Neurobehavioral test performances in lead exposed in lead exposed workers, 1996

Neurobehavioral test has been used extensively and successfully in many countries to determine neurotoxic effects of various compounds. To determine neurotoxic effects of lead, a cross sectional studies was conducted on 141 male workers from two local battery manufacturing factories using' Neurobehavioral Core Test Batteries' ( NCTB) from' World Health Organisation'. These NCTB consist of several tests which can highlight various neuropsychological functions and a list of questionnaire for subjective symptoms. The workers, were divided into two groups based on their blood lead levels ( PbB ), the first group for those with PbB 40 µg/dl with mean PbB 53.10 ± 11.13. Student t-test has shown significant different between the two groups in neurobehavioral test performance such as Digit Symbol ( p= 0.02 ), Digit Backward ( p=0.01 ), Santa Ana preferred hand ( p=0.04 ), Santa Ana both hands ( p=0.02 ), Aiming Pursuit Test ( p=0.0002) and Trail B ( p= 0.0004 ). Workers from the second group also reported higher subjective symptoms of weakness in lower limbs and anorexia. Factors which have influenced on PbB were jobs category ( p=0.0001 ), work duration (p=0.04 ), chemical exposure ( p= 0.04 ), previous lead exposure ( p= 0.01 ) and usage of personal protective device ( p= 0.04 ). Significant correlation was found between PbB and neurobehavioral test performance such as Digit Symbol ( r= -0.04348 ), Digit Forward ( r= -0.2107 ), Digit Backward ( r= - 0.0003 ), Aiming Pursuit Test .( r= -0.2476 ) and Trail B ( r='0.3040 ). Regression analysis has shown reduction in cognitive and concentration functions with PbB level less that 30 µg/dl and maximum lead effect at Digit Symbol's score of 40. This study has shown that lead has led to impairment of cognitive, concentration, memory and motor steadiness functions and has proven the ability of neurobehavioral test in detecting lead toxicity at low levels

Psychometric properties of the Malay-translated general practice physical activity questionnaire among shipyard workers

Background: The General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ) is a validated and reliable screening tool to measure the level of physical activity in adults. However, it has never been translated and validated in Malaysian population. This study aimed to translate the GPPAQ into Malay language and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Malay-translated GPPAQ among shipyard workers. Methods: The original English version of GPPAQ was translated forward and backward into Malay version by experts. The final version of the Malay-translated GPPAQ was then tested for validity and reliability. A cross-sectional study design was performed and systematic random sampling was used to select respondents. Construct validity and internal consistency of the Malay-translated version were tested using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha respectively. Results: Sixty-two male shipyard workers participated in this study. The GPPAQ showed good factor loading values for all items (0.608-0.834). The exploratory principal component factor analysis delineates all seven items into two factors with variance of 41.65%. The Cronbach's alpha value was good with 0.81, 0.84 and 0.76 for total scale, factor 1 and factor 2 respectively. Conclusion: The Malay-translated version of GPPAQ has high psychometric properties. Therefore, it is a valid instrument to assess physical activity among Malaysian working population, particularly in male shipyard workers

Occupational stress among white collar employees in Esfahan Steel Company, Iran

Occupational stress is one of the major health hazards among blue and white-collar workers. However there is no data on occupational stress among white-collar workers in Iran. Aim of this study was to investigate occupational stress among white collar employees in Esfahan Steel Company organization (ESCO), Iran. A cross- sectional survey was conducted through face to face interview using validated standardized questionnaire on occupational stress among 200 white-collar workers from ESCO who agreed to participate in the study, the response rate of participation was 100. The logistic regression test was used to determine significant associated factors of occupational stress among the study sample.. It is found that among the six items measuring source of stress, the highest source of stress related to economic problem, 117 (59.7). The statistical analysis showed sources of stress such as task type (p=0.0001), economic problem (p=0.0001), work environment (p=0.0001) and children problem (p=0.05) were significantly associated with having stress among the workers. We found that around half of the white collar workers were under stress at ESCO. Main sources of the occupational stress of white colour workers related to their work environment, economic problem; task type, and related their children

Interview Protocol Refinement: Fine-Tuning Qualitative Research Interview Questions for Multi-Racial Populations in Malaysia

