Association between awkward posture and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among assembly line workers in an automotive industry

Automotive industry in Malaysia is one of the booming industries which encompass the design, development and manufacturing of motor vehicles. However, it has its own setback as the interaction between complex tools, machines, and instruments, coupled with humans as workers pose several health hazards. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and the association with awkward posture among automotive assembly line workers. A simple random sampling method was adopted and data were collected based on Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method for analysing awkward posture. With a response rate of 83%, a total of 232 assembly line workers with at least one year job tenure participated in this study. The findings revealed that 78.4% of workers reported MSD while the highest percentage of complaints concerned the lower back (50.9%). Three factors were found to be significantly associated with MSD: age (χ2=5.61, p=0.018), job tenure (χ2= 8.26, p=0.004) and awkward posture (χ2= 65.37, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that significant risk factors for MSD symptoms were workers aged ≥25 years old (OR= 2.25, 95%CI 1.14-4.46) and those workers with equal and more than three years job tenure (OR= 2.44, 95%CI 1.04-5.63). In addition, workers in the very high and high RULA action level who were 69 times (OR = 69.38, 95%CI 14.51-331.73) and 12 times (OR = 12.42, 95%CI 5.21-29.58), respectively, also had higher odds of complaints of MSD. The high prevalence of MSD shows that MSD symptoms is a significant problem among automotive assembly line workers while age, job tenure and awkward posture based on RULA action level are the significant factors for MSD. In particular, this study proves that the prevalence of MSD increases as the RULA action level and job tenure increases. Thus, this problem could be reduced by decreasing RULA action level through appropriate ergonomic workstation design and ergonomic training for workers

Polychlorinated biphenyl and heavy metal exposures among fishermen in the Straits of Malacca: neurobehavioural performance

The aim of this study was to determine the level of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and selected heavy metals among fishermen via dietary intake of fish and other seafood from the eastern coast along the Straits of Malacca. This study determined the neurobehavioural performances (based on neurobehavioural core test battery scores) of the fishermen and evaluated the correlations between scores of neurobehavioural core test battery and exposure factors. Ninety fishermen participated in the study. The total fish intakes of the fishermen were measured using a set of food frequency questionnaires. The PCBs contents in the seafood samples ranged between 0.2 and 0.6 pg/g fresh sample. The concentrations of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in the seafood samples were 1.1-5.4, 0.3-4.4, 0.6-36.1, and 0.02-0.3 μg/g fresh sample, respectively. The PCBs, Hg, As, Cd, and Pb exposures of the fishermen was estimated to be 2.8, 0.02, 4.5, 0.09, and 0.5 pg/kg body weight/day, respectively. PCB and heavy metal exposures through dietary intake of fish and seafood were within the tolerable daily limits. The results of neurobehavioural core test battery revealed that the neurobehavioural performances of the fishermen were not affected due to PCB and heavy metal intoxication. No correlations were found between the exposure and neurobehavioural performance among the fishermen. These data are useful for policy makers to assure the safety and quality of seafood in relation to sea pollution. Although the levels of exposure were low, periodic assessment of the quality of fish and fish products is required due to the polluted seawater

Community empowerment for malaria control and prevention in Kampung Tong Nibong, Sarawak: an intervention study

Introduction Tong Nibong is a Bidayuh village located at Sarawak Kalimantan border. Since the year 2004 to 2009, a total of 537 cases of malaria were recorded in Serian District of which 14 cases were reported from Kampung Tong Nibong. Community empowerment programme for malaria infection prevention showed tremendous improvement in implementation. This intervention study aims to gauge the effectiveness of community empowerment approach in malaria elimination programme in Kampung Tong Nibong Serian. Methods An intervention study was conducted with pre and post data collection. Data was collected using validated questionnaire by face to face interview. Universal sampling method was used to select respondents from head of household and post data was collected after intervention activities were carried out within a year of study period. Results The study showed significant difference on level of knowledge of respondents on vector of malaria between pre and post data with a P < 0.05. There was significant difference between pre and post data on practices on control and prevention of malaria with a P < 0.05. The same goes to level of positive attitude of respondents towards malaria control. Conclusions In conclusion, the study can be considered successful because there is significant difference in knowledge, attitude and practice among the respondents between pre and post data. This indicates that community empowerment (voluntary participation) measures can be implemented in high risk or endemic areas where malaria is a persistent problem to the community and health institutions faces many limiting factors

Relationship of psychosocial safety climate and workplace psychosocial risks: a randomized trail among personnel of an oil and gas company in Iran

Oil and gas industry is a main revenue generation for Iran, and thousands of employees are involved in various oil and gas fields. From numerous health hazards which commonly occur in the industry one of them is psychosocial hazards. Studies confirmed a crucial step to control and understanding workplace psychosocial risk factors is developing and monitoring of policies, rules, and plans to promote health at work. This research conducted in an Iranian oil and gas company in Tehran in the period of 2011 and 2012. 248 participants were randomly selected and assigned in the study. Two questionnaires HSE and SCAT used in order to assess workplace psychosocial risks and attitude of personnel to safety climate. The result of HSE scores revealed relationships and role sub-scales in psychosocial risks were in abysmal situation. Personnel’s attitude to safety climate at the organization displayed communication, priority of safety, and involvement were at the level of “dissatisfied”. Also there was a medium positive correlation between work environment and managers’ support, relationships and change p<0.01. These findings show that safety climate factors namely communication, work environment, supportive environment, inversely affects workplace psychosocial risks. Overall, the outcomes supported the possibility that personnel attitudes to safety climate at company were predictive of higher psychosocial risks. Progress in safety climate and the psychosocial aspects of safety climate may diminish the experience psychosocial risks. Development of policies and procedures with aim of reduce psychosocial risks should be considered in Iran

