Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and related factors among nurses.

Objective: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition among women during their menstrual cycle. PMS can negatively affect a woman's daily life and function. Nurses, as an important and substantial segment of healthcare staff, are affected by the demanding environment of work place. Since PMS, as a prevalent counterproductive condition, has not been studied in this population in Iran, we assessed the prevalence of PMS and its associated factors among nurses aged 23 to 49 in teaching hospitals of the Tehran province of Iran. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study from April 2021 to January 2022, 280 participants from teaching hospitals were enrolled. Simple random sampling was used to determine the sample size of the study. Two validated questionnaires and a data gathering sheet were used to collect information. The premenstrual symptoms screening tool was used to determine PMS severity and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire to evaluate the associated job demands. Demographic data and work-related data included: night shift, shift type, monthly COVID-19 care and gynecologic and past medical history were gathered. Then data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, chi-square and t-test. Results: The severity of PMS was: mild (42.5%); moderate (30%); and severe (27.5%). Regular menstruation and dysmenorrhea were reported by 84.6% and 72.3%, respectively. Moderate to severe PMS was associated with: monthly COVID shift (p=0.02); emotional (p<0.01) and quantitative (p<0.01) demands; regular caffeine intake (p=0.01); education level (p=0.005); regular exercise (p=0.003); regular fiber intake (p=0.08); and irregular menstrual cycles (p=0.007). In logistic regression only quantitative (p=0.003) and emotional (p=0.018) job demands were significant. Conclusion: Results showed that the prevalence of PMS was high among Iranian nurses and was associated with quantitative and emotional job demands. We suggest further studies focusing on preventative and effective interventions to diminish the consequences of PMS in this population. We also suggest investigating the practical application of the findings of this study for healthcare professionals and policymakers.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale: translation and validation study of the Iranian version.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Iranian version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS-IR). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 507 suspicious patients either to obstructive sleep apnea (n = 466) or narcolepsy (n = 41) in order to carry out a psychometric evaluation of the ESS-IR by performing reliability, validity, and responsiveness analyses. Reliability of the ESS-IR was assessed by internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Validity of the instrument was assessed using several statistical approaches including construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), discriminant validity, and criterion validity. Responsiveness of the ESS-IR was assessed by comparing the ESS-IR total score before and after 6-9 months of continues positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in 16 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). RESULTS: The ESS-IR had an acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Factor analysis in both groups showed a two-factor solution for the ESS-IR, but the first factor showed statistically significant loads in all items. In addition, the ESS-IR discriminated well between patients with and without OSA. There is a fair correlation between the ESS-IR total score and multiple sleep latency test results that is not significant at all. Finally, the ESS-IR was found to be responsive to change where the total score was significantly decreased after CPAP treatment (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the ESS-IR is a reliable and valid measure for evaluating daytime sleepiness and now can be used in research and clinical settings in Iran.

The Combined Effect of Noise and Solvent Exposure on Hearing Loss in the Tire Factory Workers.

Noise and organic solvents are common in many industries and both of them affect hearing. In this study, we estimated the concurrent effect of them on hearing by evaluating the existence of notch in audiograms of workers. The number of 540 persons were enrolled in this study after eliminating workers who had the exclusion criteria. We divided them into 4 groups based on their exposure status; no exposure, exposure to noise, exposure to solvent, exposure to both of them. The presence of notch in left, right, or both ears were assessed through Coles model. The rates of notch presence in both ears in the groups of noise and organic solvents exposure, noise exposure only, solvents exposure only were 11.72, 4.49, 1.86 times higher than the control group and sole solvent exposure didn't affect hearing significantly. The same pattern was seen for notch presence in left or right ear and the solvent-noise exposure group had the highest rate of notch presence. This study aims to show the synergic effect of noise and organic solvents exposure on hearing loss. Hence, we recommend implementing a hearing protection program and a higher frequency of audiological assessments in the industries involved with concurrent exposure to noise and organic solvents.

