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Johnson CY, Fujishiro K. Identifying occupational health inequities in the absence of suitable data: are there inequities in access to adequate bathrooms in US workplaces? Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:572-579. [PMID: 37669856 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-108900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our research questions are often chosen based on the existence of suitable data for analysis or prior research in the area. For new interdisciplinary research areas, such as occupational health equity, suitable data might not yet exist. In this manuscript, we describe how we approached a research question in the absence of suitable data using the example of identifying inequities in adequate bathrooms in US workplaces. METHODS We created a conceptual model that hypothesises causal mechanisms for occupational health inequities, and from this model we identified a series of questions that could be answered using separate data sets to better understand inequities in adequate workplace bathrooms. Breaking up the analysis into multiple steps allowed us to use multiple data sources and analysis methods, which helped compensate for limitations in each data set. RESULTS Using the conceptual model as a guide, we were able to identify some jobs that likely have inadequate bathrooms as well as subpopulations potentially at higher risk for inadequate bathrooms. We also identified specific data gaps by reflecting on the challenges we faced in our multistep analysis. These gaps, which indicated future data collection needs, included difficulty finding data sources for some predictors of inadequate bathrooms that prevented us from fully investigating potential inequities. CONCLUSIONS We share our conceptual model and our example analysis to motivate researchers to avoid letting availability of data limit the research questions they pursue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Y Johnson
- Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kaori Fujishiro
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Friesen MC, Beane Freeman LE. Identifying occupational risk factors for cancer in women: a need for further action. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:522-523. [PMID: 37429726 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-108948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Friesen
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura E Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Teglia F, Collatuzzo G, Boffetta P. Occupational Cancers among Employed Women: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041334. [PMID: 36831675 PMCID: PMC9954144 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The facts that occupational cancer in women is under-investigated, with few in-depth analyses are well known. In recent decades the workforce has changed, with an increasing number of women employed. Therefore, the inclusion of women in occupational cancer studies has become more urgent and feasible than in the past decades. The difficulties to evaluate occupational causes of female gynecologic tumors in most past cohorts and the potential variation in outcome responses between men and women must be taken into consideration. This narrative review discusses women's occupational cancer as a current area of research, focusing on three groups of workers characterized by peculiar exposure to occupational carcinogens and where women are often employed: beauticians and hairdressers; farmers; and healthcare workers. We discuss the most relevant cancers in each working category, with a particular focus on female breast cancer. In the three industries reviewed in detail, there are some risk factors which may affect primarily women, inducing breast cancer and cervical cancer, as well as risk factors that are carcinogenic in both genders, but whose effects are less well known in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Teglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Collatuzzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Boffetta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794, USA
- Correspondence:
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Sex differences on anxiety and depression in older adults and their relationship with cognitive impairment. Semergen 2023; 49:101923. [PMID: 36758261 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2023.101923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) in elderly adults could express cognitive decline in the future. A consensus has been reached about how these SMC relate to mood variables, but further research is required to determine which socio-demographic, cognitive, functional and occupational factors will act as predictors in elderly adults. OBJETIVE To analyze, through a descriptive observational study, the relationship between anxiety/depression and sex, age and occupation, with cognitive/functional performance in 367 older adults with SMC, but without objective cognitive impairment in a primary healthcare center. METHODS The cognitive variables were measured by applying the Spanish version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MEC-35) and Set-test for verbal fluency. To measure functional level, the Barthel index and Lawton and Brody scales were employed. Physical occupational status and mental occupational status were measured based on three levels, low, medium and high, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. RESULTS Low educational and occupational physical and mental levels were related to anxiety and depression. In addition, differences by sex were found on anxiety and depression related to different factors. In men, anxiety was related to higher cognitive level, and in women to higher functional performance in IADLs. On the contrary, depression in men was related to lower cognitive level and higher performance in ADLs. CONCLUSIONS It is important to maintain a sex-gender perspective on the study of anxiety and depression in elderly, taking into account social roles and the traints of the work environment, in order to avoid cognitive and functional impairment.
