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Occupational and Environmental Health Hazards (Physical & Mental) Among Rag-Pickers in Mumbai Slums: A Cross-Sectional Study
Balu Natha Mote,
Suhas Balasaheb Kadam,
Shrikant Kishorrao Kalaskar,
Bharat Shivajirao Thakare,
Ambadas Suresh Adhav,
Thirumugam Muthuvel
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
1-10
Received:
3 January 2016
Accepted:
11 January 2016
Published:
25 January 2016
Abstract: Rag pickers are informal workers who collect recyclable materials to earn a small wage on daily basis. Their life and working conditions are extremely difficult. This paper examined the health status, occupational and environmental health hazards among rag-pickers working in dumping ground of Shivaji-Nagar and Govandi Slums of Mumbai, India. The cross-sectional study gathered data by interviewing 120 rag pickers during the Masters in Public Health course curriculum at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in the year 2012-13. The Occupational and environmental health (Physical & Mental) hazards were assessed using a standard self-reporting questionnaire. Convenient sampling was used to select the rag pickers from the slums of Mumbai. The study shows, rag-pickers suffer from physical as well as mental ill health. The reason for engaged in such kind of work is due to not having other skills and easy or daily income. Most of them are having habits such as tobacco-chewing and consumption. Dog bite and rat bite are common among Rag-pickers. Redness of eyes, headache, backache, accidental injuries are very common among Rag-pickers. Substance abuse itself is one of the mental disorders present among Rag-pickers. Majority of them are associated with mild depression and mild anxiety as common mental disorders. Rag pickers more frequently report physical and mental health problems. Improving the work lives of these precarious workers should address not only the physical hazards of their jobs but their mental and emotional health as well. Unfulfilled health needs of this underprivileged workforce who contributes to the ecology and economy of the city need to be addressed. Sensitization of both general public and government workforce is essential to legitimize this occupation. This in turn may help to alleviate poverty and environmental degradation which is occurring due to rapid and unplanned urbanization in India.
Abstract: Rag pickers are informal workers who collect recyclable materials to earn a small wage on daily basis. Their life and working conditions are extremely difficult. This paper examined the health status, occupational and environmental health hazards among rag-pickers working in dumping ground of Shivaji-Nagar and Govandi Slums of Mumbai, India. The cr...
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Economic Decisions on Proposed Work Environmental Studies – a Theory for Cost and Value of Information
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
11-19
Received:
28 December 2015
Accepted:
6 January 2016
Published:
25 January 2016
Abstract: Assessment studies of occupational exposures are retrospectively evaluated based on their achieved statistical efficiency and/or their imposed costs. However, any decision on the performance of such studies strongly requires an economic evaluation in advance. The economic evaluation of proposed work environmental studies needs, in turn, access to information on the socio-economic impacts of occupational exposures. The present article aims to help policy makers in their decisions on proposed work environmental studies by introducing a cost-value approach to the information to be produced during the studies. The cost-value approach is not exposed to subjective judgements, as in the approach of “willingness to pay”, nor to consideration of invaluable statistical efficiency as “output”, as in exposure assessment studies. The work environmental study investigated in this article contained three different groups of occupational exposures that caused sickness absences and impairments at work in a Swedish company, Sandvik Materials Technology. The results show that the suggested study would be acceptable to the policy makers in the company, as its estimated value was strictly greater than its estimated costs.
Abstract: Assessment studies of occupational exposures are retrospectively evaluated based on their achieved statistical efficiency and/or their imposed costs. However, any decision on the performance of such studies strongly requires an economic evaluation in advance. The economic evaluation of proposed work environmental studies needs, in turn, access to i...