A reliable interview protocol is the key to obtain good quality interview data. However, developing a valid interview protocol is not a simple task, especially for beginner-level researchers. Extensive understanding of the research topic is no guarantee to quality interview findings because many other factors may affect the interview process. In our study among injured workers in Malaysia, researchers face additional challenge of interviewing multi-ethnic and multi-cultural study population. Most of them are also from lower socioeconomic status and education level. The objective of this study is to refine the pre-constructed interview protocol to address these challenges for valid data collection. The protocol must be easily understood and cover all research objectives to gain insights of the worker’s return to work experience. This article demonstrated the use of the 4-step Interview Protocol Refinement (IPR) Framework on the interview questionnaire. The steps were (1) ensuring alignment between interview questions and research questions, (2) constructing an inquiry-based conversation, (3) receiving feedback on interview protocols and (4) pilot testing of the interview questions. The IPR framework is an effective tool for improving the interview protocol reliability and validity. The refinement processes corrected some shortcoming in the pre-refined questionnaires and the pilot testing ensured that the refined questions were understood by the respondent and able to obtain the intended answers based on the research objectives. Research quality can be further enhanced by applying additional strategies during the stages of research tools validation and data analysis

Effect of noise and pesticide exposures among foggers in Selangor health district offices

Fogging activity has become one of the important methods in tackling dengue outbreaks nowadays. Despite this, it is an occupation that has known hazards namely noise and pesticides which can affect the body organs. Based on this knowledge, a cross sectional study was conducted to determine the association between hearing impairment and serum cholinesterase level among foggers from five randomly selected Health District Offices in Selangor. A total of 200 workers comprising of 100 workers exposed to fogging activity and another 100 workers not exposed were randomly selected for this study. Data was obtained through self administered questionnaire, audiometric testing and serum cholinesterase level measurement. The overall prevalence of hearing impairment was 16% with foggers having significant higher prevalence (24%) compared to the non foggers (8%) (χ2=9.52, p=0.002). Measurement of serum cholinesterase showed that exposed workers had lower level compared to the non exposed group. Similarly, those who have hearing impairment had also lower serum cholinesterase level although it was not statistically different. Among all studied factors, age and duration of exposure to fogging activities were statistically different with hearing impairment (p<0.05). With regression analysis, the age (adjusted OR=5.15; 95% CI: 1.06–5.77) and duration of exposure (adjusted OR= 2.47; 95% CI: 2.01-13.24) were found to have consistent association with hearing impairment. It was concluded that the hearing impairment among foggers were prevalent. Therefore steps in conducting hearing conservation program need to be done adequately to ensure the health of the workers is not compromised by such activities

Development of smart fruit basket for pineapple harvesting

Introduction: Pineapple harvesting work contributes to the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and ergonomic risks. Pineapples are harvested manually in some parts of Malaysia using rattan baskets and workers are exposed to excessive bending, pain and discomfort. This intervention study developed and tested a prototype of an ergonomic harvesting basket to potentially reduce discomfort and physiological workload during a simulation of harvesting activity. Methods: The development and testing of improved harvesting basket was performed in laboratory and workshop. The improved basket had adjustable cushion straps, foam back pad and an opening for unloading of fruits. Harvesting was simulated using improved and existing basket by human subjects and questionnaires were used to assess discomfort. Physiological workload was assessed by heart rate and energy expenditure. Results: A total of 12 male respondents with average age of 22.4 (2.2) years participated in harvesting simulation. Discomfort as measured in Likert scale (mean (standard deviation) for improved basket 4.13 (6.1) vs existing basket 12.26 (11.2); p<0.05) was significantly reduced. Average heart rate (94.13 beats/min vs 89.05 beats/min) and energy expenditure (6 kJ/min vs 5 kJ/min) improved. Conclusion: The use of improved basket was linked to reduction of discomfort and overall workload. Improving design of agricultural manual tools may be able to improve health of workers and prevent MSS. Future fabrication of the improved basket using lightweight materials has potential to be expanded into plantation sectors not limited to pineapples in Malaysia and across Asia

A tale of two construct validation analysis: Rasch model and exploratory factor analysis approach for Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21) among Malaysian male workers