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Bitzas S, Ma S, Pesanelli K, Zaia AM. Risk factors and impacts of slips, trips, and falls in janitorial populations: A literature review. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 102:103745. [PMID: 35427905 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to analyze the existing literature to determine the scope and risk factors of slips, trips, and falls (STFs) within the janitorial population in order to make evidence-based recommendations to prevent these incidents in the future. Selected for review were published peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and gray literature relating to STFs among janitors and cleaners. Individuals employed as janitors and cleaners, specifically those that were older than 45-years of age and/or female, represented the highest risk populations for STFs. These STFs result in injuries, such as sprains, strains, dislocations, and tears. Among janitors and cleaners, 30% of nonfatal incidents are attributed to STFs, resulting in a median of 11 days away from work. Both non-observable/human factors and observable/organizational factors contribute to STFs within this population and must be addressed to protect public health. Preventive interventions focused on comprehensive approaches that target observable and non-observable factors are needed to reduce STFs within the custodial population. More research is needed on STFs in the janitorial population to identify successful preventive STF interventions. Addressing the issue of STFs within this job classification will improve the overall health and well-being of janitors as well as reduce the indirect and direct economic burden placed on the employer organization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shannon Ma
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, USA
| | | | - Ann M Zaia
- Occupational Health Center, Boston University, USA
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Anderson NJ, Smith CK, Foley MP. Work-related injury burden, workers' compensation claim filing, and barriers: Results from a statewide survey of janitors. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:173-195. [PMID: 34897753 PMCID: PMC9300089 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Janitors are a low-wage, ethnically and linguistically diverse, hard-to-reach population of workers with a high burden of occupational injury and illness. METHODS Data from an extensive multimodal (mail, phone, web) survey of janitors in Washington State were analyzed to characterize their working conditions and occupational health experiences. The survey included questions on demographics, work organization and tasks, health and safety topics, and discrimination and harassment. The survey was administered in eight languages. RESULTS There were 620 complete interviews. The majority completed the survey by mail (62.6%), and in English (85.8%). More than half of responding janitors were female (56.9%), and the mean age was 45 years. Twenty percent reported having a (health-care-provider diagnosed) work-related injury or illness (WRII) in the past twelve months. Women and janitors who were Latino had significantly higher relative risk of WRII. Increased risk was also associated with several work organization factors that may indicate poor working conditions, insufficient sleep, and possible depression. Half of injured janitors did not file workers' compensation (WC) claims. CONCLUSIONS Janitors reported a high percentage of WRII, which exceeded previously published estimates from Washington State. Women and Latino janitors had significantly increased risk of WRII, and janitors' working conditions may influence the unequal distribution of risk. WRII surveillance via WC or medical care usage in janitors and other low-wage occupations may reflect substantial underreporting. Characterizing the nature of janitors' work experience can help identify avenues for prevention, intervention, and policy changes to protect the health and safety of janitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi J. Anderson
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Olympia Washington USA
| | - Caroline K. Smith
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Olympia Washington USA
| | - Michael P. Foley
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Olympia Washington USA
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Batisse E, Labrèche F, Goldberg MS, Lavoué J, Parent ME, Pasquet R, Richardson L, Siemiatycki J, Ho V. Inter-rater reliability of occupational exposure assessment in a case-control study of female breast cancer. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2021; 18:522-531. [PMID: 34491879 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2021.1976412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this paper was to estimate the inter-rater reliability of expert assessments of occupational exposures. An inter-rater reliability sub-study was conducted within a population-based case-control study of postmenopausal breast cancer. Detailed information on lifetime occupational histories was obtained from participants and two industrial hygienists assigned exposures to 185 jobs using a checklist of 293 agents. Experts rated exposure for each job-agent combination according to exposure status (unexposed/exposed), confidence that the exposure occurred (possible/probable/definite), intensity (low/medium/high), and frequency (% time per week). The statistical unit of observation was each job-agent assessment (185 jobs × 293 agents = 54,205 assessments per expert). Crude agreement, Gwet AC1/2 