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Present Scenario of Insecticides and Fungicides Use in Largest Mango Cultivation Area in Bangladesh
Asad Ud-Daula,
Salim Raza,
Golam Mukit,
Soumen Das,
A. T. M. Mijanur Rahman,
Abul Kashem Tang
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
20-25
Received:
13 December 2015
Accepted:
8 January 2016
Published:
27 January 2016
Abstract: This study has been conducted to assess the present scenario of spraying insecticides/fungicides during the whole cultivation period of mango in Shibgonj upazilla of Chapainawabgonj district. A total number of 250 mango growers were randomly selected and interviewed by structured questionnaires from December, 2014 to June, 2015. The data were collected with respect to their educational level, cultivating land, times and types of insecticides/fungicides spray, and farmer’s consciousness about the excessive use of insecticides/fungicides. Out of the 250 mango growers, 184 were illiterate which accounts almost 74% followed by under HSC, 51 (20%) and higher educated, 15 (6%). Around 1-3 acre of land was used by 145 (58%) mango growers for cultivation followed by 3-7 acre by 85 (34%) and more than 7 acres by 20 (8%). Eight insecticides and seven fungicides under different trade names were most commonly sprayed at 2, 3, 4, and even more than 7 times in the stage of mango flowering, green mango, and finally, in mature stages. Most importantly, 151 (60%) growers do not have any, while 99 (40%) have very little knowledge about the negative effects of using excessive amounts of insecticides/fungicides. The mango growers are randomly using same pesticides under different brand name. Additionally, they frequently use fungicides instead of insecticides that cause no death of mango pest. As a result, they could not protect early dropping of mangoes. Furthermore, 103 (41%) and 147 (59%) growers have little and no knowledge regarding the side effects of spraying of formalin and calcium carbide that are used for preservation and early ripening of mango, respectively. Therefore, necessary actions should be taken immediately keeping in mind not only to reduce the early fall out of mangoes but also to produce safe mangoes for consumption.
Abstract: This study has been conducted to assess the present scenario of spraying insecticides/fungicides during the whole cultivation period of mango in Shibgonj upazilla of Chapainawabgonj district. A total number of 250 mango growers were randomly selected and interviewed by structured questionnaires from December, 2014 to June, 2015. The data were colle...
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Effect of National Health Insurance Holding on the Choice of Health Facility for Childbirth in Ghana
Salifu Mubarik,
Seidu Al-hassan,
Nkechi S. Owoo,
Boakye-Yiadom Louis
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
26-36
Received:
2 January 2016
Accepted:
13 January 2016
Published:
29 January 2016
Abstract: Maternal and child mortalities are among major health problems facing developing countries such as Ghana. Most of these deaths can be avoided by utilization of maternity health care services. The study examines the effect of health insurance holding and other socioeconomic and demographic factors on the choice of health facility for childbirth in Ghana. The study used data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health survey. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics as well as a Multinomial Logistic Regression for identification of factors that influence delivery in health facility. The study results have shown that, holding of health insurance and wealth significantly influences expectant mother’s decision to use government health facilities for childbirth. Also, the study revealed considerable variations in region and between rural and urban utilization of this services in Ghana. It is recommended that in order to improve the utilization of health facility for childbirth services and hence maternal health care utilization, there is the need to improve public awareness and efforts should also be taking by policy makers to integrate the private sector properly into the National Health Insurance scheme. Policy should also target mothers who have had the experience of child birth on the need to use health care facility services for each pregnancy. The government and other service providers (NGOs, religious institutions and private providers) may endeavor to improve on the distribution of health facilities, human resources, good roads and necessary infrastructure among other things in order to facilitate easy access to health care providers especially for rural dwellers.
Abstract: Maternal and child mortalities are among major health problems facing developing countries such as Ghana. Most of these deaths can be avoided by utilization of maternity health care services. The study examines the effect of health insurance holding and other socioeconomic and demographic factors on the choice of health facility for childbirth in G...