Association of sleep characteristics and respiratory symptoms at a smelting factory.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbance including insomnia and poor sleep quality has been shown to be a major health determinant in occupational settings. Specific occupational exposures to hazards in most workplaces can lead to various health problems, especially sleep problems. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate sleep characteristics, and their relationships with work-related exposures, demographics, and other related variables in workers of a smelting factory. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on workers in a 40-year smelting factory located in the East of Tehran Province. A total of 200 male participants were included in the study. Among them, 51 workers were from the production process staff and the rest were office workers. Their shifts were from 6 AM to 5 PM. All participants were asked about demographic characteristics and exposure to respiratory pollutants. All participants answered validated Persian versions of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: The means (SD) of age and BMI were 39.1 (8.9) years and 26.8 (4.5) kg/m2, respectively. Among all participants, 51 (25.5%) experienced exposure to a respiratory pollutant. Among all workers, 96 (48%) experienced poor sleep quality and 87 (43.5%) and 10 (5%) had subthreshold and clinical insomnia, respectively. The mean (SD) night sleep duration was 6.4 (0.96) hours. Data analysis illustrated a significant positive relationship between exposure to respiratory pollutants and insomnia (p-value = 0.03). Howewer, this association between sleep quality and exposure to repiratory pollutants was not significant (p-value = 0.25). Further analysis with binominal regression showed participants with exposure to respiratory pollutants were more susceptible to clinical insomnia (p-value = 0.02, exp(B) = 0.213), and after regressing out the effect of smoking, participants with exposure to respiratory pollutants remained susceptible to clinical insomnia. A lower night sleep duration was observed among participants with exposure to inhalational material (p-value = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposures to hazardous material, including inhalational exposures, could cause sleep disturbance, which warrants more attention paid by sleep specialists.

Metabolic syndrome and its determinants among professional drivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Drivers are one of the trade unions that are most exposed to various health-related risks, especially metabolic diseases. The present study aimed to systematically assess the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its determinants among drivers in the world. METHODS: All retrospective, cross-sectional, or prospective studies evaluating the prevalence and risk for metabolic syndrome and its main components among male professional drivers were eligible for the initial assessment. PRISMA guideline was used. Two blinded reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of the manuscripts followed by a deep assessment of the full texts for determining the inclusion appropriateness. RESULTS: In the final, 12 articles were eligible for the final analysis. Overall, 19,350 professional male drivers with a total average age of 43.06 years (ranged from 35.5 to 51.1 years) were included in the study. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was estimated to be 32.8% (95%CI: 32.1% to 33.5%), and the major determinants of appearing this syndrome among professional drivers were advanced age, years of driving experience, higher body mass index, smoking, high cholesterol dietary regimen, high Framingham risk score, low regular exercising, history of diabetes mellitus, history of gout, and shift work pattern. CONCLUSION: According to the 32.8% prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome among drivers, managerial measures are needed to prevent and control metabolic disturbances among professional drivers are recommended.

The association between job stress and metabolic syndrome among medical university staff.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between job stress and each component of metabolic syndrome has been previously suggested; however, this association is not consistent. The present study was conducted to assess the association between job stress and metabolic syndrome and its components in a group of Iranian workers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was performed on 3,537 randomly selected staff in Tehran University of Medical Sciences including the staff of clinical, administrative, and service departments with at least one year of working experience. The overall frequency of metabolic syndrome was assessed based on the international diabetes federation (IDF) criteria. The Persian version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) was used to measure major domains of psychosocial factors in the workplace. RESULTS: The overall frequency of metabolic syndrome in the assessed personnel was estimated to be 22.1 % and there was a significantly higher rate of metabolic syndrome in office workers and service personnel compared to clinical staff (OR: 1.51, CI 95 %: 1.25-1.82 and OR: 1.74, CI 95 %: 1.41-2.14, respectively). Health and well-being as a major domain of COPSOQ was found to be significantly impaired by the presence of metabolic syndrome. According to the results of multiple logistic regression modeling, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and impaired health and well-being domain remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, marital status, educational level, and employment category. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed a close association between job-related stress and the impaired well-being in the presence of metabolic syndrome among the medical university staff.

Association between type of physical activity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Islamic Republic of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the role of occupational-related physical activity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the association between different types of physical activity (work-related, transport-related, home-time and leisure-time) and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a sample of Iranian workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to November 2018 among 415 workers of a rubber factory in Tehran province. Physical activity levels of the participants were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Blood sample were analysed for cardiovascular disease risk factors (fasting blood sugar ≥ 100 mg/ dL, triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL, total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mmHg and waist circumference ≥ 102 cm). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were also measured, as was body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease differed significantly according to type of physical activity. Fasting blood sugar ≥ 100 mg/dL and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 had a significant negative association with overall physical activity level (P < 0.001). In a logistic regression analysis, leisure-time physical activity had a significant negative correlation with all risk factors for cardiovascular disease after adjusting for age and smoking. CONCLUSION: Leisure-time physical activity has a more important role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors than other types of activity, including work-related physical activity.

Effects of Simultaneous Exposure to Smoking and Welding Fume on Pulmonary Function Tests in Spot Welders.