statistics, and Cohen's Kappa were used to estimate inter-rater agreement for confidence and intensity; for frequency, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. The majority of job-agent combinations were evaluated by the two experts to be not exposed (crude agreement >98% of decisions). The degree of agreement between the experts for the confidence of exposure status was Gwet AC1/2 = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99-0.99), and for intensity, a Gwet AC2 = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99-0.99). For frequency, an ICC of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.26-0.35) was found. A sub-analysis restricted to job-agent combinations for which the two experts agreed on exposure status revealed a moderate agreement for confidence of exposure (Gwet AC2 = 0.66) and high agreement for intensity (Gwet AC2 = 0.96). For frequency, the ICC was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.47-0.57). A high level of inter-rater agreement was found for identifying exposures and for coding intensity, but agreement was lower for the coding of frequency of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Batisse
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - F Labrèche
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, ESPUM, University of Montreal and CIUSSS Centre-Sud, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - M S Goldberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - J Lavoué
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, ESPUM, University of Montreal and CIUSSS Centre-Sud, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Centre Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - M E Parent
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Centre Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, ESPUM, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - R Pasquet
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Centre Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - L Richardson
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Centre Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - J Siemiatycki
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Centre Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, ESPUM, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - V Ho
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Centre Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, ESPUM, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Perry TA, Wang X, Gates L, Parsons CM, Sanchez-Santos MT, Garriga C, Cooper C, Nevitt MC, Hunter DJ, Arden NK. Occupation and risk of knee osteoarthritis and knee replacement: A longitudinal, multiple-cohort study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2020; 50:1006-1014. [PMID: 33007601 PMCID: PMC9546524 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the effect of occupation on knee osteoarthritis (OA) and total knee replacement (TKR) in working-aged adults. METHODS We used longitudinal data from the Chingford, Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) and Multicentre Osteoarthritis (MOST) studies. Participants with musculoskeletal disorders and/or a history of knee-related surgery were excluded. Participants were followed for up to 19-years (Chingford), 96-months (OAI) and 60-months (MOST) for incident outcomes including radiographic knee OA (RKOA), symptomatic RKOA and TKR. In those with baseline RKOA, progression was defined as the time from RKOA incidence to primary TKR. Occupational job categories and work-place physical activities were assigned to levels of workload. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between workload and incident outcomes with survival analyses used to assess progression (reference group: sedentary occupations). RESULTS Heavy manual occupations were associated with a 2-fold increased risk (OR: 2.07, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.15) of incident RKOA in the OAI only. Men working in heavy manual occupations in MOST (2.7, 95% CI 1.17 to 6.26) and light manual occupations in OAI (2.00, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.68) had a 2-fold increased risk of incident RKOA. No association was observed among women. Increasing workload was associated with an increased risk of symptomatic RKOA in the OAI and MOST. Light work may be associated with a decreased risk of incident TKR and disease progression. CONCLUSION Heavy manual work carries an increased risk of incident knee OA; particularly among men. Workload may influence the occurrence of TKR and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Perry
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology, Royal North Shore Hospital and Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, 2065, Australia.
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal North Shore Hospital and Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, 2065, Australia.
| | - Lucy Gates
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Versus Arthritis, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Camille M Parsons
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Maria T Sanchez-Santos
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom; Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Cesar Garriga
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom; Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Michael C Nevitt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - David J Hunter
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal North Shore Hospital and Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, 2065, Australia.
