Asthma and body mass index in occupational setting.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common respiratory disease with an increasing prevalence. On the other hand, obesity is also a challenging disease compromising health in human communities. This study sought to assess the correlation of asthma and body mass index (BMI) in occupational setting. METHODS: This study was conducted in a cable manufacturing company in 2012. A total of 551 workers from the production (exposed group) and non-production (unexposed group) units were studied. A questionnaire specifically designed for this purpose was filled out for study subjects and then all workers with respiratory symptoms suggestive of asthma thoroughly examined by a physician and medical history was taken from them. Complementary diagnostic tests were also carried out. RESULTS: A total of 11.6% of our understudy subjects had asthma. The prevalence of asthma in exposed subjects with BMI≥25 kg/m(2) was found to be significantly higher than in exposed workers with BMI<25 kg/m(2) (p<0.01). However, no significant differences existed in prevalence of asthma between the two subgroups of BMI≥25 kg/m(2) and BMI<25 kg/m(2) in the unexposed group (p>0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors significant associations were observed between BMI and asthma at cut points of 30 kg/m(2) and 25 kg/m(2) (OR: 8.53 and 2.41, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that prevalence of asthma might be higher in workers with higher BMI who are exposed to occupational asthmogens. This finding highlights the necessity of offering weight loss recommendations in periodic examinations to workers with exposure to occupational asthmogens.

The effect of sleep disorder on the work ability of workers in a car accessories manufacturing plant.

BACKGROUND: Work ability assessment and its affecting factors are important in the field of occupational health. One of the factors affecting work ability is sleep disorder, which is very common among workers. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess work ability and its relationship with sleep disorder in workers of a manufacturing plant. METHODS: This cross- sectional study was conducted in a manufacturing plant in Tehran in 2013. All the 931 male workers of this plant were enrolled in the study, and their work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI). The scores of this index range from 7 to 49, and the higher work ability score indicates a better work ability status. In this study, sleep disorder was assessed using the MUSIC-Norrtalje Questionnaire. RESULTS: The average score of WAI was 42.81, ranging from 22 to 49. This score was significantly lower in the group with sleep disorder (41.28) than in the group without sleep disorder (44.10) (p< 0.001). The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between work ability and sleep disorder even after adjustment for the confounding variables (OR= 2.52, 95% CI= 1.07 - 5.93, p= 0.033). CONCLUSION: The results of this study found a relationship between sleep disorder and work ability. Therefore, it is recommended to identify workers with sleep disorder and attend to their problem in order to increase their work ability.

Relationship of occupational and non-occupational stress with smoking in automotive industry workers.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is the second cause of death and first cause of preventable mortality worldwide. Smoking in the workplace is particularly concerning. Smoking-free workplaces decrease the risk of exposure of non-smoking personnel to cigarette smoke. Recent studies have mostly focused on the effect of daily or non-occupational stressors (in comparison with occupational stress) on prevalence of smoking. Occupational stress is often evaluated in workplaces for smoking cessation or control programs, but the role of non-occupational stressors is often disregarded in this respect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an automobile manufacturing company. The response of automotive industry workers to parts of the validated, reliable, Farsi version of Musculoskeletal Intervention Center (MUSIC)-Norrtalje questionnaire was evaluated. A total of 3,536 factory workers participated in this study. Data were analyzed using SPSS and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The correlation of smoking with demographic factors, occupational stressors and life events was evaluated. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that even after adjusting for the confounding factors, cigarette smoking was significantly correlated with age, sex, level of education, job control and life events (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that of occupational and non-occupational stressors, only job control was correlated with cigarette smoking. Non-occupational stressors had greater effect on cigarette smoking. Consideration of both non-occupational and occupational stressors can enhance the success of smoking control programs. On the other hand, a combination of smoking control and stress (occupational and non-occupational) control programs can be more effective than smoking cessation interventions alone.

Interaction of lifestyle and work ability index in blue collar workers.

BACKGROUND: Early labor force exit is one of the major problems worldwide. The present study investigates the relationship between work ability and lifestyle. METHODS: This study was conducted at a manufacturing plant in Tehran in 2012. All 851 male workers in this plant were included into the study and their work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI). Based on the obtained scores, the participants were then classified into four work ability groups (poor, moderate, good, or excellent). Moreover, the participants' lifestyles were studied in three areas, including physical activity, cigarette smoking, and Body Mass Index (BMI). RESULTS: The average work ability index score was 42.07, ranging from 7-48. Among the participants, 6.4% (43), 6.5% (44), 38.3% (259), and 48.8% (330) were in the groups with poor, moderate, good, and excellent work ability, respectively. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between work ability and lifestyle (cigarette smoking, BMI, and physical activity) even after adjustment for confounding variables (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, there might be a relationship between work ability and lifestyle (physical activity, BMI, cigarette smoking). Therefore, it is recommended to implement a lifestyle quality enhancement program to improve work ability in working environments.