancy. Although, this study method needed a significant research found and researcher efforts.

BiographyDr. Mohsen Vigeh obtained Ph.D. degree in Social Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Japan, and completed medical doctorate course in Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University, Iran. He had been working for Tehran University of Medical Sciences for several years and currently is scientific staff of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan. He has collaboration with several local and overseas universities/institute and does peer review of some journals. Dr. Vigeh's research interest is ‘reproductive toxicology’ and ‘urban air pollution’.

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Anjum B. et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Effects of rotating night shift on circadian pattern of salivary cortisol and 6-sulfatoxy melatonin levels Anjum B.1, Verma N. S.2, Tiwari S.3, Singh R.1, Mahdi A. A.1 and Singh R. K.4 1Departments of Biochemistry, C S M Medical University Formerly King George’s Medical University, India2Departments of Physiology, C S M Medical University Formerly King George’s Medical University, India3Departments of Surgery, C S M Medical University Formerly King George’s Medical University, India4Department of Biochemistry, SGRRIM&HS, India

Objectives: The present study investigate the circadian pattern of salivary cortisol & melatonin sulphate level in night shift workers & to find out whether these changes in the circadian pattern produce by night shift are reversible in due course of time. Method: 62 Healthy nursing professional of both sex who perform day and night shifts. Saliva and urine samples were collected at approx. 8 hours interval in their night shift and day shift schedule. Cortisol and melatonin sulphate were estimated by the ELISA method. Groups were compared by applying paired t test. Results: Evening cortisol level did not show a significant pattern between night (3.22 ± 2.09) vs. day shift (2.97 ± 1.76). Extremely significant difference was found in night cortisol levels among night (4.34 ± 3.37) vs. day shift (2.70 ± 2.32), (p<0.001) due to recovery during day shift. Alteration in mean morning cortisol level was also found between night (3.73 ± 2.47) vs. day shift (5.00 ± 2.73). However, this pattern was not highly significant. Night melatonin level was found declined as compared to morning level and this pattern was significant when compared night melatonin between night (16.71 ± 11.98) vs. day shift (22.71 ± 13.25) and morning melatonin level between night (20.07 ± 14.13) vs. day shifts (28.26 ± 14.14) (p<0.001). Altered melatonin levels were found in night and in the morning samples during night shift.Conclusion: Alterations in circadian pattern of salivary cortisol and melatonin sulfate were found during night shift due to sleep deprivations and internal desynchronization. Sleep loss might be associated with decreased melatonin level leads to endocrinal and cardiovascular diseases.

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Anjum Hashmi et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Prevalence of needle-stick and sharps injuries among healthcare workers, Najran, Saudi Arabia Anjum Hashmi, Samer Abu Al Reesh and Lisa Indah Najran General Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: An investigation estimates that needle-stick and sharps injuries affect about 3.5 million individuals on the global level. In healthcare workers nurses and physicians appear especially at risk.Objective: To examine the epidemiology of occupational sharps injuries in healthcare workers.Materials and Methods: It is retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out among the healthcare workers of Maternity and Children’s hospitals, KSA from 1st January to 30th June 2012 with participation of 750 HCWs by Convenient Sampling Technique. Data entry and analysis was done on EPlNetTM.Results: A total 32 cases of sharps injuries occurred during the six months period. Nurses accounted 46.9%, constituting the largest group of the healthcare workers. Most frequently site of occurrence was operating/recovering room 34%. 64.5% injuries occurred “during use of device”. In 90.6% of cases injuring item was contaminated. 59.4% injuries occurred while wearing single pair of gloves, only 21.9% with double pair of gloves. Most common site of injury was the right hand.Conclusion: There can be serious consequences of needle-stick injuries in hospitals as large proportion of injuries involves used needles and sharps if healthcare workers do not take appropriate measures of protection.






Ashit Kumar Mukherjee et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Work-exposure to PM10 and VOCs, excretion of urinary VOC metabolites and effect on hematological parameters, genotoxic effects and on the pulmonary function of workers in Kolkata city, IndiaAshit Kumar Mukherjee, Sanjit Kumar Roy, Dipanjali Mazumdar, Moumita Roy, Rajarshi Chakraborty, Surojit Das, Jane Alam and Bhaskar Prasad Chattopadhyay Regional Occupational Health Centre, India

The atmospheric air of metropolis is highly complex due to the combined effect of traffic related activity, industrial and commercial activities with high population density. The complexity of air pollutants is mainly due to fine particulates (≤