| | - Nigel K Arden
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Versus Arthritis, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
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Stokholm ZA, Erlandsen M, Schlünssen V, Basinas I, Bonde JP, Peters S, Brandt J, Vestergaard JM, Kolstad HA. A Quantitative General Population Job Exposure Matrix for Occupational Noise Exposure. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 64:604-613. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Occupational noise exposure is a known risk factor for hearing loss and also adverse cardiovascular effects have been suggested. A job exposure matrix (JEM) would enable studies of noise and health on a large scale. The objective of this study was to create a quantitative JEM for occupational noise exposure assessment of the general working population. Between 2001–2003 and 2009–2010, we recruited workers from companies within the 10 industries with the highest reporting of noise-induced hearing loss according to the Danish Working Environment Authority and in addition workers of financial services and children day care to optimize the range in exposure levels. We obtained 1343 personal occupational noise dosimeter measurements among 1140 workers representing 100 different jobs according to the Danish version of the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 (DISCO 88). Four experts used 35 of these jobs as benchmarks and rated noise levels for the remaining 337 jobs within DISCO 88. To estimate noise levels for all 372 jobs, we included expert ratings together with sex, age, occupational class, and calendar year as fixed effects, while job and worker were included as random effects in a linear mixed regression model. The fixed effects explained 40% of the total variance: 72% of the between-jobs variance, −6% of the between-workers variance and 4% of the within-worker variance. Modelled noise levels showed a monotonic increase with increasing expert score and a 20 dB difference between the highest and lowest exposed jobs. Based on the JEM estimates, metal wheel-grinders were among the highest and finance and sales professionals among the lowest exposed. This JEM of occupational noise exposure can be used to prioritize preventive efforts of occupational noise exposure and to provide quantitative estimates of contemporary exposure levels in epidemiological studies of health effects potentially associated with noise exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara Ann Stokholm
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Mogens Erlandsen
- Section for Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Environment, Occupation and Health, Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Aarhus C, Denmark
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23F, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Susan Peters
- Environmental Epidemiology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jens Brandt
- CRECEA, Kongsvang Alle 25, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jesper Medom Vestergaard
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Henrik Albert Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Xu M, Liao J, Yin P, Hou J, Zhou Y, Huang J, Liu B, Chen R, Ke L, Chen H, Hu P. Association of air pollution with the risk of initial outpatient visits for tuberculosis in Wuhan, China. Occup Environ Med 2019; 76:560-566. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-105532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesPrevious studies suggested the association of air pollution with initial Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and the disease development. However, few studies have been conducted on air pollution and initial tuberculosis (TB) consults using short-interval data. We investigated the weekly association between air pollution and initial TB outpatient visits.MethodsWe used a Poisson regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model to conduct a time-series study with weekly air pollution data and TB cases during 2014–2017 in Wuhan, China.ResultsA 10 µg/m3 increase in NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) was associated with 11.74% (95% CI: 0.70 to 23.98, lag 0–1 weeks), 21.45% (95% CI: 1.44 to 45.41, lag 0–2 weeks) and 12.8% (95% CI: 0.97 to 26.02, lag 0–1 weeks) increase in initial TB consults among all patients with TB, old patients (≥60 years old) and male ones, respectively. A 10 µg/m3 increase in SO2 (sulfur dioxide) was associated with −22.23% (95% CI: −39.23 to −0.49, lag 0–16 weeks), −28.65% (95% CI: −44.3 to −8.58, lag 0–16 weeks), −23.85 (95% CI: −41.79 to −0.37, lag 0–8 weeks) and −23.82% (95% CI: −41.31 to −1.11, lag 0–16 weeks) increase in initial TB consults among the total, young (aged 15–59 years old), old and male patients, respectively. In old patients, a 0.1 mg/m3 increase in CO (carbon monoxide) and a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 (particulate matter) were separately associated with 42.32% (95% CI: 1.16 to 100.22, lag 0–16 weeks) and 17.38% (95% CI: 0.28 to 37.38, lag 0–16 weeks) increases in TB consults.ConclusionOur study first highlighted the importance of weekly association between air pollution and the risk of initial TB consults, which is helpful for the arrangements of TB screening and medical assistance.