BACKGROUND: The respiratory effects of fume exposure during spot welding may aggravate some environmental risk factors such as tobacco smoking. Fume exposure and smoking have negative effects on pulmonary function tests (PFTs). This study assessed the simultaneous effects of smoking and welding fume on spirometry tests in spot welders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 667 spot welders and 1000 assemblers in an automotive manufacturing plant. Spirometry was carried out on all the participants under standard conditions and according to the American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guidelines and indices including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF 25-75, and PEF were measured and compared between two groups of the study population including workers of spot welding and assembling. RESULTS: It was found that the effect of simultaneous exposure to smoking and welding fume was aggravated on the PFT indices including the FEV1 percent, FEV1/FVC, the FEV1/FVC percent, the PEF percent, FEF25-75, and the FEF25-75 percent, but not on indices such as FVC, the FVC percent, and PEF. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous exposure to smoking and welding fume resulted in a reduction in some spirometry indices, causing respiratory airway obstruction in the spot welders. Occupational safety and regular medical examinations with shorter intervals in smoking spot welders can prevent acute respiratory effects of exposure to smoking and welding fume.

Body impedance analyzer and anthropometric indicators; predictors of metabolic syndrome.

Aim: Metabolic syndrome is one of the outcomes of a sedentary lifestyle in the modern world. In this study, we want to introduce the predictors of metabolic syndrome using anthropometric indices and Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) test values. Method: This cross-sectional study was performed on 2284 employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in different job categories. Metabolic syndrome was determined according to IDF criteria. Anthropometric dimensions, para-clinical tests, basic information were collected from the participants. Also, the body analysis of the participants was performed using a BIA method. Result: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this study was 23.2% based on IDF criteria, which was 21% and 26.6% in men and women, respectively. The most important factor among the components of IDF criteria was HDL deficiency. In this study, neck circumference, fat mass, visceral fat, muscle mass percentage and waist to height ratio were observed as predictors of metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: This study realized that there is association between fat mass, fat-free mass, visceral fat and muscle mass which all are some elements of body composition analysis and metabolic syndrome as a major health issue.

Hypertension and Decreased Glomerular Filtration Rate Among Commercial Drivers.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is of high clinical importance due to cost of outcomes such as kidney transplantation. However, CKD is an overlooked disorder among commercial drivers. The present study aimed to evaluate hypertension and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) among commercial drivers. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 903 commercial drivers referred for obtaining their health license were recruited. After obtaining informed consent, a questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics was completed. Blood pressure, level of lipid profile, blood sugar, blood urea nitrogen, and plasma creatinine were measured. Chi-square and independent T-test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: All participants were male. The mean ( ± SD) age and Body mass index were 42 ± (10) years and 27 ± (4) kg/m2, respectively. Of 903 studied cases 40 (4%) had GFR < 60. Increased age and high blood pressure had a significant association with reduced GFR (P < .0001). The ones with sleep apnea were more likely to have GFR < 60, however, the association was not statistically significant after adjusting for related risk factors. CONCLUSION: Older age and hypertension are considered as risk factors for CKD among commercial drivers. Obstructive sleep apnea also should be kept in mind as a possible risk factor that requires further elucidation and management.

Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea among train drivers.

BACKGROUND: The screening of risk factors for sleep apnea among drivers with safety-sensitive jobs is considered as an issue of utmost importance in a safe transportation system. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the risk factors of sleep apnea among locomotive drivers. METHODS: The present research is a cross-sectional study conducted in Baharloo Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The study population included 281 locomotive drivers referred for their annual physical examination. Demographic characteristics, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and laboratory measurements including fasting blood sugar (FBS), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were recorded for each participant. Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg, history of drug use, BMI > 35 kg/m2, age >50 years, and neck circumference >40 cm were defined as risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA-RFs). RESULTS: All participants were male with a mean age of 43±10 years. The mean BMI was 26.9±3.9 kg/m2. Also, the mean FBS and Total cholesterol of participants was 96.9±24.9 and 181.7±41.8, respectively. Among participants, 166 (59.9%) drivers had two or more risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA-RFs)CONCLUSIONS:The findings of this study indicated a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among locomotive drivers. Therefore, further research is warranted to re-evaluate the current screening regulations of diagnosing sleep apnea among locomotive drivers.

Effects of Car Painting Vapors on Spirometric Parameters in Automobile Painting Workers.