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Hysteria Outbreak Investigation in Kombolcha Town Among School Girls, Northwest Ethiopia, January, 2013
Mastewal Worku Lake,
Mulugeta Mebratu Erku,
Hiwot Amara Hailu,
Adamu Addise Nuramo
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
37-42
Received:
26 December 2015
Accepted:
5 January 2016
Published:
29 January 2016
Abstract: Hysteria described for more than 600 years in a variety of cultures and settings for significant adverse of public health consequences and economic implications. The aim of this study was to investigate the outbreak, determine possible risk factors and guide intervention measures. In December 25, 2012, district health office notified to Regional Health Bureau about a suspected hysteria outbreak at Kombolcha General primary school. We investigated all 50 cases and compared with 100 matched controls. For the study, detailed discussions were also undertaken with school principal, teachers, students’ parents, district health officers and administrators about the event. Then data was analyzed using Epi Info version 7. Fifty cases and no death were identified. The mean age of all cases and controls was 13 with a range 9- 16 year. All were girls, and mostly friends (75%). The overall attack rate of the cases were 32 per 1000 populations in all age group. Using multivariate analysis, illness were remained as risk factors, perceive evil devil force (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 5.3 with 95% CI 2.3-12), psycho stress (AOR) 2.6, 95% CI 1.14-5.72) and seeing the affected students (AOR) 2.9; 95% CI 1.1-7.78). Knowledge of modes of transmission illness (AOR) 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.96) and separation of girls from the environment at least for 1-2 weeks (AOR) 0.49, (95% CI 0.22-0.98) were remained as protective factors for the illness. The study confirmed the hysteria outbreak in Kombolcha Town of school girls at General Primary school. And threatening situation was associated with a socio-cultural belief with psycho stress. We recommended conducting immediate reassurance, separate therapy, create community awareness about the illness and counseling at the school could be possible to manage events.
Abstract: Hysteria described for more than 600 years in a variety of cultures and settings for significant adverse of public health consequences and economic implications. The aim of this study was to investigate the outbreak, determine possible risk factors and guide intervention measures. In December 25, 2012, district health office notified to Regional He...
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Regional Differences in the Optimal Utilisation of Antenatal Care in Nigeria
Linda Ochuole Ugalahi,
Oyindamola Bidemi Yusuf,
Joshua Odunayo Akinyemi,
Ayo Stephen Adebowale
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
43-48
Received:
16 December 2015
Accepted:
27 December 2015
Published:
1 February 2016
Abstract: Many maternal deaths in Nigeria are as a result of pregnancy related complications that are preventable through utilisation of antenatal care facility. The World Health Organisation recommends at least four visits to an antenatal care facility to attain full life saving potentials for pregnant women and their unborn babies. As the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals (MDG 5), which focuses on maternal health and access to health facilities) approaches, it is important to evaluate the optimal utilisation of ANC and impact of regional differences. This study determined factors that affect optimal utilisation of ANC visits. The National Demographic and Health Survey, 2013 dataset on women aged 15-49 years who had their most recent birth in the last 5 years prior the survey was used for the analysis. Optimal utilisation of ANC was defined as four or more visits. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and binary logistic regression models (α=0.05). Mean age of women was 29±7 years and 53% achieved optimal utilisation. The identified predictors of optimal use of ANC were age, wealth index, number of children alive, and region among others. Women in the South-West were about 7 (OR=6.73, 955% CI=5.843, 7.758; p<0.001) times more likely to have had optimal utilisation of ANC than those in the North Central zone. This strength of relationship was retained after other socio-demographic factors were included in the regression model as control. Respondents aged 34-39 years were 2 times more likely to attain optimal utilisation of ANC facility compared to those aged 15-19 years (OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.152, 1.946). Respondents who belong to the richest wealth quintile were about 3 times more likely to attain optimal utilisation of ANC visits (OR=2.86, 95% CI: 2.162, 3.775) compared to respondents in the poorest quintile. Optimal utilisation of ANC in Nigeria is still poor and differentials exist across the regions. Therefore, regional specific programmes targeting better utilisation of ANC visits among women should be provided particularly in the Northern part of Nigeria.
Abstract: Many maternal deaths in Nigeria are as a result of pregnancy related complications that are preventable through utilisation of antenatal care facility. The World Health Organisation recommends at least four visits to an antenatal care facility to attain full life saving potentials for pregnant women and their unborn babies. As the deadline for the ...
