Wpływ aktywności fizycznej w pracy i życiu codziennym na układ krążenia

Od dawna wiadomo, że aktywność fizyczna ma pozytywny wpływ na zdrowie. Jednąz ważniejszych korzyści, jakie można odnieść z regularnego uczestnictwa w aktywnościfizycznej jest zmniejszenie ryzyka chorób układu sercowo naczyniowego (CVD), a takżezmniejszenie umieralności ogólnej i z przyczyn sercowo-naczyniowych. Nadal jednakprzedmiotem dyskusji jest to, czy wpływ aktywności fizycznej o różnym charakterze i intensywnościjest jednoznacznie pozytywny, czy też może być negatywny. Z przedstawionychw artykule badań epidemiologicznych wynika, że niezaprzeczalny jest negatywnywpływ braku aktywności fizycznej i pozytywny wpływ wysiłku rekreacyjnego. Jednocześniewspółczesne badania wskazują na brak pozytywnego wpływu dużych obciążeń w pracyzawodowej, zwłaszcza tych, w których jest znaczący udział wysiłku statycznego

CIGARETTE SMOKING AMONG ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPULATION

Background: Tobacco smoking is one of the major risk factors for chronic diseases and results in huge economic and social costs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of smoking. Moreover, we evaluated the association between selected socio-economic factors and tobacco smoking among economically active individuals. Material and Methods: The study population covered 2254 economically active men and 1666 women. Data were derived from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). Results: About 37.3% of men and 28.2% of women smoke regularly. Daily smoking was significantly associated with low level of education in men (primary vs. high education OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.9-5.3; p < 0.001; vocational vs. high education: OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-3.0; p < 0.001) and women (primary vs. high education OR = 2.8, CI: 1.4-5.5; p < 0.01; vocational vs. high education: OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-2.9; p < 0.01). Daily smoking was significantly associated with age of women (40-49 years vs. 20-29 years OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.1-2.44; p < 0.01), lack of awareness of health effects of smoking in both genders (men unaware vs. aware: OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.8-4.6; p < 0.01 and women unaware vs. aware: OR = 2,9, 95% CI: 1.5-5.7; p < 0.01). Smoking was associated with lack of complete smoking bans at workplaces of respondents. Conclusions: Comprehensive interventions are needed to reduce the prevalence of smoking among economically active individuals. Med Pr 2013;64(3):359–37

PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTION TO WORK IN COLD MICROCLIMATE

Abstract Objectives: In Poland, occupational exposure to cold microclimate is quite common (5.1 workers/1000 occupationally active people). Reports on health effects of this exposure are rather scarce. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physiological reaction in workers occupationally exposed to cold microclimate. Materials and Methods: Examinations were performed in a group of 102 workers (41 women and 61 men) employed at cold storage units. The mean age in the group was 39.1 ± 9.9 years and the duration of employment under conditions of cold environment was over 12 years. The study population was divided into four groups, according to microclimate conditions (group I, ambient temperature -26°C; group II, 10-14°C; group III, 18-20°C, control group; and group IV, 0-10°C). The workers underwent the following procedures: general medical examinations, cold pressor test, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis (time-and frequency-domain parameters). Results: The results were adjusted for confounding factors (age, smoking and drinking habits). The analysis of HRV parameters did not reveal any significant differences between the study groups. However, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in the daytime and at night was significantly higher in group IV compared to group II. Mean heart rate (HR) in the daytime and at night and the BP and HR day/night ratio did not differ between the groups. The analysis of BP by gender revealed that in women, systolic BP during the day and at night was significantly higher in group IV than in group II. In the group of workers with hypertension (18 men and 5 women), men reacted to the cold pressor test either by increased or decreased BP while all the women reacted by the increased BP. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that in workers exposed to cold microclimate, the physiological reaction was dependent on gender and ambient temperature. Women seemed to be more sensitive to cold stress than men. However, this finding must be further investigated

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases – Prophylactic program in a selected enterprise