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Lacourt A, Labrèche F, Goldberg MS, Siemiatycki J, Lavoué J. Agreement in Occupational Exposures Between Men and Women Using Retrospective Assessments by Expert Coders. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:1159-1170. [PMID: 30124778 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To estimate the level of agreement and identify notable differences in occupational exposures (agents) between men and women from retrospective assessments by expert coders. Methods Lifetime occupational histories of 1657 men and 2073 women from two case-control studies, were translated into exposure estimates to 243 agents, from data on 13882 jobs. Exposure estimates were summarized as proportions and frequency-weighted intensity of exposure for 59 occupational codes by sex. Agreement between metrics of exposure in men's and women's jobs was determined with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and weighted Kappa coefficients, using as unit of analysis ('cell') a combination of occupational code and occupational agent. 'Notable' differences between men and women were identified for each cell, according to a Bayesian hierarchical model for both proportion and frequency-weighted intensity of exposure. Results For cells common to both men and women, the ICC for continuous probability of exposure was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.83-0.84) and 7.4% of cells showed notable differences with jobs held by men being more often exposed. A weighted kappa of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.61-0.73) was calculated for intensity of exposure, and an ICC of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.62-0.71) for frequency-weighted intensity of exposure, with a tendency of higher values of exposure metrics in jobs held by men. Conclusions Exposures were generally in agreement between men and women. Some notable differences were identified, most of them explained by differential sub-occupations or industries or dissimilar reported tasks within the studied occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Lacourt
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH U1219-EPICENE, ISPED, Bordeaux, France
| | - France Labrèche
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark S Goldberg
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jack Siemiatycki
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Guzzo-Cancer Research Society Chair on Environment and Cancer, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jérôme Lavoué
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Kang S, Song J, Koh T, Park O, Park JT, Lee WJ. Thyroid cancer among female workers in Korea, 2007-2015. Ann Occup Environ Med 2018; 30:48. [PMID: 30026955 PMCID: PMC6048802 DOI: 10.1186/s40557-018-0259-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prevalence of thyroid cancer has been increasing rapidly worldwide, especially among women. There has been a debate as to whether such an increase represents consequences of over-diagnosis or a true increase. To find the occupational risk of Korean female workers in different industry sectors, we analyzed the data of Korean female workers. Methods National Female Worker Cohort data that contain information on total female workers were used for our analysis of prevalence of thyroid cancer (C73 according to KCD-5, 6 code) derived from National Health Insurance data. By combining industrial codes from National Health Insurance Service and those from Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service, the classification of industrial codes became to consist of the total of thirty three representing both non-office (NO) and office (O) categories. Both an internal comparison among female workers within the cohort and an external comparison to compare female workers with Korean general female population were carried out. Results Among 149,258 female workers, 2,641 cases of thyroid cancers were identified. Differences in prevalence of thyroid cancer between female workers (40.5%) and general Korean female population (32.6%) were observed; however, the differences in prevalence of thyroid cancer between NO workers and O workers were not apparent. An analysis involving workers in Financial and insurance activities sector revealed that, standardized prevalence rate (SPR) of both NO (2.96, 95% CI = 2.01-4.20) and O workers (3.68, 95% CI = 3.10-4.33) increased significantly and that an AOR (adjusted odds ratio) increased marginally (1.38, 95% CI = 0.97-1.96). Further, when stratified in respect to the duration of employment, an AOR of female workers having been employed for more than 8 years showed a significant increase (1.63, 95% CI = 1.07-2.49). Conclusions Female workers had a higher risk of thyroid cancer than general female population but the difference between NO workers and O workers was not found to be significant in most industrial sectors. Further studies using data with information regarding specific occupational exposures are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonghoon Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University Medical Center, Korea University, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.,2Graduate School of Public Health, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinho Song
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University Medical Center, Korea University, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Taehwan Koh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University Medical Center, Korea University, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - One Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University Medical Center, Korea University, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jong-Tae Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University Medical Center, Korea University, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Won-Jin Lee
- 2Graduate School of Public Health, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea.,3Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02855 South Korea