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Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Among Solid Waste Collectors in Lideta Sub-city on Prevention of Occupational Health Hazards, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fikrom Gebremedhin,
Mesfin Kote Debere,
Abera Kumie,
Zemedu Mehamed Tirfe,
Andamlak Gizaw Alamdo
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
49-56
Received:
25 November 2015
Accepted:
27 December 2015
Published:
23 February 2016
Abstract: Municipal solid waste workers are exposed to a number of pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and cysts), toxic substances, chemicals that come from the waste itself and from its decomposition. While standards and norms for handling municipal solid waste in industrialized countries have reduced occupational and environmental impacts significantly, the risk levels are still very high in most developing countries including Ethiopia because of inadequate understanding of the magnitude of the problem. Despite the severity of occupational health hazards encounter by solid waste collectors their provision, knowledge and usage of personnel protective equipment is low and there is no adequate and credible evidence on occupational health risks of solid waste collectors in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of solid waste collectors towards prevention of occupational health hazards in Lideta sub-city in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among four hundred six solid waste collectors for this work. The data was collected by using semi-structured questionnaire and observational checklist, which was completed from December 2014 to February 2015. The data was entered into epi info version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS 20 version for analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis had been performed. Adjusted odds ratio with confidence interval had been computed to see the presence of association between the dependent and selected independent variables. The results on this finding were reported using different descriptive statistics. The response rate of this study was 94.8%. Female respondents accounted 69.7%. The mean age of the study subjects was 35 years, which varied from 17 to 65 years. About 60.8% of the study participants had satisfactory knowledge on preventing occupational health risks associated with solid waste handling. Most (75.9%) of the solid waste collectors had favorable attitude while only 37.2% of them had safe practice on preventing occupational health hazards. As compared to workers who were satisfied on their job, odds of having safe occupational health practice were 2.8 higher (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.84 - 4.26). The knowledge and attitudes of workers about prevention of occupational health hazards were moderate but the magnitude of having safe occupational health practice was very low. So, implementation of basic occupational health services with provision of personal protective equipment’s and supervising waste handlers on appropriate utilization is advisable.
Abstract: Municipal solid waste workers are exposed to a number of pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and cysts), toxic substances, chemicals that come from the waste itself and from its decomposition. While standards and norms for handling municipal solid waste in industrialized countries have reduced occupational and environmental impacts signi...
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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Risky Sexual Behaviours Among in-School Youth in Lalibela Town, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional Sate, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study Design
Alebel Yaregal Desale,
Mesele Damte Argaw,
Alemayehu Worku Yalew
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
57-64
Received:
23 January 2016
Accepted:
1 February 2016
Published:
23 February 2016
Abstract: Adolescence and youth are the periods for great opportunity and hope in human life. They are the periods between childhood and adulthood where by the young people are expected to undergo major physical, emotional, and social developments, with significant impact on their sexual and reproductive health. This study was aimed at assessing the magnitude and factors associated with risky sexual behaviours (RSB) among in-school youth (15-24) in Lalibela Town, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional institution based quantitative survey was conducted in June, 2014. A systematic random sampling technique was used to get the required sample size of 1362 study participants. A structured pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The univariate statistical analysis was used to describe the variables using tables and graphs. The multivariable logistic regression model was developed and factors associated with risky sexual behaviour were identified. A total of 1332 in-school youth (ISY) with a 97.8% response rate were included in the study. Five hundred fourteen (38.6%) in-school youth reported that they have initiated sexual intercourse. The mean age at the first sexual experience with standard deviation (Mean ± (SD)) was 15.25 ± (1.85) years, Median = 15 years, Ranges from 11 to 24 years. Among sexually active in-school youth, the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour, students reported at least one of the three risky behaviours which consist of engaging sexual debut before age 18 years, having multiple sexual partners and not consistently using condom was 46.5% (239/514). The odds of having risky sexual behaviour among urban resident ISY was 1.65 times higher than their counterpart (AOR 1.65; 95%CI: 1.12 – 2.43, P-value<0.001). The odds of risky sexual behaviour among ISY who had peer influence in sexual debut was 2 folds higher (AOR 2.06; 95%CI: 1.37 – 3.12, P-value<0.001) than their counterpart. The odds of the risky sexual behaviour of youth who never chew khat was less by 49% (AOR 0.51; 95%CI: 0.32 – 0.80, P-value<0.001) than their counterpart or khat chewers. A large proportion of in-school youth engaged in the risky sexual behaviour. Permanent residence, peer pressure, and substance uses are factors associated with risky sexual behaviours among in-school youths. Therefore, improving access to sexual and reproductive health for in-school youth is highly recommended. All concerned partners should work hard to create awareness about the identified factors and consequences of risky sexual behaviours among in school youth in the study area.
