Psychosocial stress, demoralization and the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and medical drugs by veterinarians

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In this cross-sectional study the association between psychosocial stress, demoralization and the consumption of psychotropic substances in veterinarians was examined using data from a sample of 1,060 subjects (52.7% response).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine risk factors for psychosocial stress, demoralization, tobacco consumption (≹ 10 items/day), high-risk alcohol consumption (men > 20 g pure alcohol/day, women > 10 g pure alcohol/day), binge drinking, problem drinking according to CAGE and regular medical drug intake (at least weekly).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Intense psychosocial stress is a risk factor for binge drinking and for regular drug use. High demoralization values are associated with tobacco consumption, problem drinking and regular drug intake. The probability of a high demoralization value increased with intense psychosocial stress.</p> <p>Practicing veterinarians are more frequently affected by psychosocial stress and have a greater risk of alcohol or drug consumption than veterinarians working in a non-clinical area of work (e.g. Department of Veterinary Services, Industry).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The findings support the hypothesis of complex interrelationships between psychosocial stress, demoralization and the consumption of psychotropic substances in the veterinary profession and underscore the need of further research.</p

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among health care workers in a hospital for pulmonary diseases

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Little is known about the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infections (LTBI) in health care workers (HCW) in low-incidence countries especially in hospitals for pulmonary diseases. With Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA), a new method for diagnosis of LTBI is available which is more specific than the tuberculin skin test (TST).</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>The study was designed to estimate prevalence of LTBI among 270 HCW in a Hospital of Pulmonary Diseases routinely screened for TB.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>LTBI was assessed by the QuantiFERON-Gold In Tube (QFT-IT). Information on gender, age, workplace, job title, BCG vaccination and history of both TB and TST were collected using a standardised questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios for potential risk factors for LTBI were calculated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of LTBI was 7.2%. In HCW younger than 30 years LTBI prevalence was 3.5% and in those older than 50 years 22%. Physicians and nurses showed a higher prevalence rate than other professions (10.8% to 4.5%). The putative risk factors for LTBI were age (>50 year OR 9.3, 95%CI 2.5–33.7), working as physicians/nurses (OR 3. 95%CI 1.2–10.4) and no previous TST in medical history (OR 4.4, 95%CI 1.01–18.9) when compared to those with a negative TST.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Prevalence of LTBI assessed by QFT-IT is low, this indicates a low infection risk even in hospitals for pulmonary diseases. No statement can be made regarding the occupational risk as compared to the general population because there are no LTBI prevalence data from Germany available. The higher LTBI prevalence rate in older HCWs might be due to the cohort effect or the longer time at risk.</p

The occupational risk of Helicobacter pylori infection among gastroenterologists and their assistants

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Helicobacter pylori </it>is a widely spread bacterium that mainly inhabits the gastric mucosa and can lead to serious illnesses such as peptic ulcer disease, gastric carcinoma and gastric MALT lymphoma. The oral-oral route seems to be the main transmission route. The fact that endoscopes are contaminated after being used to perform a gastroscopy leads one to question whether gastroenterologists and endoscopy nurses and assistants run a higher risk of infection.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A systematic search for literature was conducted in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and further publications were found in reference lists of relevant articles. Epidemiological studies on the occupational exposure of endoscopy personnel were collected and their quality was assessed. Pooled effect estimates were identified in a meta-analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 24 studies included in the analysis, 15 were considered to be methodologically good. Of these 15 studies, eight single studies showed a statistically significant increased risk of infection for gastroenterologists, and five for their assistants. Meta-analysis across all methodologically good studies found a statistically significant risk of 1.6 (95%CI 1.3-2.0) for doctors. The pooled effect estimates also indicated a statistically significant risk of <it>Helicobacter pylori </it>infection (RR 1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.8) for assistants too.</p> <p>When studies are stratified by medical and non-medical control groups, statistically significant risks can only be recognised in the comparison with non-medical controls.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In summary, our results demonstrated an increased risk of <it>Helicobacter pylori </it>infection among gastroenterological personnel. However, the choice of control group is important for making a valid assessment of occupational exposure risks.</p