Background: In Poland cardiovascular diseases (CVD), classified as work-related diseases, are responsible for 25% of disability and cause 50% of all deaths, including 26.9% of deaths in people aged under 65 years. The aim of the study was to analyze employee expectations regarding CVD- oriented prophylactic activities in the selected enterprise. Material and Methods: A questionnaire, developed for this study, consists of: socio-demographic data, job characteristics, occupational factors, and questions about the respondents’ expectations concerning the prevention program. The study group comprised 407 multi-profile company employees aged (mean) 46.7 years (standard deviation (SD) = 9.1), including 330 men (81.1%), mean age = 46.9 (SD = 9.2) and 77 women (18.9%), mean age = 45.9 (SD = 8.2) The study was performed using the method of auditorium survey. Results: Employees declared the need for actions related to physical activity: use of gym, swimming pool, tennis (56.5%), smoking habits – education sessions on quitting smoking (24.6%). A few people were interested in activities related to healthy diet. According to the majority of the study group, the scope of preventive examinations should be expanded. Based on our own findings and literature data CVD- oriented preventive program, addressed to the analyzed enterprise was prepared. The program will be presented in another paper. Conclusions: The results showed significant quantitative and qualitative differences in the classic and occupational CVD risk factors between men and women, as well as in preferences for participation in prevention programs. Therefore, gender differences should be taken into account when planning prevention programs. Med Pr 2017;68(6):757–76

Physiological cost of wearing protective masks – a narrative review of the literature

Ze względu na kontrowersje związane z koniecznością noszenia masek ochronnych i negatywne odczucia użytkowników podjęto próbę analizy dostępnych badań naukowych na temat fizjologicznych konsekwencji noszenia różnego rodzaju masek. W przeglądzie literatury uwzględniono publikacje dostępne w bazie bibliograficznej PubMed, opisujące dolegliwości i skargi użytkowników masek (m.in. poczucie dyskomfortu, zmęczenie, bóle głowy), zróżnicowane reakcje fizjologiczne zależne od rodzaju maski (maski chirurgiczne, z wentylem wydechowym, z nawiewem powietrza itp.), a także oddziaływanie składu powietrza, temperatury oraz wilgotności w przestrzeni pod maską. Omówiono wpływ korzystania z maski na zdolność do wysiłku fizycznego (wysiłek maksymalny, umiarkowany) i umysłowego. Przedyskutowano konsekwencje noszenia masek przez osoby w odmiennym stanie fizjologicznym (ciężarne). Wysunięto także propozycje organizacji pracy w celu zminimalizowania negatywnych skutków dla osób noszących maski. Analiza przedstawionych badań wskazuje, że maski – niezależnie od typu – mogą w różnym stopniu nasilać reakcje organizmu, zwiększając koszt fizjologiczny jego funkcjonowania i pogarszając zdolność do wykonywania wysiłku zarówno fizycznego, jak i umysłowego. Ponadto mogą one przyczyniać się m.in. do częstszego występowania bólów głowy, objawów zmęczenia czy subiektywnego poczucia dyskomfortu. Mimo tych niekorzystnych skutków używanie masek jest istotne przy ochronie przed czynnikami szkodliwymi w środowisku pracy i komunalnym, a w okresie panującej obecnie pandemii wirusa SARS-CoV-2 staje się koniecznością. Dyskomfort związany z noszeniem maski można zmniejszyć poprzez stosowanie odpowiednich przerw. Należy podkreślić, że rytm pracy i przerw w noszeniu maski powinien uwzględniać indywidualne ograniczenia pracownika. Med. Pr. 2021;72(5):569–589Due to the controversy related to the necessity to wear protective masks and the negative perceptions of users, an attempt was made to analyze the available scientific research on the physiological consequences of wearing various types of masks. The literature review includes publications available in the PubMed bibliographic database, describing symptoms and complaints of mask users (e.g., the feeling of discomfort, fatigue, headaches), different physiological reactions depending on the type of mask (surgical masks, masks with an exhalation valve, with air flow, etc.) as well as the influence of air composition, temperature and humidity in the space under the mask. The impact of using the mask on the ability to exercise (maximal effort, moderate effort) and mental work was outlined. The consequences of wearing masks by people in a different physiological state (pregnancy) were discussed. Proposals for the organization of work were also presented in order to minimize the negative consequences for people wearing masks. The analysis of the presented studies shows that, regardless of the type of masks worn, they can intensify the body’s reactions to a varying degree, increasing the physiological cost of work and worsening the ability to make both physical and mental effort. In addition, the mask can contribute, among others, to more frequent headaches, symptoms of fatigue or the subjective feeling of discomfort. However, despite these adverse effects, the use of masks is important to protect people against harmful factors in the work and communal environments, and during the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it has become a necessity. The discomfort of wearing a mask can be reduced by taking appropriate breaks. It should be emphasized that the rhythm of work and breaks in wearing the mask should take into account the individual limitations of the employee. Med Pr. 2021;72(5):569–8

