Work Schedule-related Health Problems in Petrochemical Industries Workers

Abstract: Background & Aims: Shift work is programmed in various schedules, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The main purposes of this study were: a) to determine common shift schedules used in petrochemical industries, b) to compare shift work health-related problems among employees working in different shift schedules and c) to recommend appropriate shift schedule. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at 14 petrochemical companies. Study population consisted of 987 shift workers. Data on demographic features, shift schedule and adverse effects of shift work were collected via anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 11.5. Results: Among 987 studied shift employees, 27% worked in 3M-3E-3N-3Res, 61% in 4M-4E-4N-4Res and 12% in 12-hour schedules. Health problems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among 4M-4E-4N-4Res schedule shift workers were significantly less prevalent than other schedules (P<0.05). Furthermore, the results showed that the prevalence rates of health problems among 12-hour schedule shift workers were higher than 3M-3E-3N-3Res schedule workers. Conclusions: Since 12-hour schedule caused higher rates of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among shift workers as compared with 4M-4E-4N-4Res and 3M-3E-3N-3Res schedules, it should be avoided in shift system. Based on the results, 8-hour schedules with clockwise rapid rotation are recommended. Keywords: Shift work schedules, Health problems, Petrochemical industries, Ira

Respiratory symptoms and functional impairments induced by occupational exposure to formaldehyde

Background and aimsThe main purpose of this study was to assess the acute and chronic effects of occupational exposure to low levels of formaldehyde on respiratory health.MethodsThis historical cohort study was conducted at a local melamine-formaldehyde resin producing plant. The study population consisted of seventy exposed and 24 non-exposed (referent) employees. In this study, a questionnaire was used to evaluate and determined the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Atmospheric concentrations of formaldehyde were measured at different areas of the plant. Similarly, using a spirometer, the parameters of pulmonary function were measured during exposure and a few days after exposure ceased.ResultsAtmospheric concentrations of formaldehyde marginally exceeded current permissible levels. Additionally, significant decrements in some parameters of pulmonary function, both during and after exposure were noted. However, a relative recovery in lungfunctional capacity observed following temporary cessation of exposure. Furthermore, exposed workers had higher prevalencerates of regular cough, wheezing, phlegm, shortness of breath, chest tightness and episodes of chest illness associated with cold.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that exposure to formaldehyde may induce respiratory symptoms, acute partially reversible and chronic irreversible functional impairments of the lungs

Comparison of Shift Work-related Health Problems in 12-hour Shift Schedules of Petrochemical Industries

Background and aims Shiftwork that affects diverse aspects of human life is arranged in various schedules, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. This study was carried out with the objectives of determination of common 12-hour shift schedules in petrochemical plants, comparison of shift work health-related problems among employees working in different shift schedules and recommendation of appropriate shift schedule for decrement of related health problems.      methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at 8 petrochemical plants in Asalooyeh region related to National Petrochemical Industries in which 12-hour shift schedules were applied. Study population consisted of 549 shift workers with age mean of 29.83±5.75 years. Data on personal details, shift schedule and adverse health effects of shiftwork (i.e. gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, psychological, sleep etc. disorders) were collected by anonymous questionnaire.   Results Among 549 studied shift employees, 39.6% worked in 4N-7D-3N-7Res (4night-7day-3night-7rest), 29.1% in 7N-7D-7Res and 31.3% in 7D-7N-7Res schedules. Statistical comparison showed that the prevalence of h ealth problems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among 7D-7N-7Res schedule shiftworkers were significantly higher than that of other schedules (p0.05).     Conclusion Prevalence of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders in all schedules were high, but odds ratios of all problems among 7D-7N-7Res schedule shiftworkers were significantly more than those of the shiftworkers of the other schedules. This schedule should, therefore, be changed to decrease related-health problems. Fixed 14D/14N schedule may be an appropriate substitution.

A Study on Mental Health Status and Personality Traits of Pet Owners

Introduction & Objective: Many Iranian families manage to keep pets at home. Examining psychological consequences and personality traits of pet owners is important. The aim of this study was to examine mental health status and personality traits of pet owners. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study, 612 pet owners (143 cat owners, 162 dog owners, 155 bird owners and 152 other pet owners) were asked to complete General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and IPIP Personality Scale from January to December 2006. Results: Bird owners had the highest (234 cases (38.3%)) and other pet owners had the lowest (129 cases (42.3%)) mental health problems. In general, 188 cases (30.7%) of all groups had mental health problems. 122 cases (20%) of them had somatic compliance, 182 cases (29.7%) had anxiety, 149 cases (24.3%) had social dysfunction and 84 cases (13.7%) had depression. Bird owners had significant high level of social dysfunction than other pet owners. With respect to personality traits, dog owners had low level of agreeableness and openness to experience than other groups. Other pet owners had high level of emotional stability than other groups. Conclusion: Contrary to other countries, it seems that having a pet in home enhances the probability of mental disorders in Iran. It is possible that lower mental health persons were keeping pets in Iran. In personality perspectives, dog owners are more disagreeable people and other pet owners are more emotionally stable ones