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The effect of age and sex on the cervical range of motion – A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Biomech 2018; 75:13-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Return-to-work for multiple jobholders with a work-related musculoskeletal disorder: A population-based, matched cohort in British Columbia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193618. [PMID: 29614128 PMCID: PMC5882128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multiple jobholders (MJHs) have a higher risk of injury compared to single jobholders (SJHs), but it is unknown if return-to-work (RTW) after a work injury is affected by multiple jobholding. This study examined the association between multiple versus single jobholding and time to RTW for workers with a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Methods We used administrative workers’ compensation data to identify injured workers with an accepted MSD lost-time claim between 2010–2014 in British Columbia, Canada (n = 125,639 SJHs and 9,029 MJHs). The outcome was days until RTW during twelve months after the first day of time-loss. The MJH and SJH cohorts were balanced using coarsened exact matching that yielded a final matched cohort of 8,389 MJHs and 8,389 SJHs. The outcome was estimated with Cox regression, using piecewise models, and the hazard ratios were stratified by type of MSD, a serious injury indicator, gender, weekly workdays preceding MSD, and wage categories. Results MJHs were less likely to RTW compared to SJHs within the first six months after the first time-loss day, with greater and longer lasting effects for males, workers with a serious injury, and a higher wage. No difference between MJHs and SJHs was found for workers who had a six- or seven-day work week preceding MSD, for workers with dislocations, and for workers who were still off work after six months. Conclusions Overall, MJHs with a workweek of maximum five days are disadvantaged compared to SJHs in terms of RTW following a work-related MSD within the first six months after the first time-loss day. This difference might be caused by more precarious job contracts for MJHs that challenges RTW because of lack of support for modified work, higher workload, and reduced likelihood that MJHs file a workers’ compensation claim. Despite adjusting for type of MSD, severity of injury and occupation, the differences persisted for the vast majority of the study sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Quinn
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, Lowell, MA, USA
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Smith CK, Anderson NJ. Work-related injuries among commercial janitors in Washington State, comparisons by gender. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2017; 62:199-207. [PMID: 28882267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2017.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We analyzed workers' compensation (WC) data to identify characteristics related to workers' compensation claim outcomes among janitorial service workers in Washington State. METHOD We analyzed WC data from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) State Fund (SF) from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2013, for janitorial service workers employed in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Services Sector. We constructed multivariable models to identify factors associated with higher medical costs and increased time lost from work. RESULTS There were 2,390 janitorial service compensable claims available for analysis. There were significant differences in injury type and other factors by gender, age, and language preference. Linguistic minority status was associated with longer time loss and higher median medical costs. Women were estimated to account for 35% of janitorial service workers but made up 55% of the compensable claims in this study. CONCLUSIONS Janitorial service workers comprise a large vulnerable occupational group in the U.S. workforce. Identifying differences by injury type and potential inequitable outcomes by gender and language is important to ensuring equal treatment in the workers' compensation process. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS There were significant differences in injury and individual characteristics between men and women in this study. Women had twice the estimated rate of injury to men, and were more likely to require Spanish language materials. Improving communication for training and knowledge about the workers' compensation system appear to be high priorities in this population of injured janitorial service workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K Smith
- Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA.
| | - Naomi J Anderson
- Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA
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Messing K. A Feminist Intervention That Hurt Women: Biological Differences, Ergonomics, and Occupational Health: Une intervention féministe qui a nui aux femmes: différences biologiques, égalité, ergonomie et santé au travail. New Solut 2017; 27:304-318. [PMID: 28803518 DOI: 10.1177/1048291117724800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The University of Québec in Montréal has agreements with trade unions providing access to university resources. Researchers involved in this program worked in partnership with union women's and health and safety committees for more than twenty years. Not all studies succeeded in improving women's working conditions. One joint project involved observational studies of tasks done by health-care workers, complemented by interviews and questionnaires. We found that task assignments, movements, postures, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders varied by gender/sex and made recommendations for change. However, issues of pay equity, spending on health care, and contracting-out of "ancillary work" were salient. Researchers learned that in the absence of changes in power relationships in the workplace, women may be disadvantaged by denial as well as by exaggeration of female-male differences. Men may also be at risk when their gender is invisible. We suggest some feminist approaches to workplace solutions and some pathways for research. Résumé L'Université du Québec à Montréal a signé avec des centrales syndicales des ententes leur donnant un accès à des ressources universitaires. Des chercheures ont travaillé en partenariat avec des comités syndicaux de condition des femmes et de santé-sécurité au travail pendant plus de 25 ans, mais ce ne sont pas toutes les études qui ont abouti à des améliorations. Un projet concernait des observations du travail d'employé.e.s du secteur de la santé, dont les tâches, mouvements, et postures variaient selon le genre/sexe. Nous avons recommandé des transformations, mais des enjeux d'équité salariale, de coûts et de sous-traitance y ont fait obstacle. Les chercheures ont appris qu'en l'absence de transformation des rapports de pouvoir au travail, le déni des différences hommes-femmes, autant que leur exagération, peut désavantager les travailleuses (et les travailleurs). Nous suggérons des approches féministes aux solutions pour le milieu de travail, ainsi que des pistes de recherche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Messing