Predictors of short- and long-term sickness absence in female post office workers in Poland

Background: The aim of this study was to highlight major predictors of the frequency of sickness absence in a group of workers directly involved in customer service. Material and Methods: The study was carried out on a random sample of 229 women employed as assistants and clerks in post offices. The survey was based on the Subjective Work, Health Status and Life Style Characteristics Questionnaire, and sickness absence data for the years 2004–2006. Results: The negative binominal regression model of sickness absence risk revealed the following significant predictors of short-term absence spells (1–29 days): 1) marital status, sickness absence risk for single women was (rate ratio (RR)) = 1.56 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–2.39) vs. married women; 2) post offices employing 7 workers had a rate ratio of sickness absence of 1.6 (95% CI: 1.04–2.42); 13–25 workers – RR = 2.03 (95% CI: 1.41–2.93); > 25 workers – RR = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.15–2.88) compared with an average number of 8–12 workers; 3) shift work, RR = 1.57 (95% CI: 1.14–2.14); 4) breaks from work – the risk of absence in the case of any breaks amounted to RR = 1.5 (95% CI: 1.07–2.07) in comparison with the statutory breaks; 5) self-rated health reported as moderate relative to good health, RR = 1.71 (95% CI: 1.26–2.32); and 6) occurrence of respiratory diseases resulted in the risk of RR = 1.51 (95% CI: 1.08–2.08). The Poisson regression model of long-term sickness absence spells (≥ 30 days) revealed the following significant predictors: 1) number of clients per shift: 51–100 clients, RR = 3.62 (95% CI: 1.07–22.6) compared with a lower number of clients; 2) self-rated health, assessed as moderate, RR = 1.97 (95% CI: 1.06–3.78) and 3) household chores performed for at least 4 h a day, RR = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.18–0.79). Conclusions: Association between sickness absence and workload as well as work organization indicates directions of corrective actions, which could reduce the scale of the problem

Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Inactivity during Leisure-Time and Commuting among Beneficiaries of Government Welfare Assistance in Poland

Physical activity (PA) has well-documented health benefits helping to prevent development of non-communicable diseases. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity during leisure-time (LTPA) and commuting (CPA) among adult social assistance beneficiaries in Piotrkowski district. The studied sample consisted of 1817 respondents. Over 73% of the study population did not meet the recommended levels of LTPA. Fifty two % of the respondents had none leisure-time physical activity and 21.5% exercised occasionally. Main reasons for not taking up LTPA included: high general physical activity (36.4%), lack of time (28.1%), no willingness to exercise (25.4%). Close to 82% of the surveyed population did not practice commuting physical activity (CPA). The men had higher risk for inactivity during LTPA compared to the women (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.11–1.65; p ≤ 0.05). Higher odds of CPA inactivity were associated with unemployment, moderate and heavy drinking and having a number of health problems. The prevalence of physical inactivity among the social assistance recipients is much higher than it is in the general population. Promotion of an active lifestyle should take into consideration substantial differences between the general population and disadvantaged individuals and their various needs

Night Shift Work—A Risk Factor for Breast Cancer

Shift work is considered a risk factor for some health problems. This study aimed to determine whether night shift work is a significant factor for breast cancer risk. The case&ndash;control study was conducted from 2015&ndash;2019 in the Ł&oacute;dź region. The case group included 494 women diagnosed with malignant breast cancer; the control group included 515 healthy women. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire. In the case group, the percentage of women working shift work was 51.9%, whereas in the control group, it was 34.1% (OR = 2.08 (95% CI: 1.61; 2.69)). A more insightful examination of shift work showed that only night work has a significant impact on breast cancer (OR = 2.61 (95% CI: 1.94; 3.53)). Even after considering the effect of other possible cancer factors (like high BMI, smoking, early menstruation, late menopause, pregnancy history, age, place of living, education), the odds of developing cancer were twice as high in the group of shift workers (OR = 2.20 (95% CI: 1.57; 3.08)). Considering a significantly higher risk of cancer among people working at night and a high percentage of such employees in Poland, the government should consider special action in the prophylactic treatment of cancers