Fertility disorders and pregnancy complications in hairdressers - a systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hairdressers often come into contact with various chemical substances which can be found in hair care products for washing, dyeing, bleaching, styling, spraying and perming. This exposure can impair health and may be present as skin and respiratory diseases. Effects on reproduction have long been discussed in the literature.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>A systematic review has been prepared in which publications from 1990 to 2010 were considered in order to specifically investigate the effects on fertility and pregnancy. The results of the studies were summarised separately in accordance with the type of study and the examined events.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 2 reviews and 26 original studies on fertility disorders and pregnancy complications in hairdressers were found in the relevant databases, as well as through hand searches of reference lists. Nineteen different outcomes concerning fertility and pregnancy are analysed in the 26 original studies. Most studies looked into malformation (n = 7), particularly orofacial cleft. Two of them found statistically significant increased risks compared to five that did not. Small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW) and spontaneous abortions were frequently investigated but found different results. Taken together the studies are inconsistent, so that no clear statements on an association between the exposure as a hairdresser and the effect on reproduction are possible. The different authors describe increased risks of infertility, congenital malformations, SGA, LBW, cancer in childhood, as well as effects from single substances.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>On the basis of the identified epidemiological studies, fertility disorders and pregnancy complications in hairdressers cannot be excluded. Although the evidence for these risks is low, further studies on reproductive risks in hairdressers should be performed as there is a high public health interest.</p

Serial testing with an interferon-γ release assay in German healthcare workers

Aim: Data concerning conversion and reversion rates in the serial testing of healthcare workers (HCWs) is rare. So far, there is no consensus on how to define and interpret interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) conversions and reversions, or how to deal with such results. We analysed conversion and reversion rates in the serial testing of HCWs using an IGRA

Psychosoziale Belastung und der Konsum von psychotropen Substanzen bei Veterinärmedizinern : eine empirische Untersuchung

Aus der internationalen Fachliteratur bestätigt sich, dass Veterinärmediziner vermehrt Stress erleben. Weiterhin ist bekannt, dass Stress und Belastungen Risikofaktoren für den Konsum von psychotropen Substanzen und für psychische Befindlichkeitsstörungen darstellen können. Dieser Zusammenhang wurde hinsichtlich der Zielgruppe der Veterinärmediziner bisher jedoch nicht untersucht. Aufgrund dessen soll anhand der vorliegenden Studie geprüft werden, welche Faktoren Belastungen auslösen. Darüber hinaus wird untersucht, ob Zusammenhänge zwischen der Belastung, der psychischen Befindlichkeit und dem Konsum von psychotropen Substanzen bestehen. Die Ergebnisse sollen dazu dienen, zielgerichtete gesundheitsfördernde Maßnahmen und präventive Programme zu entwickeln. Die vorliegende Untersuchung wurde in Form einer Querschnittsstudie durchge-führt. Zur Datenerhebung wurde 2012 Tierärzten, die bei der Bundestier-ärztekammer in Hamburg, Bremen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern und Schleswig-Holstein gemeldet sind, ein schriftlicher Fragebogen zugesendet. Der Fragebogen erfasste neben den soziodemographischen Merkmalen Informationen über die berufliche Situation, die psychosoziale Belastung, die Demoralisierung und über den Konsum von Nikotin, Alkohol und Medikamenten.The international scientific literature confirms that veterinary physicians are suffering from increasing stress. It is also known that stress can be a risk factor for the consumption of psychotropic substances. This correlation has not yet been investigated for veterinary physicians. The present study is therefore intended to study which factors trigger stress and whether these influence the consumption of psychotropic drugs. The results of this study should help in the development of specific health measures and preventive programmes. The present investigation was performed as a cross-sectional study. Data was collected by sending a written questionnaire to 2012 veterinary physicians registered at the Federal Veterinary Physicians Council in Hamburg, Bremen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern und Schleswig-Holstein. This questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, the professional situation, psychosocial stress, demoralisation and consumption of nicotine, alcohol and drugs