BACKGROUND: Automobile spray painting is considered a high-risk occupation for respiratory diseases. The present survey aimed to assess the effects of automobile paint vapors on spirometric parameters among workers of a painting workshop in a large automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 820 workers of an automobile manufacturing plant, including 431 spray painters (case group) and 389 assembly line workers (control group). Spirometry was conducted for all participants under standard conditions, according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Practice Guidelines. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and forced expiratory flow at 25% and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25-75) were reported. RESULTS: Painters with more than ten years of work experience had significantly lower predicted values of FEV1/FVC (P= 0.005), FEV1 (P=0.008), and FEF25-75 (P=0.003), compared to the control group. Also, painters who were exposed to solvent-based paints were not significantly different from those exposed to water-based paints in terms of spirometric parameters (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated the impact of automobile spray painting on the spirometric parameters. A slight decrease in the mean values of these parameters calls for attention to occupational safety, regular medical examinations, and effective measures.

Frequency of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors in health care workers.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, metabolic syndrome is one of the most important public health risk factors. Having this in mind, the present study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of metabolic syndrome and its associated risk factors in healthcare workers. METHOD: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 410 healthcare workers in a teaching hospital in Iran. Demographic, occupational, and psychosocial characteristics were assessed using questionnaire. Assessment of metabolic syndrome of hospital staff was performed at workplace during their medical examination. RESULTS: The frequency of metabolic syndrome was found to be 22.4%. This relationship was found among blood pressure and occupational stress, despite the fact that there was no significant relationship between metabolic syndrome and occupational stress. Higher age, having shift work, and inactivity were associated with metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: Considering the high frequency of metabolic syndrome among Iranian healthcare workers, it is advised that effective management should be employed to correct the occupational and psychosocial factors associated with this syndrome.

Association Among Sources Exposure of Cadmium in the Adult Non-smoking General Population of Tehran.

Acute and chronic exposure to cadmium can cause numerous health effects including poisoning, as well as, bone, liver, and kidney diseases. Cadmium competes with iron absorption in blood and can induce anemia. Cadmium body burden can be measured through urine and blood samples. Urine reflects chronic and blood indicates recent and cumulative exposures to cadmium. Dietary is considered as the main source of exposure to cadmium in non-smoking general population. The study was conducted to determine cadmium level in blood, urine, and in diet of 120 non-smoking adults in Tehran. Dietary components and consumption pattern of participants estimated by a food frequency questionnaire. Next, the correlation investigated between them. Moreover, serum ferritin measured as a marker of iron storage in blood to determine its association with cadmium. The prediction of cadmium fate in the body is determined by toxicokinetic models. This study tried to evaluate one of these models' validity which is developed to predict urinary cadmium from dietary. Afterwards, the predicted urinary compared with the measured urinary cadmium. The correlation coefficient between dietary and blood cadmium equaled 0.66 which was statically significant, but the correlation between dietary and urinary cadmium was minimal and not statically significant (p > 0.05). An inverse and negative correlation was found between serum ferritin and blood cadmium. The mean predicted urinary cadmium calculated by the model was 2.5-fold higher than the measured value in the total population. Results of the present study revealed that blood cadmium reflected mainly acute exposure. There was no correlation between chronic and acute exposures to cadmium. The low serum ferritin level increased cadmium amount in blood. Moreover, the mean predicted urinary cadmium by the model was greater than the measured value. It can because of characteristics of populations and type of dietary exposure. Thus, it is suggested that the model coefficients are determined in each society based on their characteristics.

Million Visual Analogue Scale Questionnaire: Validation of the Persian Version.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: To validate the Persian version of the Million Visual Analogue Scale Questionnaire (MVAS), a self-administered low back pain (LBP) questionnaire. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The majority of LBP questionnaires translated into Persian evaluate the impact of LBP on daily living. The MVAS is one of the most commonly used self-administered LBP questionnaires, and was developed to assess a different direction and effect of activities of daily living on LBP intensity. METHODS: The questionnaire was translated into Persian with the forward-backward method and was administered to 150 patients randomly sampled from an occupational medicine clinic in Tehran in 2017. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha for all subscales ranged between 0.670 and 0.799. Confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate construct validity of the Persian version of the MVAS, with root mean square error of approximation 0.046, goodness of fit index 0.902, and comparative fit index 0.969. Other indexes were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian MVAS is a valid and reliable instrument that can assess the effect of various daily activities on the intensity of LBP.