2.5µm) containing fossil fuel soot, bio-fuel soot (having black carbon, primary organic matter, sulfate, absorbed organic chemicals, metals etc.) and volatile gases that cause local climate change and adverse health impact. Risks of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, adverse respiratory outcome, cancers are increasing among city population. Work-exposure to exogenous risk factors like PM10, VOCs, biological monitoring of VOC metabolites in urine were assessed among two occupational groups, petrol pump workers and traffic police within the city. Hematological changes, genotoxic effect and respiratory health of workers were also studied among the exposed groups. PM10 and size distribution within the periphery of petrol pumps and traffic zones were done by 8-stage Cascade Impactor. VOCs in air were estimated by GC, FID and five urinary VOC metabolites, tt-MA, SPMA, HA, MA and MHA were meassured simultaneously by HPLC after SPE. DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes was assayed by alkaline Comet assay. Pulmonary function tests of a sub set of two occupational groups were done by Spirometer and Wright’s Peak Flow meter. PM10 in the range, 176.0-401.2 and 200.0-590.0 μg/m3 obtained respectively in static air of petrol pumps and traffic zones and the size distribution showed, 49.9% of the PM10 in the size range, <9.0 µm-4.7 µm and 26.8%, ≤2.1 µm, in the former and 50.9% of <9.0 µm-4.7 µm and 26.8%, ≤2.1 µm in the later. Mean exposure of petrol pump workers to toluene has been found highest (567.4 ± 21.15 μg/m3) of all the VOCs and the values were found to be lower compared to the ACGIH, TLVs, as the work-areas are in the open. In case of traffic police personnel, the exposure to benzene was found to be the highest (104.6 ± 99.0). Exposure to benzene was many times higher than the ambient CPCB standard as well as that prescribed by the UK and European Commission.The pre- and post-shift urinary tt-MA and SPMA were respectively 0.59 & 1.10 mg/g creatinine and 1.58 & 1.70 mg/g creatinine among petrol pump workers. The post-shift urinary HA, MA and MHA in petrol pump workers were respectively, 8.05, 2.62 and 1.61 mg/g creatinine, found higher than pre-shift and so also in traffic police . The air benzene levels around petrol pump correlated significantly with post-shift urinary tt-MA (p<0.001) and SPMA (p<0.001) and the air toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, correlated significantly (p<0.001) with pre- and post-shift urinary HA, MA and MHA respectively. The post-shift metabolites of traffic police found significantly higher than the pre-shift in case of tt-MA (p<0.05), HA (p<0.05) in terms of mg/gcreatinine. Post-shift urine metabolite values were significantly higher than that of the non-occupationally exposed population (p<0.01). A decreasing order of urinary biomarkers, HA, MA and MHA noticed as the sequence of environmental levels of respective hydrocarbons. A better correlation observed between personal exposure to benzene and relative excretion SPMA than tt-MA. RBC, platelet, hematocrit significantly decreased in fuel fillers with respect to control population. PBG in lymphocytes was significantly elevated (P<0.05) in fuel-fillers compared to control. Higher Hb obtained among traffic police possibly due to COHb content in blood. ALA and PBG in lymphocytes of traffic policemen were 0.090 ± 0.062 µg/106 and 0.151 ± 0.083 µg/106 lymphocytes respectively and were higher than non-exposed population. DNA damage ranging from negligible to high were noticed among the fuel fillers by comet characters in lymphocytes.Study of 45 petrol pump workers of age groups, ≤35 years (n=26) and >35 years (n=19). Showed PFT values, significantly higher in age group, ≤35 years compared to >35 years. PFT impairments observed among 11.11% petrol pump workers, restrictive type impairments 6.66% and obstructive and combined restrictive and obstructive type impairments, 2.22% each. PFT of 84 traffic police showed significantly higher SVC, FVC and FEF0.2-1.2l values in non-smoker compared to smokers. The mean FEV1, FEV1% and FEF25-75%, FEF75-85% and PEFR, values were higher in non-smokers but the differences were not statistically significant. The variation in PEFR, FEV1 and FVC of traffic police were significant compared to the control. Significant respiratory impairment of traffic policemen was mainly due to exposure to vehicular pollution.






P. B. Reddy, J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Occupational health problems among street sweepers of Nagda, M.P (India) P. B. ReddyPG Department of Zoology, Govt. P. G. Arts & Science College, India

Street sweepers play an important role in maintaining the health and hygiene in the cities. This job exposes street sweepers to a variety of risk factors such as dust, bioaerosols, volatile organic matter and mechanical stress, which make them susceptible

to certain occupational diseases. Nagda is an industrial town in the Malawi region of western Madhya Pradesh and it is situated in the bank of Chambal River. The study was conducted to investigate the Occupational Health problems among street sweepers of Nagda, M.P (India). A pre tested proforma was used to record the necessary information such as clinical history, socio demographic factors, findings of clinical examination and investigations performed. The important morbidities detected among street sweepers were, anemia (21.5%), hypertension (6.5%), upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) (11.3%) and chronic bronchitis (12.9%) hyperacidity (9.9%), was detected. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was significantly high among street sweepers than that of subjects of the control group. Therefore, it is recommended that further studies with a larger sample size be undertaken to identify the factors responsible for higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis among the street sweepers.

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BiographyP. B. Reddy has completed his Ph.D. in 1991 from Vikram University, Ujjain. M. P. In 1992, he won the M.P. Young Scientist Award, by MP Council of Science and Technology (MP.Govt). Presently he is the Associate Professor of the PG Department of Zoology, Govt. PG College, Ratlam, M. P. He has published more than 23 papers in reputed journals and serving as an editorial/advisory board member of three reputed Journals. He is life/fellow member of various 6 International Societies of Environmental and Life Sciences.

Volume 3 Issue 44





K Rumchev et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Influence of hygiene behaviour on nickel exposure among nickel processing plant workers in Indonesia K Rumchev, J Spickett and N FurgaanSchool of Public Health, Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Australia

Some nickel compounds may enter human’s body and induce health impairment among exposed workers. Results of studies indicate that blood and urine chemical concentrations as a result of occupational exposure are associated with the hygienic

behaviour of workers. The study was conducted in a nickel processing plant in Indonesia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of changes in hygienic behaviour on nickel exposures, and to assess the effectiveness of three worksite education strategies aimed to reduce occupational nickel exposure. A quasi-experimental study was conducted to improve the hygienic behaviour and to evaluate the effectiveness of worksite health education intervention programs. The study subjects were grouped into three groups according to the type of intervention program implemented: 1) booklet only 2) booklet and lectures on nickel exposures 3) booklet, lectures and a feedback. During the study the concentrations of air dust and urine and blood nickel concentrations were measured. The study results demonstrated a significant increase in the aspects of knowledge, behaviour and attitude among workers during the post intervention assessment when compared with the pre intervention period with the highest improvement established among the third intervention group which included booklet, lectures and a feedback. Furthermore, the study established a significant difference in urine and serum nickel concentrations between pre and post intervention. The study outcomes showed that improvement in hygienic behaviour was associated with reduced serum and urine nickel concentrations among exposed workers.

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BiographyKrassi Rumchev has more than 20 years of research experience in the areas of occupational and environmental health. Recently her research interest has focused on exposure assessment and characterisation of ultrafine and nanoparticles, including diesel particulate matter and the associated adverse health effects among the public and workers. Currently, Dr. Rumchev is the Program Leader of the Health, Safety and Environment Department within the School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.