Introduction: This study aims for construct validation using two approaches, i.e., exploratory factor analysis and Rasch Model. Methods: A cross sectional of 313 male workers from multiple worksites had completed self-administered Malay translated version of Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire- R21. Data quality was assessed by misfit person criteria, dimensionality, summary statistic, item measure and rating (partial credit) scale followed by exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability assessment. Results: The dual approaches of construct validation analysis were complement to each other. Rasch analysis supported the theoretical constructs of three eating behaviour dimensions among respondents. In contrary to exploratory factor analysis, it did show presence of a newfound factor (α=0.04) came up from the separation of the cognitive restrain and uncontrolled eating however, the correlation between the two respective sub-factors were fair (r=0.39) and weak (r= −0.08). Both analyses had detected three problematic items but those items were psychometrically fit for used for current study setting. The data had adequate psychometric properties. Cronbach’s alpha for cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating were 0.66, 0.79 and 0.87 respectively. Rating scale quality was conformed to standard criteria. Conclusion: Malay version TFEQ-R21 with promising psychometric properties and valid measures for eating behaviour dimensions among male workers aged between 20 to 60 years old is now available. Further development should focus on the items in relation to Malaysian cultural adaptation before its use for daily practice in future setting

Metal dust exposure and lung function deterioration among steel workers: an exposure-response relationship

Background: Metallic dust is a heterogeneous substance with respiratory sensitizing properties. Its long term exposure adversely affected lung function, thus may cause acute or chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a steel factory in Terengganu, Malaysia to assess the metal dust exposure and its relationship to lung function values among 184 workers. Metal dust concentrations values (Co, Cr, and Ni) for each worker were collected using air personal sampling. Lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC) were determined using spirometer. Results: Exposure to cobalt and chromium were 1–3 times higher than permissible exposure limit (PEL) while nickel was not exceeding the PEL. Cumulative of chromium was the predictor to all lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC). Frequency of using mask was positively associated with FVC (Adj b = 0.263, P = 0.011) while past respiratory illnesses were negatively associated with %FEV1/FVC (Adj b = –1.452, P = 0.026). Only few workers (36.4%) were found to wear their masks all times during the working hours. Conclusions: There was an exposure-response relationship of cumulative metal dust exposure with the deterioration of lung function values. Improvement of control measures as well as proper and efficient use or personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the respiratory health of workers

Respiratory health of male steel workers in the Eastern Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

A cross sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors with respiratory health among male steel workers. A total of 424 male workers in the steel production plant were recruited using a stratified random sampling. Subjects were interviewed regarding respiratory symptoms using a British Medical Research Council (BMRC) Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and were examined their lung function using spirometry. Prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, chest tightness and shortness of breath were 35.8, 32.8, 23.4 and 22.4%, respectively. Age, duration employment and smoking were among the factors associated with respiratory symptoms (p<0.05). Forced Expiratory in 1 sec (FEV1) and %FEV1/FVC of workers were significantly reduced as compared to the healthy population (p<0.05). The effect of cigarette on FEV1 was shown among the current smokers (β = -0.099, p<0.05). Level of dustiness was significantly reduced the FVC (β = -0.047, p<0.05) while duration of work was significantly reduced the %FEV1/FVC (β = -0.214, p<0.01). Lung function test revealed some degree of impairment as compared to healthy population and smoking also had an additive effect on respiratory health, thus required further extensive epidemiological and pathological studies for the health and safety of the steel mill workers

Occupational stressors experienced by police officers during Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak – a systematic literature review

Introduction: Police officers are at high risk for many forms of psychological problems which includes anxiety and depression during COVID-19 outbreak. This review is aimed to identify relevant stress factors faced by police officers during COVID-19. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in Scopus and Web of Science databases. Search terms used includes the following: psychological OR stress OR mental health, and COVID-19 OR coronavirus, and police, OR policing OR law enforcement. Results: All types of articles published in January 2020-October 2020 which were relevant to the subject of the review were identified. The stress factors found relevant can be divided into operational, organizational, and other factors. Risk of infection, lack of knowledge on disease, uncertainty, availability of safety gear, and lack of pre-disaster training are the unique stress factors related to COVID-19. Conclusion: It is crucial to determine pandemic-specific occupational stressors experienced by police officers to enable its mitigation and improve work performance. Recommended risk control may include counseling services to officers affected by COVID-19, improve officers job satisfaction by acknowledging their work, and provide social support to maintain their wellbeing