Predictors of early return to work after a coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

OBJECTIVES: Identifying factors predictive of early return to work in patients who underwent a coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred twenty-six working patients who volunteered and underwent a primary coronary artery bypass surgery between September 2013 and May 2014 were selected for the study and followed up for 6 months. Predictors of early return to work (RTW) (within 2 months) were analyzed from variables in a prospectively collected database and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire carried out in the hospital and rehabilitation center as well as from the follow-up performed via the phone. RESULTS: One hundred and two (45.1%) and 155 (68.9%) patients returned to work within 2 and 3 months after the surgery, respectively. Furthermore, 196 patients (87.1%) returned to work within 6 months after the surgery. In the univariate analysis, demographic or socioeconomic factors (such as age, level of education, income), occupational factors (such as occupation type, working hours per week, duration of the preoperative absence from work), psychological factors (such as a patient's concern about adverse health effects of RTW, feeling depressed, a patient's attitude towards his/her ability to RTW and a patient's perception of his/her job stress level) and medical factors (such as serum troponin T and creatine kinase MB (CKMB) level, pump time in surgery, co-surgery and dyslipidemia history) had a statistically significant correlation with early return to work. The patients who early returned to work had significantly higher scores in 3 domains on the SF-36 questionnaire (used for assessing the patients' quality of life), compared to those who did not return to work early (including physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health and pain). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study we identified 4 new medical factors that could be used as predictors of early return to work after CABG. These factors are: normal serum troponin T level, shorter pump time in surgery, normal mean arterial pressure (MAP) before the surgery and higher serum magnesium (Mg) levels. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):947-957.

Prevalence and sleep related disorders of restless leg syndrome in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite being frequently described, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) in patients, who are on hemodialysis, is a common disease which, has not been well documented in Iran. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of RLS and its sleep disorders in Iranian patients on hemodialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this multicenter cross sectional study, 397 consecutive patients on hemodialysis were evaluated by face-to-face interviews. RLS was diagnosed using the International RLS Study Group (IRLSS) criteria. In addition, three validated sleep disorder questionnaires (Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth sleepiness scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index) were completed by the patients. RESULTS: One hundred-twenty-six patients with RLS (31.7%; mean age 57.6 ± 15.4 years) participated in the current study. RLS mostly occurs in females (P < 0.001). RLS cases showed poorer quality of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5, P = 0.001), higher scores of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (P < 0.001) and insomnia severity index (P = 0.001). Except thyroid gland dysfunction (P < 0.03, OR ≈ 2.50) and anti-hypertensive medications (P < 0.01, OR ≈ 1.7), there were no significant differences between age, duration of dialysis, etiology of renal insufficiency, intake of nicotine, alcohol or caffeine, and other associated comorbidities between the patients with and without RLS. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, prevalence of RLS was near the weighted-mean prevalence of other studies (mean 30%, range 8%t-52%). This is not just racial variability and may attribute to narrow or wide definition of the disease, plus variations of the prevalence recording time, and sometimes not using the standard criteria or standard interview.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale for screening of the drowsy driving: comparison with the maintenance of wakefulness test in an Iranian sample of commercial drivers.

Traffic fatalities are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Iran. Occupational sleep medicine field needs more cost-effective and applicable tests for screening purposes. This study reports on a pilot screening study for drowsy drivers in an urban Iranian sample of commercial drivers. The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) measures the ability to remain awake objectively. Sleep latency in MWT is a reasonable predictor of driving simulator performance in drivers. In this study, we evaluate whether the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and MWT are equally useful in drivers with possible Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). 46 consecutive road truck drivers in a transportation terminal entered into this study. The ESS score of patients with normal and abnormal MWT was 3.24±2.4 and 4.08±3 respectively which was not significantly differenced (P value = 0.34). No significant correlation was found between the ESS and sleep latency in MWT (r=-0.28, 95%CI= -0.58 to 0.02). By using the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve was found to be 0.57 (95% confidence interval = 0.37- 0.77) which is not statistically acceptable (P value=0.46). Our finding showed that the MWT and ESS do not measure the same parameter.

Medical risk factors of diabetes mellitus among professional drivers.

BACKGROUND: Road transport drivers are one of the professional groups whose activities have a strong impact of public safety. In view of the natural professional activity, the drivers are at a higher risk of obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and carbohydrate metabolism disorders such as diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical documentation was the source of data for the reported study. It derived from medical examinations of 1903 drivers applying for driving license. RESULTS: Hyperglycemia was found in 52.1% of the drivers, 9.1% of them were in diabetic stage, and with HbA1C criteria 77.6% of these drivers were in this stage. Excessive body weight was recorded in 65.6% of the study population, 44.8% were diagnosed with overweight and 20.8% with obesity. High blood pressure was recorded in 16.4% of drivers. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of excessive body weight and high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia are risk factors for diabetes mellitus in professional drivers that indicates a need to undertake multidimensional actions target on this particular profession and involving various health care sectors. Prophylactic and detailed pre-placement examinations should be considered, depending on the rate and the intensity of disorders. These should be coupled with an introduction of primary and secondary prophylactic activities and monitoring of relevant treatment.