Syed Kashif Nawaz et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Effects of noise on single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes related to hypertensionSyed Kashif Nawaz1, 2 and Shahida Hasnain2 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Sargodha, Pakistan2Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan

Introduction: Present study discusses the effects of noise on association between hypertension and different genetic variants. Method: Genetic variations like ACE G2350A polymorphism, Ren G1051A polymorphism, AT1R A1166C polymorphism and ACE ID polymorphism were studied for the detection of any association between the polymorphisms and hypertension in 476 samples collected from sites with specific sound level ranges.Results: ACE ID genotype carriers were found on risk margin of hypertension only on exposure of high noise (OR: 1.958; 95% Confidence interval: 0.780- 4.914) or when whole data was analyzed without considering noise exposure (OR: 1.466; 95% CI: 0.805-2.671). Homozygous ACE 2350A carriers were also found on risk margin of hypertension only in normal sound exposed group (OR: 7.125; 95% CI: 1.959-25.90) or when whole data was analyzed without considering noise exposure (OR: 3.112; 95% CI: 1.373-7.054). AA carriers exposed to low noise were also vulnerable to develop hypertension but the risk value was at margin level (OR: 4.393; 95% CI: 0.967-19.95).

Present findings suggest that genetic variations and noise exposure play an important role in changing the risk of hypertension.






Luiz Bueno da Silva, J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Environmental comfort conditions in intensive care units (ICU) of hospitals in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil Luiz Bueno da SilvaFederal University of Paraiba, Brazil

This study aims to evaluate environmental comfort conditions which are submitted to health professionals in the intensive care unit of the city of João Pessoa-PB. Thus, we studied five ICUs of public hospitals, which were evaluated in the heat, noise and

lighting. Measurements were made over a period of three consecutive days in three shifts for each ICU. For the analysis of thermal comfort used, a meter heat stress which led to the globe temperature, dry bulb and wet bulb. The PMV and PPD indices were calculated according to ISO 7730/94. The sound pressure levels were obtained using a decibel meter, and acoustic analysis was based on NBR 10152/87. The illuminance was obtained through a light meter, and further analysis was based on NBR 5413/92. It was found that some ICU professionals were subjected to inadequate levels of heat. The noise levels and lighting can also be found outside the range established by the regulations adopted in all units studied. Much of the staff said she had symptoms related to stay in place as a result of environmental conditions which are submitted. However, they stated that it has not not hampered his ability to work for them.

BiographyLuiz Bueno da Silva, has a degree in Science and Mathematical and a M.Sc. on Production Engineering. Since 2001, he also holds a Ph.D. in Production Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina. He did Post-doctoral studies at the Federal University of Pernambuco. He is Associate Professor in the Production Engineering Department, at the Federal University of Paraíba, where he coordinates the Comfort, Efficiency and Safety at Work Research Group, the Laboratory of Applied Quantitative Methods and he is researcher at the Analysis Laboratory of Work. He authored more than 200 papers in international journals and conference proceedings.






Garima Gupta et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in farmers of Kanpur, IndiaGarima Gupta and TariqueSaaii College of Medical Science & Technology, Department Of Physiotherapy, India

Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent and their impact is pervasive. The prevalence of MSDs is studied among various occupations. In India, farming is one of the most important occupations. The prevalence of MSDs among the Indian population is not well documented. Thus, in the present study; an attempt has been made to study the prevalence of MSDs in farmers in Kanpur, India. Method: A sample of 300 farmers of Kanpur, aged between 20-70 years, was selected. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire to measure the musculoskeletal disorders was given to all the farmers. Results: Descriptive analysis of data found four most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting the farmers of Kanpur-lower back pain (60%), knee pain (39%), shoulder pain (22%), and neck pain (10%). Conclusion: Finding of the present study suggests that yearly prevalence of MSDs in farmers of Kanpur, India is high. Low back pain is the most prevalent MSDs affecting the famers. Knee, shoulder and neck pain are other important MSDs which are affecting the farmers in Kanpur, India. Observation made during the present study suggests that poor postures and lack of ergonomic awareness in the farmers are the causative factors contributing to the development of MSDs in farmers of Kanpur, India. Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); Prevalence; Farmers; India

BiographyGarima Gupta is result oriented physiotherapist. She is presently working as a Researcher and Assistant Professor in Saaii College of Medical Science and Technology, India. She has done her graduation from HOSMAT hospital Bangalore. In, 2010 she completed her masters in physiotherapy (Neurology) from Indian Spinal Injury center, New Delhi. She is actively involved in various ongoing research projects and has various international books and research publication in the field of physiotherapy. She also has presented two papers in International Conferences.

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Imran Naeem, J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among Barbers and their knowledge, attitude and practices in district Sukkur, SindhImran NaeemDepartment of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Pakistan

Introduction: In Pakistan there is no documented evidence for HBV among barbers. We conducted this study in order to determine HBV prevalence among barbers and their knowledge attitude and practices (KAP) in a peri-urban district of Sindh.Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted from September-December 2011 in Sukkur and Rohri sub-districts of District Sukkur on a sample of 385 barbers. Information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices was collected using structured questionnaire. Blood samples were tested for HBs Ag. Descriptive statistics were used to report Socio-demographic characteristics. Proportions for each item of Knowledge; Attitude and Practices were calculated. A scale was also built to determine the proportions of responses to KAP items.Results: Prevalence of HBV among barbers was 2.1%. Knowledge of barbers about HBV and its transmission routes was poor. 60% barbers knew about the spread of HBV via contaminated blood (59%), 22.5% barbers reported hand washing between customers, 22% used anti-septic for cleaning instruments and 94% barbers reported frequency of cuts<once a week. Overall response to attitude items was good except that only 35.1% and 33.8% agreed to have vaccination against HBV for themselves and for families respectively. 72.4% used antiseptic for hand washing and 93.7% used new blade on every customer. Overall practices of barbers were poor. Overall performance on knowledge and practice scale was poor compared to scale on which 80% of barbers responded positively.Conclusion: Prevalence of HBV among barbers was lower compared to available national figures for prevalence among general population showing that barbers are not at higher risk of HBV. Poor knowledge and practices of barbers highlight the need for formulation and implementation of policies ensuring registration of barbers. Emphasis should be placed on adopting safety guidelines to minimize the risk of occupational hazard.

BiographyImran Naeem Abbasi has completed his residency in Community Medicine at the age of 29 years. Currently he is working as Research Fellow in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi Pakistan. He has published 4 papers in indexed/peer reviewed journals and several others are in pipeline.