Abstract: Adolescence and youth are the periods for great opportunity and hope in human life. They are the periods between childhood and adulthood where by the young people are expected to undergo major physical, emotional, and social developments, with significant impact on their sexual and reproductive health. This study was aimed at assessing the magnitud...
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Relation Between Stress and Lifestyle for Care Workers
Yukiko Kawano,
Shinichi Demura,
Yoshiharu Tanaka,
Yoshimasa Matsuura
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
65-71
Received:
27 January 2016
Accepted:
10 February 2016
Published:
26 February 2016
Abstract: This study examined the possible relations between work-related stress and the lifestyle of care workers. A questionnaire regarding occupational stress and lifestyle on care labor was administrated to 507 (119 males and 388 females) care workers. Regardless of a difference in gender, generation, the care environment (care home and home visit), and the employment form (full-time and part-time), many care workers experienced occupational stress. Care workers with more work experience tended to have higher levels of stress than inexperienced workers, and certified care workers had more stress than visiting care for persons with severe disabilities. No relation was observed between stress and lifestyle of the care workers. In conclusion, in the case of care workers, their stress may not be influenced by lifestyle, even if the difference in occupational stress was found through the difference in years of experience and qualifications.
Abstract: This study examined the possible relations between work-related stress and the lifestyle of care workers. A questionnaire regarding occupational stress and lifestyle on care labor was administrated to 507 (119 males and 388 females) care workers. Regardless of a difference in gender, generation, the care environment (care home and home visit), and ...
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Validation of YPAS-PT – The Yale Physical Activity Survey for Portuguese Older People
Maria Machado,
Ciro Tavares,
Vera Moniz-Pereira,
Helô André,
Fátima Ramalho,
António Veloso,
Filomena Carnide
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
72-80
Received:
25 January 2016
Accepted:
8 February 2016
Published:
29 February 2016
Abstract: This study aimed to translate, adapt and validate the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) to Portuguese culture in order to assess the level of physical activity in a country with one of the world’s highest percentage of senior citizens. Permission was obtained from the original authors and translated according to WHO guidelines. Validation included 471 older adults (70.3% women; 74.9±6.5 years), covering Criterion Validity, through Spearman’s rho, with a cross-reference standard, by accelerometry with 96 subjects; and Reliability comprising Internal Consistency through Cronbach’s alpha with 471 subjects, and Temporal Stability through Intraclass Correlation Coefficient involving 30 subjects. YPAS-PT appeared suitable and relevant with low-to-moderate levels for all psychometric parameters. Significant correlations were found for all variables, including accelerometer data ranging from 0.201 to 0.452 (p<0.001). Internal consistency (α≥0.835) and temporal stability (ICC>0.75) demonstrated high reliability. The YPAS-PT is a valid instrument to assess Physical Activity patterns of Portuguese older adults, allowing record low-intensity activities typical of sedentary behavior, which is often excluded from other Physical Activity assessment tools. The study has concluded that the Portuguese version of YPAS (i.e., YPAS-PT) is a valid instrument to assess PA patterns of Portuguese older adults for research and social interventions.
Abstract: This study aimed to translate, adapt and validate the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) to Portuguese culture in order to assess the level of physical activity in a country with one of the world’s highest percentage of senior citizens. Permission was obtained from the original authors and translated according to WHO guidelines. Validation includ...
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