Ocular injury and its associated factors among patients admitted to a hospital in Selangor

Background: There are various factors associated with ocular injury such as age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, work related factor and alcohol intake. The aim of this study is to determine the proportion of ocular injury and its associated factors among patients admitted to a hospital in Selangor. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design and universal sampling method were used. Data collection was conducted in a hospital in Selangor by retrospective review of secondary data for last six months from data collection period. The data were transferred into a proforma. The data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Chi square test was done to determine the relationship between the associated factors of ocular injury. Result: There were 11 8 proforma collected. There were higher proportion of ocular injury in age group of 20-39 (59.3%), male (92.4%), Malay (47.5%) and Malaysian (65.3%). Cases of unilateral eye involvement were highest (88.1%) and occurred unintentionally (94.9%). Mostly (80.5%), patients sought immediate treatment after ocular injury. The commonest place of incident and source of ocular injury were industrial premises (33.1%) and blunt object (28.0%) respectively. 52.5% of ocular injury were of non penetrating diagnosis. There was high proportion of ocular injury due to work related factor (44.9%). Besides, there were significant relationship between types of nationality with work related factor (p=0.001) and types with sources of injury (p=0.001). There was no relationship between period of time taken before treatment with types of injury (p=0.118). Conclusion: In short, ocular injury is more common in age group of 20-39 years old, male, Malaysian and Malay. There is high proportion of ocular injury due to work related factor. There are also significant relationship between types of nationality with work related factor and types of ocular injury with sources of injury among patients with ocular injury

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among production line workers in a printing manufacturing company, Malaysia

Background: Leading cause of occupational injury in the developed and developing countries relates to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and also is a main cause of work- related disability and lost-time illnesses. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among printing production line workers and to examine the relationship between musculoskeletal symptom and individual risk factors. Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a commercial printing company in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Respondents were randomly selected based on the inclusive criteria and a total of 250 printing production line workers were involved in the study. An Interview section of each respondent was conducted to obtain the information and musculoskeletal symptoms through validated Malay version of Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ). Result: The response rate was 85.9%. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 79.6%. The most common musculoskeletal symptoms were from the lower back (48.0%), shoulders (44.4%), knees (32.8%), and neck (29.6%). Respondents to be a male, heavy body weight, and high body mass index (BMI) had significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms on lower back (p<0.05). There were significant association between heavy body weight and long duration of employment with musculoskeletal symptoms on knees (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among the printing production line workers was high and it was related to a person’s individual factors. Gender, weight, BMI, and duration of employment were implied increase risk of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)

Contribution of CYP2E1 polymorphism to aging in the mechanical workshop workers

Aging is attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. Occupational exposure is one of the environmental factors with potential genotoxic effects. Researchers try to determine factors involved in genetic damages at hazards exposure that could accelerate aging. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) gene contributes in activation and detoxification of the environmental hazards. This polymorphism plays an important role in susceptibility of inter-individuals to DNA damage at the occupational exposure. The current study evaluated the possible influence of this gene polymorphism in aging by genomic damages through the biomarkers alterations of micronuclei (MN), comet tail length and telomere length shortening at the exposure. In this study, buccal cells were collected from the oral cavity of exposed workers and non-exposed controls. The CYP2E1 genotypes were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The wild genotype significantly affected MN frequency (p=0.007) and relative telomere length (p=0.047) in the older group of workers. It was concluded that the interaction of gene polymorphism and exposure enhances DNA damage and accelerates aging consequently

A comparative study of Metallothionein gene expression in peripheral lymphocytes and blood cadmium level among die casting male workers

Cadmium were found in the die casting factory as by product of zinc alloy that used in the manufacturing of die cast. Metallothionein (MT) a carrier protein plays an important role in the detoxification process of cadmium in human. The usefulness of MT gene expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) as a biomarker of cadmium exposure and susceptibility could be determine by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). 41 male workers from die casting factory were involved in the cross-sectional comparative study and were divided into exposed and comparative group. MT gene expressions were found to proportionates increase with blood cadmium (BCd) levels. MT basal expression levels were significantly correlated with the BCd levels with r-value 0.616 for exposed group and 0.639 for comparative group. MT induction expression level were significant correlated with BCd level (r = 0.188 for exposed group, r = 0.342 for comparative group). This suggested that MT gene expression in PBLs can be used as a biomarker of susceptibility to cadmium

Prevalence and associated factors of ever use of electronic cigarettes: Findings from a hospitals and health clinics study based in Malaysia

Introduction Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are new smoking devices that have gained popularity recently. However, there is limited evidence on e-cigarette consumption in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the prevalence, risk factors and perception associated with e-cigarette use among those attending government hospitals and health clinics in Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in seven public hospitals and health clinics in Malaysia, which were selected through a twostage cluster sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain data from the selected participants. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to determine the association between sociodemographics and perceptions of e-cigarette use. Results Almost three-quarters (73.6%; n=923/1254) of participants were aware of e-cigarettes and 13.2% (n=122/923) reported having ever used e-cigarettes. The prevalence was significantly higher among males (18.1%), smokers (21.4%), and younger age group 18–34 years (30.2%). Ever users showed favourable perceptions towards e-cigarettes compared to non-users (23.3% vs 30.14%, p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that current smokers, younger age group and those possessing a positive perception towards e-cigarettes were likely to be ever users of e-cigarettes. Conclusions The study showed that the awareness level of e-cigarettes was high amongst the population but the prevalence of ever e-cigarette user was moderate. Most of the ever e-cigarette users were male, current smokers, young adults and those with favourable perceptions towards e-cigarettes. Therefore, effective health educational activities regarding safe usage of e-cigarettes targeting those group identified in this study are warranted to reduce the negative outcomes from the use of this product