Prevalence of self-reported symptoms compatible with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) among employees at a neonatal intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a significant work-related disease. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of symptoms possibly related to CTS in workers in a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: The self-administered INRS questionnaire for musculoskeletal symptoms was distributed to all 41 employees of a neonatal intensive care unit and to an appropriate sample of 82 employees of a paediatric emergency department and an adult intensive care unit. Results: Employees of the neonatal intensive care unit recorded a significantly higher prevalence of symptoms potentially related to CTS in comparison with the reference group (58.5% vs 8.3%, respectively; p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that work in the neonatal intensive care unit was independently associated with the risk of symptoms potentially related to CTS. Conclusions: The results provide some evidence for a higher prevalence of symptoms potentially related to CTS in nursing personnel of a neonatal intensive care unit. Further research work is needed to prove a causal association

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers in municipal solid waste workers in Keratsini (Greece)

Aim To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers among municipal solid waste workers (MSWWs) in Keratsini (Greece). Methods We assessed in a cross-sectional study the prevalence of biological markers of HBV infection (HbsAg, anti-Hbc, anti-Hbs) and their association with exposure to waste and other socio-demographic factors in 166 municipal employees in Keratsini (Greece). Results The prevalence of anti-Hbc (+) did differ significantly between exposed and non-exposed employees to waste. Older employees had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-Hbc (+). MSWWs who were anti-Hbc (+) were less educated than non-exposed employees. Logistic regression analysis has shown that the exposure to waste and age were independently associated with the anti-Hbc positivity. Conclusion Occupational exposure to waste is possibly associated with the acquisition of HBV infection. Immunization of MSWWs should be considered to reduce the risk of HBV infection

Are municipal solid waste collectors at increased risk of Hepatitis A Virus infection? A Greek cross-sectional study

Municipal solid waste collectors are reportedly at risk for Hepatitis A virus infection (HAV) as an occupational hazard. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors of HAV infection among solid waste collectors in a municipality of the broader region of Attica, Greece. A cross-sectional sero-prevalence study was conducted. Fifty (n=50) waste collectors participated in the study (response rate: 95%). The group of municipal waste collectors was compared to a convenient sample of workers not exposed to solid waste (n=83). Municipal solid waste collectors recorded a higher- but not statistically significant- prevalence of anti-HAV(+) in comparison to subjects without occupational exposure to waste (40% vs 34% respectively p=0,4). No significant associations were found between inappropriate work practices and anti- HAV (+). Education was the only factor independently associated with the risk of HAV infection. This study did not corroborate previous reports of an increased prevalence of Hepatitis A Virus infection among municipal solid waste collectors. © 2016, International Society of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions. All rights reserved

Municipal waste collectors and hepatitis b and c virus infection: A cross-sectional study

There is some evidence that municipal waste collectors are at risk of Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV). Published information on risk of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection among waste collectors is scant. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors of HBV and HCV infections among waste collectors in a municipality of the broader region of Attica, Greece. A cross-sectional sero-prevalence study was conducted in a municipality of the broader region of Attica, Greece. Fifty waste collectors participated in the study (response rate: 95%). The group of municipal waste collectors was compared to a convenient sample of white collar employees not exposed to waste (n=83). Waste collectors recorded a significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection (anti-HBc positivity) in comparison to the reference group (15% vs. 2.5%, respectively; p<001). Waste collectors who reported frequent exposure to needle-stick injuries had higher risk of HBV infection (RR=8.28; 95% CI=1.076-63.79; p=0.033). Only one municipal waste collector was anti-HCV (+). Our study corroborates previous results of an increased prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among municipal waste collectors. In addition we found that needle stick injuries were associated with the risk of HBV infection. By contrast, HCV infection does not seem to represent a significant occupational hazard among waste collectors. Vaccination against HBV among municipal solid waste collectors and promotion and use of safer methods for the collection of non-hospital medical waste could represent potential measures for the prevention of Hepatitis B Virus infection among municipal waste collectors. © 2014, Le Infezioni in Medicina. All rights reserved