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K.O. Ajao et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Safety precautions against fire hazard in homes and offices in Ile-Ife, NigeriaK. O. Ajao and K. T. IjadunolaDepartment of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

The issue of fire safety is a serious concern for everyone. The aim of this study is to determine the safety precautions against fire hazard in homes and offices in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A pre-tested,

interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 350 respondents using the multistage sampling technique. A checklist was used to assess the fire safety precautions taken by households and office owners. Data were analysed electronically and summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics (logistic regression). Statistical significance was placed at p<0.05. Two hundred and eighteen (66.1%) study participants were accessed in homes while 112 (33.9%) were accessed in offices/shop. Overall, about 62% of the respondents had good to excellent knowledge of preventing fire outbreaks in homes and offices while about forty percent had poor to fair knowledge. Thirty one percent of the houses and offices had wall fire extinguishers installed, although only 28% of the premises had functioning wall fire extinguishers. Less than 10% of the premises had smoke detector, fire alarm, fire exits and emergency lighting system respectively. The factors associated with the use of wall fire extinguishers included high level of education (odd ratio [OR] =2.418, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.004-5.822) and offices/shops (OR =2.861, 95% CI =1.71-4.79). This study concluded that the dwellers of homes and offices in Ile-Ife had a poor practice of fire safety. Factors influencing fire safety practice were type of building/dwellings and level of education of the occupants of homes and offices.

BiographyAjao Kayode Olusola holds a Master of Public health and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor Surgery from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He was also trained as a food scientist at Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria. He successfully served as a Programme Officer on Research and Knowledge Management for Population and Reproductive Health Programme, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife supported by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA. He is currently a doctoral student at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He has a considerable experience in planning and implementing research and health programs.







Knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection and its modes of prevention among clinical students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria K. O. Ajao1 and B. P. Atiba2

1Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria 2Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Poor uptake of hepatitis B vaccination is common among health workers and clinical students who are at higher risk of hepatitis B virus infection. This study assessed the knowledge of clinical students of the OAU, Ile-Ife about hepatitis B virus infection

and its modes of prevention. The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among all 594 clinical students of OAU using a pretested self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed electronically. Relationship between independent and outcome variables were tested using Chi square test. Four hundred and thirty (72.4%) respondents correctly identified four modes of transmission; which are use of contaminated needles, sexual intercourse, vertical transmission and infected blood. Four hundred and seventy (79%) respondents reported vaccination as a mode of prevention of HBV infection and 371 (62.5%) reported universal precautions. Only 23 (3.9%) listed post-exposure prophylaxis as a preventive measure. Of all respondents, only 61.6% had ever received vaccine while only 39.2% of the respondents had received at least three doses of HBV vaccine. Females were more likely to have received three doses of the vaccine compared with their male counterparts (p<0.01). Clinical II students were more likely to have received three or more doses of vaccine compared with those in other classes (p=0.024). The study concluded that the clinical students had poor knowledge of safe sexual practices and post-exposure prophylaxis as preventive measures. The uptake of HBV vaccine was also poor. The significant correlates of vaccine uptake were gender and the level of study of the respondents.








Prevention of occupational transmission of HIV/Aids infection among health workers in secondary health facilities in Abuja, NigeriaK.O. Ajao and Ayoola A.OObafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Health care workers, especially who deal with large number of HIV infected patients are at risk of becoming infected with HIV as a result of their professional activities. This study assessed health workers’ prevention of exposure to HIV infection

during the course of their duties in HIV/AIDS clinic at secondary health facilities in Abuja, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 323 health workers using the random sampling technique. The instrument measured socio-demographic variables, knowledge of HIV/AIDS infection and transmission, precautionary measures adopted and post-exposure prophylaxis. Data were analysed electronically. Statistical significance was placed at p<0.05. More than three-fifth (62.2%) of the respondents were nurses while only 21% of respondent were doctor. Nearly all of the respondents knew the various methods of transmission of HIV/AID infection. Eighty eight respondents (26.0%) recapped their needles and other sharps while fourty-one percent of the health workers kept their sharps in the dust bin. Forty one percent of health workers reported ever had facilities for post-exposure prophylaxis in their hospital. Forty-three percent of the health workers who had been exposed reported their exposure immediately whereas forty percent of them did not receive any treatment despite reporting their exposure. This study concluded that a high percentage of the health workers in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja were at risk of HIV/AID infection and transmission due to failure to follow the recommended universal precautions, report exposure and lack of facilities for post-exposure prophylaxis in the health facilities.







Niyi Awofeso et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Reducing under five mortality in India- A review of major encumbrances and suggestions for progress Niyi Awofeso1 and Anu Rammohan2

1School of Population Health, Nigeria2School of Business, Discipline of Economics, University of Western Australia, Australia

About 128 million of India’s 1.2 billion populations are aged less than 5 years. India’s under-five mortality rate fell from 2.2 million (123/1000 live births) in 1990 to 1.726 million (63/1000 live birth) in 2010. Based on current trends, India is

unlikely to meet the 67% reduction in under-five mortality rate by 2015, compared with 1990 baseline (i.e. less than 41/1000 live births), as stipulated in Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4, Target 4A. This article examines six major factors encumbering efforts to reduce India’s under-five mortality: poorly delivered antenatal and obstetric care; inadequacy of well-resourced birthing resources; weak immunisation programs, particularly for measles and pneumonia, inadequate prevention and treatment of pneumococcal infections, and; chronic childhood under nutrition. Initiatives to address these obstacles are suggested. The authors posit that a well-resourced and efficiently managed continuum of care approach operated within a strong Indian health system, extending from Pre-pregnancy, Pregnancy, Birth, Postnatal, and Childhood is more likely to accelerate progress towards sustainable reductions in India’s under five mortality compared with the status quo. Particular emphasis should be focused on improving child care during the neonatal period, given the rising proportion of under-five deaths as percentage of total deaths prior to age 5 years.