- 1 14845 Université du Québec à Montréal , Québec, Canada
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Johnson CY, Rocheleau CM, Hein MJ, Waters MA, Stewart PA, Lawson CC, Reefhuis J. Agreement between two methods for retrospective assessment of occupational exposure intensity to six chlorinated solvents: Data from The National Birth Defects Prevention Study. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2017; 14:389-396. [PMID: 28388335 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2016.1269177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The wide variety of jobs encountered in population-based studies makes retrospective exposure assessment challenging in occupational epidemiology. In this analysis, two methods for estimating exposure intensity to chlorinated solvents are compared: rated (assigned by an expert rater) and modeled (assigned using statistical models). Estimates of rated and modeled intensities were compared for jobs held by mothers participating in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study with possible exposure to six chlorinated solvents: carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, methylene chloride, perchloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and trichloroethylene. For each possibly exposed job, an industrial hygienist assigned (1) an exposure intensity (rated intensity) and (2) determinants of exposure to be used in a statistical model of exposure intensity (modeled intensity). Of 12,326 reported jobs, between 31 (0.3%) and 746 (6%) jobs were rated as possibly exposed to each of the six solvents. Agreement between rated and modeled intensities was low overall (Spearman correlation coefficient range: -0.09 to 0.28; kappa range: -0.23 to 0.43). Although no air measurements were available to determine if rated or modeled estimates were more accurate, review of participants' job titles showed that modeled estimates were often unexpectedly high given the low-exposure tasks found in these jobs. Differences between the high-exposure jobs used to create the statistical models (obtained from air measurements in the published literature) and the low-exposure jobs in the actual study population is a potential explanation for the disagreement between the two methods. Investigators should be aware that statistical models estimating exposure intensity using existing data from one type of worker population might not be generalizable to all populations of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Y Johnson
- a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Cincinnati , Ohio
- b Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , Georgia
| | - Carissa M Rocheleau
- a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Cincinnati , Ohio
| | - Misty J Hein
- a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Cincinnati , Ohio
- c CACI Inc. , Cincinnati , Ohio
| | - Martha A Waters
- a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Cincinnati , Ohio
| | | | - Christina C Lawson
- a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Cincinnati , Ohio
| | - Jennita Reefhuis
- e National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , Georgia
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Jarman L, Martin A, Venn A, Otahal P, Blizzard L, Teale B, Sanderson K. Workplace Health Promotion and Mental Health: Three-Year Findings from Partnering Healthy@Work. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156791. [PMID: 27513577 PMCID: PMC4981343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the association between mental health and comprehensive workplace health promotion (WHP) delivered to an entire state public service workforce (~28,000 employees) over a three-year period. Government departments in a state public service were supported to design and deliver a comprehensive, multi-component health promotion program, Healthy@Work, which targeted modifiable health risks including unhealthy lifestyles and stress. Repeated cross-sectional surveys compared self-reported psychological distress (Kessler-10; K10) at commencement (N = 3406) and after 3 years (N = 3228). WHP availability and participation over time was assessed, and associations between the K10 and exposure to programs estimated. Analyses were repeated for a cohort subgroup (N = 580). Data were weighted for non-response. Participation in any mental health and lifestyle programs approximately doubled after 3 years. Both male and female employees with poorer mental health participated more often over time. Women's psychological distress decreased over time but this change was only partially attributable to participation in WHP, and only to lifestyle interventions. Average psychological distress did not change over time for men. Unexpectedly, program components directly targeting mental health were not associated with distress for either men or women. Cohort results corroborated findings. Healthy@Work was successful in increasing participation across a range of program types, including for men and women with poorer mental health. A small positive association of participation in lifestyle programs with mental health was observed for women but not men. The lack of association of mental health programs may have reflected program quality, its universality of application or other contextual factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Jarman
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Hobart, Australia
| | - Angela Martin
- Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Alison Venn
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Hobart, Australia
| | - Petr Otahal