Sanjay Sujitranjan Das, J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Occupational health problems among door to door solid waste handlers in Surat city, GujaratSanjay Sujitranjan DasSri Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, India

Background: The waste collectors have the seventh most dangerous job in the world. Because of inadequate understanding of magnitude of the problem & poor financial resources, risks of waste collectors are still largely unmanaged in most of developing countries like India. Objectives: To study the prevalence of occupational related morbidities among the door-to-door solid waste collectors and factors related to reported morbidities.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Surat Municipal Corporation. 300 door to door waste collectors were selected randomly. The data was collected by semi-structured interview schedule analysed using SPSS window version 17.0 Results: 77.7 percent injuries, 71 percent skeletomuscular, 62.3 percent respiratory, 39.3 percent gastrointestinal, 36.3 percent eye and 30 percent skin disorders were major morbidities reported. Major risk factors identified in bivariate analysis were:

*Risky and unhygienic sorting of waste. *Alcohol consuming. *Temporary workers and workers working empty stomach. Female waste handlers were having higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders. Multiple logistic regressions indicate risk factors were:Workers new to job of waste handling, untrained workers, manual handlers, risky and unhygienic sorting of waste, non-use of protective equipments, part time job and workers collecting household waste three tons/day. The poor hygienic behaviours and poor socio economic conditions, consuming alcohol and slum dwellers aggravate risk of morbidities. Female waste handlers were having more risk of skeletomuscular and GIT disorders. Conclusions: The door to door solid waste collectors are suffering from significant level of morbidities because of physical, chemical and biological hazards; therefore they suffer from health effects probably due to their occupational exposures. Provision of personal protection, training, supervision, engineering controls, monitoring of exposures, education, and other interventions appears to be under-utilised in protecting waste handlers from exposure and health effects. Additional research is needed to further characterise exposures and health effect of the waste handlers.






Yasser Nakhlawi, J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

The good, the bad and the ugly Yasser Nakhlawi Pediatric Institute at SKMC, United Arab Emirates

Child abuse is a problem that is frequently under diagnosed. Recognition that under diagnosis of abuse exists has produced an increase frequency of identifying cases of child abuse, which has inevitably produced cases of over diagnosis. Over diagnosis

of child abuse is as catastrophic as under diagnosis. This review focuses on specific presentation of child abuse- the child with bruises and other conditions that can present similar to child abuse. Many children and adults have coagulation or vascular disorders or connective tissue diseases that predispose them to bruise and other lesions that can be mistaken for abuse. It is very easy for a health care worker to presume that bruising and bleeding are associated with trauma, because of other conditions that may explain that the findings are often poorly understood. The clinical cases reviewed in this article show the need for an extremely thorough analysis for other underlying conditions that can be present in a picture that can simulate child abuse.

BiographyYasser Nakhlawi, is MD, MMM, CMQ, FAAP, Chairman of Pediatric Institute at SKMC, United Arab Emirates, Hospital & Health Care.






Abdulraheem IS et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Knowledge, awareness and compliance with standard precautions among health workers in North Eastern NigeriaAbdulraheem IS1, Amodu MO2, Saka MJ1, Bolarinwa OA1 and Uthman MMB1

1Department of Epidemiology & Community Health, College of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Nigeria2Department of Community Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of various occupational hazards in the hospital, including exposure to blood borne infections such as Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infection from sharps injuries and contact with body fluids. Compliance on the part of Healthcare workers (HCWs) with standard precautions has been recognized as being an efficient means to prevent and control healthcare associated infections.Objective: To assess knowledge, awareness and compliance of universal precautions among health workers in north eastern Nigeria.Method: This is a crossectional study conducted between March and August 2010. A 32-item self-administered questionnaire and observational checklist were used to obtain information from the health workers. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17 and the level of significant was at p-value of <0.05Results: Less than one-fifth (13%) of the respondents have adequate knowledge of universal precautions with females (67.8%) better than the males (32.2%) (p<0.05). Nurses (85.7%), midwifes (80.2%) and community health officers (69.8%) were very knowledgeable of universal precautions compared with other studied health workers. Those with ten years and above working experience had a high level of awareness of universal precautions than those with below five years (p<0.05). Compliance with the use of sterile gloves, handling and disposal of needles and other sharp objects was higher than the knowledge of these procedures recorded (p<0.05) especially among those with experience of ten years and above.






Anita Devi K et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Early introduction of problem-based learning into the integrated curriculum of a newly established medical school in MalaysiaAnita Devi K., Pathak R., Chai JW, Noor H., Rohaini M., Samiah Yasmin A. K. and Atiya A. S. SEGi University, Malaysia

Introduction: Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered instructional strategy in which students collaboratively solve problems and reflect on their experiences. At our newly established medical school’s Faculty of Medicine, PBL was introduced from the beginning of the medical programme with the aim of early introduction of clinical scenarios to foster critical thinking and group work.Methods: The students experienced four PBL cases, and each case consisted of two sessions. The students were assessed (by the facilitator) during each session as part of the formative assessment. At the end of each block, Problem- Based Questions (PBQs) were used as part of the Modified Essay Question (MEQ) paper. Student performance was analyzed based on (a) mean performance in PBL sessions during each block (as part of the continuous assessment), (b) PBQ marks (as part of end of block assessment), (c) student’s feedback (using questionnaire).Results and Discussion: A comparative study of the performance in PBL sessions versus other formative assessment sessions showed a relatively better score in the PBL assessment. The End of Block examinations also reflected a better performance by the students in the PBQs as against the non-PBQ section. The questionnaire based analysis showed that the students favored the PBL mode of learning. Though they appreciated and enjoyed the sessions, the students felt that lectures are equally or more important in disseminating basic sciences topics.






Mohamed El-Helaly et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Pre-employment screening of TB among healthcare workers using Tuberculin skin test and QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, in a tertiary hospital in Saudi ArabiaMohamed El-Helaly1, 2, Waseem Khan2, Aiman El-Saed1, 2 and Hanan H. Balkhy2 1Mansoura College of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt2Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Saudi Arabia

Objective: To assess the agreement between Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold test (QFT-G), as pre-employment screening tests for TB infection among health care workers. Also, to investigate the effect of age, gender, job title, place of birth and work duration in healthcare on both TST and QFT-G positive results. Methods: A retrospective cross-section study was conducted at May 2011 on 1412 HCWs who have been screened for TB during the period from August 2009 to March 2011 at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. All studied population had been screened for TB using both TST and QFT-G simultaneously. Agreement between the tests had been quantified using the Kappa coefficient. Results: Comparing the results of QFT-G directly to TST, QFT-G showed an overall agreement of 73.7% (1040/1412; k = 0.33; P < 0.01). Negative concordance comprised 60.1 %, positive concordance comprised 13.5% however, +ve TST/-ve QFT comprised 16.3% and -ve TST/+ve QFT comprised only 10.1 % of the study population. TST positive results were associated with older age however non TST or QFT positive results were associated with gender, job title, place of birth, or work duration in healthcare. Conclusion: Our study showed 73.7% overall agreement between TST and QFT-G results among healthcare workers during pre-employment screening for TB. Further studies are required to confirm our results, however we suggest using QFT-G for TB screening in healthcare workers population with high prevalence of BCG vaccination.

BiographyMohamed El-Helaly is an Assistant Prof. of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health at Mansoura College of Medicine, Mansoura Univ., Egypt. Currently, he is the Director of the Environmental Health & Occupational Safety at the National Guard Health Affair- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Dr. El-Helaly worked as occupational health consultant for many local and international companies including Saudi ARAMCO; setting and implementing occupational health and safety programs for those companies. He has about 13 years experience in teaching Occupational Medicine for medical and nursing under and postgraduate students. Dr. El-Helaly has published numerous articles both local and international and his research interests include HCWs OH&S, Agriculture Health, Occupational reproductive health, Occupational Toxicology, Occupational liver disorders and EMF exposure. He is a active participant and speaker in different local and international conferences in the field of Occupational Health and Safety.

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Mbirimtengerenji N. D et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Factors that influence anti-retroviral therapy adherence among women in Lilongwe urban health centres, MalawiMbirimtengerenji N. D1, Getrude Jere1, S. Lengu2 and Maluwa A2 1Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi2University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing, Malawi

Introduction: Sub-Saharan Africa remains most severely affected, with nearly 1 in every 20 adults (4.9%) living with HIV and this is accounting for 69% of the people worldwide. Although the regional prevalence of HIV infection is nearly 25 times higher in sub-Saharan Africa than in Asia, almost 5 million people are living with HIV in South, South-East and East Asia combined. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find out the factors that influence anti-retroviral therapy adherence among women in Lilongwe Urban, Malawi. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to study multi sites using quantitative methods. The sites were ART clinics at Area 18 health centre, and Area 25 health centre. A questionnaire was used to a convenient sample of 118 HIV positive women. Quantitative data from close-ended questions were coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 16. Logistic regression model was used to execute the potential covariates. Findings: ART adherence among women is influenced by knowledge levels on: perceived importance and consequences for not adhering to ART; Short waiting time; good relationships with the next of kin and service providers; trust and effective coping mechanisms to stressful events. Source of information was highly associated with adherence in the logistic regression OR≤2.89, CI (1.66 ± 5.38), p (0.039). Moreover, Short waiting time of the women at the hospital during the ARV refill period is highly associated with ART adherence level OR≤4.11, CI (2.05 ± 6.12), p (0.021). On the other hand, factors that contribute to non-adherence are reduced knowledge level p-0.002; Side effects of ART; bad relationships with service providers and relationship with the next of kin as well as occupation of the clients (women). Conclusion: Despite stressful events to HIV positive living women, this study revealed that the majority of these participants would continue taking ART if the factors are very minimal. Encouraging the women who stop taking ART particularly in urban health centres due to such factors like religious beliefs that God is superior and will heal them would influence the ART survival rate in Malawi.

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Jon Agley et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Exploring medical residents’ likelihood to perform screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) behaviours 30 days after a face-to-face SBIRT trainingJon Agley1, Ruth A. Gassman1, David Crabb2, Dean Babcock3, Joseph Bartholomew4, Lisa Sessions3, Cynthia Wilson2 and Julie Vannerson2

1Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana Prevention Resource Center, School of Public Health, USA2Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA3Midtown Community Mental Health Center, USA4Wishard/Eskenazi Health Services, USA

Introduction: Approximately 131.3 million Americans were current alcohol users in 2010, and an estimated 17.9 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder, 89% of whom are unaware of their condition. As part of the integration of medical primary care and behavioural health services, screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) services for alcohol and other drugs have been recommended for integration within community health centres, hospitals, and other venues of primary care. SBIRT and Motivational Interviewing (MI), a conversational intervention delivery technique, are highly efficacious means of reducing alcohol consumption and at risk drinking, providing cost-effective treatment, and improving general mental health.Background: Since 2003, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has provided funding to 17 medical residency programs in the United States to train medical residents in SBIRT/MI techniques. This study uses data from the Indiana University School of Medicine’s SBIRT in Medical Residency program to examine the factors associated with decreases in self-reported intentions to perform desired SBIRT behaviours 30 days following a face-to-face SBIRT/MI training.Main findings: The most significant finding in this study is that non-white physicians are more likely than white physicians to report a lower likelihood of performing desired SBIRT behaviours 30 days following a face-to-face training relative to baseline data collected at the time of training. Context for the findings: Our findings may suggest that current mechanisms of SBIRT/MI training do not sufficiently attend to non-white physicians’ normative perceptions of preventive techniques, such as screening tools, in primary care. Recommendations for modifications of SBIRT/MI training sessions are provided, and directions for further study are proposed.






M. Athar Ansari et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

An evaluation of health education intervention on hygienic status of food handlers in Aligarh- A three year experienceM. Athar Ansari and Z. KhanDepartment of Community Medicine, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Background: Eating establishments provide food on a large scale and are important from the point of view of epidemiology of food borne diseases in the community. They have been identified as an important source for contamination of food and food borne disease outbreaks. Eating at these places significantly increases the risk of diarrhea among consumers.Objectives: The present study was carried out with the following objectives:

1. To find out the socio-demographic characteristics of food handlers working in eating establishments.2. To assess the impact of health education intervention on hygienic status of food handlers.