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Hobart, Australia
| | - Leigh Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Hobart, Australia
| | - Brook Teale
- Department of Premier and Cabinet, Tasmanian State Government, Hobart, Australia
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Kwak L, Berrigan D, Van Domelen D, Sjöström M, Hagströmer M. Examining differences in physical activity levels by employment status and/or job activity level: Gender-specific comparisons between the United States and Sweden. J Sci Med Sport 2015; 19:482-7. [PMID: 26095371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between employment status and job activity level with physical activity (PA) and sedentary time, stratified by gender and country. DESIGN Cross-sectional study design. METHODS Data from working age adults (18-65 years) from two cross-sectional studies, the Swedish 2001-2002 and 2007-2008 Attitude Behavior and Change Study (ABC; n=1165) and the 2003-2006 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; n=4201), were stratified by employment status (employed and not employed) and job activity level (active, sedentary and mixed). PA in counts×min(-1) and time spent in sedentary, low and moderate or higher intensity were measured with accelerometers. Analyses were conducted in 2012-2013. RESULTS In NHANES, the employed had significantly higher counts×min(-1) and spent more time in moderate or higher intensity PA than those not employed. In ABC, no significant differences were observed between employed and unemployed. Adults with active versus sedentary occupations had higher counts×min(-1) and less sedentary time in both the USA and Sweden and in both men and women. For example, counts×min(-1) were 20-40% greater in active versus sedentary jobs. CONCLUSIONS Employment status is related to PA and sedentary time among men and women in the USA but not in Sweden. Among the employed, occupational PA is associated with total PA and sedentary time for both genders and in both countries. Comparisons of PA levels based on objective measurements can refine understanding of country differences in activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Kwak
- Institute for Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Dane Van Domelen
- Department of Biostatistics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael Sjöström
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Maria Hagströmer
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Hohenadel K, Raj P, Demers PA, Zahm SH, Blair A. The inclusion of women in studies of occupational cancer: a review of the epidemiologic literature from 1991-2009. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:276-81. [PMID: 25678456 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the early 1990s, researchers have been concerned with the low rate at which women are included in epidemiologic studies of occupational cancer. A previous evaluation determined that one-third of articles published between 1970 and 1990 included women. METHODS To assess whether there has been an improvement in recent years, papers on occupational cancer between 1991 and 2009 were reviewed in fifteen journals. RESULTS The proportion of articles that included men remained stable around 90%, while the proportion of articles that included women increased substantially, from 39% in 1991-1995 to 62% in 2006-2009. Articles that assessed risk among men only or men and women presented a higher number of risk estimates and were more likely to evaluate dose-response relationships than studies including women. CONCLUSIONS Despite advances in the inclusion of women in studies of occupational cancer, disparities remain in the number of studies of occupational cancer and depth of analysis in studies that included women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Priyanka Raj
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre; Toronto Canada
| | - Paul A. Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre; Toronto Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
| | - Shelia Hoar Zahm
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; National Cancer Institute; Rockville Maryland
| | - Aaron Blair
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; National Cancer Institute; Rockville Maryland
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Sex differences in task distribution and task exposures among Danish house painters: an observational study combining questionnaire data with biomechanical measurements. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110899. [PMID: 25365301 PMCID: PMC4218834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Sex differences in occupational biomechanical exposures may be part of the explanation why musculoskeletal complaints and disorders tend to be more common among women than among men. We aimed to determine possible sex differences in task distribution and task-specific postures and movements of the upper extremities among Danish house painters, and to establish sex-specific task exposure matrices. Methods To obtain task distributions, we sent out a questionnaire to all members of the Painters' Union in Denmark (N = 9364), of whom 53% responded. Respondents reported their task distributions in a typical week. To obtain task exposures, postures and movements were measured in 25 male and 25 female house painters for one whole working day per person. We used goniometers on the wrists, and inclinometers on the forehead and the upper arms. Participants filled in a logbook allowing task-specific exposures to be identified. Percentiles and % time with non-neutral postures were used to characterise postures. Velocity, range of motion, repetitiveness, and variation were used as measures of movement. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics and unpaired double-sided t-tests with post-hoc Bonferroni correction were used to evaluate sex differences. Results Statistically significant (p<0.05) sex differences were revealed in task proportions, but the proportions differed by less than 4%. For task exposures, no statistically significant sex differences were found. Conclusions Only minor sex differences were found in task distribution and task exposures regarding postures and movements among Danish house painters. Sex-specific task exposure matrices were established.
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