Methods: The present longitudinal study was carried out by interview method during academic session from 2008-2009 to 2010-11 (3 Years) among 701 food handlers including cooks, helpers and waiters/ bearers employed by 18 kitchens establishments. IEC material and power point presentation was used for imparting health education. Data was collected, tabulated and analyzed statistically using appropriate tests of significance.Results: Majority of food handlers (36.8%) belonged to age group of 18-30 years followed by 31 to 40 years (30.8%). There were 95.6% male workers and only 4.4% female worker, employed mainly in girl’s hostel. Majority of workers were illiterate (41.1%). Apron and caps were not used by most of them (84.5%) but the dresses were clean. Hands and nails were clean in large number of participants (69.9%). 59.8% workers were not addicted to any type of tobacco. On an arbitrary scale of hygiene, general conditions were satisfactory in 63.7% food handlers. Overall hygiene status of the food handlers improved during the three years (2009 to 2011).Conclusion: There was marked improvement among food handler’s knowledge, attitude and practice towards personal hygiene. Certain steps should be taken to improve the status of food hygiene in food service establishments like banning smoking and the use of all tobacco products during food handling. Strict periodical examination for early identification of morbid conditions should be carried out.






Osungbade KO et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Preventive treatments of tropical infections and associated anaemia in children: Review of effectiveness and implications for strengthening child and community health services in developing countries Osungbade KO1 and Oladunjoye AO2

1Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine and University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Nigeria2Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Nigeria

Objectives: We reviewed studies conducted on patho-physiology, burden and effectiveness of preventive treatments of tropical infections and associated anaemia in children in developing countries. Interventions required to strengthen child and community health services aimed at complimenting preventive treatments and alleviating the burden of the diseases were suggested.Methods: Literature from Pubmed (MEDLINE), AJOL, Google Scholar and Cochrane database were reviewed.Results: Evidence abounds on the effectiveness of preventive treatments of tropical infections and associated anaemia in children living in developing countries. Yet, the infections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the age group. Effectiveness of preventive treatments can be complemented by individual, household and community actions aimed at interrupting disease transmission.Conclusion: Gains of preventive treatments of tropical infections and associated anaemia in children can be consolidated by strengthening child and community health services in developing countries.






Sandheep Sugathan et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Knowledge about HIV/AIDS among premedical students in Misurata, Libya and the effectiveness of a health education intervention Sandheep Sugathan1 and Libya Mohammed Swaysi2 1University Kuala Lumpur-Royal College of Medicine Perak, Malaysia2Misurata University, Libya

Introduction: Even though anti-retroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS can slow down the course of the disease, there is no known cure or vaccine. Preventing the infection is the key aim in controlling the AIDS pandemic. A health education intervention was conducted among pre medical students in Misurata to improve their knowledge about HIV/ AIDS and the effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated. Objectives of study: To assess the knowledge of premedical students about HIV/AIDS and to evaluate the effectiveness of a health education intervention. Method of study: An awareness study, followed by a health education intervention on HIV/AIDS was done among 160 premedical students of Misurata, Libya for a period of 4 months. Assessment of baseline knowledge was followed by a health education intervention. Effectiveness of intervention was evaluated and improvement in post test knowledge was analyzed using t-test. Results: Knowledge about the cause of AIDS, incubation period, ability of disease to make its patient exposed to other infections, absence of complete cure and the presence of preventive methods were excellent and knowledge about the ability to cause cancers, absence of an effective vaccine and 100% fatality were good on pretest evaluation. Knowledge about the modes of transmission of disease and the ways by which AIDS cannot be transmitted were poor on pre-test evaluation. Knowledge about all aspects was excellent on post-test evaluation. Difference between pre and post test mean scores was found to be highly significant. Conclusions: The health education intervention was effective.






Mohsen Vigeh et al., J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Early pregnancy trace metal exposure may affect the red blood cells concentrations Mohsen Vigeh1, 2, Kazuhito Yokoyama2, Takehisa Matsukawa2, Atsuko Shinohara3 and Katsumi Ohtani11Hazard assessment and Epidemiology Research Group, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan 2Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Japan 3Research Institute for Cultural Studies, Seisen University, Japan

Introduction: Human body needs some of essential metal for synthesis and functioning of red blood cells (RBC). However, RBC is the main target for many toxic metals which may lead to anemia. After sharply decreasing in many toxic metal exposures during the past decades, it is essential to study these elements effect, at low-levels, on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: To investigate the concentration of metals in pregnant women, we have conducted a longitudinal study from early pregnancy to the delivery. Pregnant women (n=364) who referred to hospitals for prenatal care at the first trimester of pregnancy were asked to participate in the survey. Maternal whole blood samples, one for each pregnancy trimesters (i.e., 3 times), and the umbilical cord blood samples, at the time of delivery, were collected and subjected to ICP-MS analysis for measurement of metal concentrations. Results: The first trimester blood concentration of arsenic was significantly correlated with RBC counts in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy (r= 0.312, 0.424, and 0.183, respectively; p<0.05). Inversely, maternal blood level of molybdenum in the first trimester of pregnancy was significantly correlated with decrease in RBC counts in the first, second, and third trimesters (r= -0.182, -0.149, and -0.193, respectively; p<0.05). The study failed to find significant correlation between blood lead and anemia in all trimesters at mean level of <5μg/dL.Conclusions: The results of present study show that the first trimester of pregnancy blood arsenic may reduce and molybdenum may induce the risk of anemia.

BiographyMohsen Vigeh obtained Ph.D. degree in Social Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Japan, and completed medical doctorate course in Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University, Iran. He had been working for Tehran University of Medical Sciences for several years and currently is scientific staff of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan. He has collaboration with several local and overseas universities/institute and dose peer review of some journals. Dr. Vigeh's research interest is ‘reproductive toxicology’ and ‘urban air pollution’.

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M. Hemalatha, J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Knowledge based system for the diagnosis of MRI images of all parts of the human bodyM. HemalathaKarpagam University, India

In medical diagnosis, Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) plays a momentous role. The appropriate name for this study is nuclear magnetic resonance image (NMRI) changed to simply MRI due to the feeling of too negative of the word “nuclear”. MRI is based

on the physical and chemical principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a technique used to gain information about the nature of molecules. Retrieving a high quality MR Image for a medical diagnosis is critical, because it injures human more if we pass high level magnetic resonance sound to take the image. So de-noising of magnetic resonance (MR) images and interpreting it into human understandable form is a challenging issue. This research work presents an efficient Hybrid Abnormal part Detection Algorithm (HADA) to detect the abnormal parts in the magnetic resonance images of any part of a human body including brain, kidney, spinal card, etc. The proposed technique includes of five stages like Noise reduction, Smoothing, Feature extraction, Feature reduction and Classification. The proposed algorithm has been implemented and the Classification accuracy of 98.80% has been achieved. The system developed using the proposed algorithm will be good computer aided diagnosis and decision making system in healthcare.

BiographyM. Hemalatha completed M.Sc., M.C.A., M. Phil., Ph.D. (Ph.D., Mother Teresa women's University, Kodaikanal). She is a Professor and Head, guiding Ph.D. Scholars in Department of Computer Science at Karpagam University, Coimbatore. Twelve years of experience in teaching and published more than hundred papers in International Journals and also presented more than eighty papers in various national and international conferences. Area of research is Data Mining, Software Engineering, Bioinformatics and Neural Network. She is a Reviewer in several National and International Journals.She also visited countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.

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Sudha Sellappa, J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Oxidative damage in Automobile repair garage workers occupationally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonsSudha SellappaDepartment of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Karpagam University, India

Background: Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been reported in automobile repair garages. Occupational and environmental exposures mostly represent mixtures of genotoxic agents, whereas the specificity of biomarker measurements varies widely and a higher risk for DNA damage/oxidative damage was found in PAHs exposed groups.Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the urinary excretion 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), a biological exposure marker. Furthermore we aimed to evaluate the association between 1-OHP and oxidative/DNA damage among automobile repair garage workers. Methods: The study population comprised of 136 occupationally exposed automobile repair garage workers and 74 unexposed controls. All the study participants were males. Both the exposed and control individuals were selected from automobile garages located in and around Coimbatore city, south India. Venous blood and spot urine samples were collected from workers and controls using standard procedures. Internal exposure to PAHs was assessed by measurement of 1-OHP in urine samples. Lipid peroxidation was measured as plasma MDA levels and the intensity of DNA damage was determined by comet and micronucleus assay.Results: A higher concentration of 1-OHP was found in the exposed group relative to the control group (p<0.05). A positive correlation was identified between the DNA damage and MDA levels in all exposed groups. Frequencies of DNA damage in automobile workers were significantly higher than those in controls (p<0.05) and also significantly related to smoking habit (p<0.05).Conclusion: This study indicates that high 1-OHP levels are associated with PAHs exposure in automobile workers, which has been associated with the increased oxidative damage. Moreover, smoking habit represents an additional risk factor to PAHs exposure among workers, co-exposure to the habit of smoking should be considered seriously in future and it may be aetiologically related to increased risk of cancer.Keywords: Automobile workers; PAH; Plasma MDA; DNA damage; Micronucleus test

BiographySudha Sellappa, a doctorate in Zoology did doctoral research at Bharathiar University, India. Her research is in the area of occupational health and toxicity. Specifically, the research in her group involves: (i) Biomonitoring of human genotoxicity induced by diverse occupational exposures and (ii) Evaluation of DNA damage in the buccal mucosa of tobacco chewers. She has authored more than 50 refereed journal publications. In recognition of her excellence and dedication in teaching and mentoring, she received the P K Das Memorial Best Faculty Award in 2011 and the Tamilnadu Young Woman Scientist Award in 2013. Currently she teaches Environmental Biotechnology. Her core research is in occupational genotoxicity.

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Himani Tiwari, J Community Med Health Educ 2013, 3:4http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.S1.016

Teratogenecity and embryotoxicity of sludge from textile industries at Pali (India) in Swiss albino mice exposed during organogenetic periodHimani TiwariIndian Institute of Health Management Research, India

Dyeing and printing of textile, being a traditional industry of Rajasthan, India possesses a heavy demand in the country and even outside due to which a good number of textile industries have come up in the area and employs a great number of workers that

may possibly be exposed to toxic compounds. Pali district comprises of over 800 textile units engaged in printing and dying of the cloth which discharges approximately 34 million litres untreated effluent per day (mld) into the Bandi river. The present investigation was carried out to assess the teratological effects of in-utero exposure of sludge leachate from textile and dyeing industries located in Pali, Rajasthan. Sludge was collected at the combined effluent treatment plant (CETP). Two groups of 10 pregnant Swiss albino mice each, were given sludge leachate of 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions with water ad libitum from 6th day to 15th day of gestation covering the critical period of organogenesis. Cesarean sections were performed on day 18 of gestation and all foetuses were examined for reproductive and teratological tests. Sludge induced maternal toxicity was evidenced by significant increase in leachate consumption, reduction in body weight gain and reduction in fur of the body. Developmental toxicity was evidenced by a significant decrease in foetal weight per litter, increase in the number of resorptions and an increase in total number of foetuses showing bone retardation and skeletal variations (specially of skull, sternebrae and vertebrae). The leachate of the sludge that is being dumped in the open areas of the town Pali seems to elicit teratogenic as well as embryotoxic potential as indicated by the findings of the present investigation.Keywords: Teratology; Sludge; Foetus; Embryotoxicity

BiographyDr. Himani Tiwari has completed her Ph.D. at the age of 25 years from Rajasthan University and guided 7 students for Mphil course from Madurai Kamraj University. She completed her MBA in 2008.She has teaching experience of 12 years(10 teaching and 2 research), she has been awarded National gold Medal from Academy of Environmental Biology BRPM, the youngest Scientist award for the year 2002, received another National award from Academy of innovative research in Principal Investigator in DST student project entitled “Assessment of teratogenecity and embryotoxicity of sludge from Sanganer tie-die industries, in Swiss Albino mice” in 2009, Published 2 papers and 7 abstracts in reputed journals and serving as an water and Sanitation Specialist in Health of Urban Poor Project aided by USAID.

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Occupational Health-2013 - OMICS International

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