Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sickness Presenteeism among Thai and Foreign Teachers Following the End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Background: Sickness presenteeism (SP) refers to the phenomenon where employees attend work while sick, a decision that impacts both their physical and mental well-being and can lead to burnout. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors influencing SP among Thai and foreign teachers following the end of the coronavirus disease 2019 public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Methods: A sample of 400 individuals was analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Post-PHEIC, a significant proportion of teachers (51.9%) perceived an increase in their workload, and 62.1% reported having taken health-related leave of absence. The prevalence of SP was high (35.0%). Factors significantly associated with SP (P<0.05) included being younger than 37 years (OR, 1.825; 95% CI, 1.108-3.006), facing monthly financial challenges (OR, 1.627; 95% CI, 1.028-2.575), doing school-related work on holidays (OR, 1.920; 95% CI, 1.180-3.122), and experiencing sleep disturbances owing to work-related stress (OR, 1.910; 95% CI, 1.203- 3.033). No discernible difference existed in SP rates between Thai and foreign teachers. Conclusion: As a course of action, we recommend the provision of appropriate financial planning resources for teachers. Policywise, school events and activities should be scheduled on working days to ensure that teachers maintain a work-life balance. Additionally, task allocation that caters to individual strengths and limitations can mitigate the effects of SP.

Comparison of acetylcholinesterase among employees based on job positions and personal protective equipment in fuel station.

The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) among employees based on job positions and the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) in fuel station areas. The sample group consisted of 200 people sorted into various groups, including (i) Inside fuel dispenser area (I-FDA) group consisting of 100 employees for refueling, cashier, and loading fuel into storage tanks, and (ii) Outside fuel dispenser area (O-FDA) group, consisting of 100 employees working in convenience stores, food stores, coffee shops, and offices, as well as general staff and car washers. Data were collected using interview questionnaires and blood samples were analyzed for AChE activity. The results showed that the I-FDA group had a significantly lower mean of serum AChE (7.38±1.73 U/ml) than the O-FDA group (7.85±1.49 U/ml) (p<0.05). The I-FDA group had a 2.43 times higher risk of abnormal serum AChE than the O-FDA group (OR=2.43, 95%CI=1.05-5.60). When considering the risk factors for job positions, it was found that refueling and cashier positions had lower AChE activity levels than those who did not (p<0.05). In the part, employees for food sales in a closed building and those wearing PPE masks had significantly higher AChE activity levels than those who did not or who wore them (p<0.05). Based on the aforementioned, employers at fuel stations should strictly determine the appropriate measures for wearing a PPE mask. Further, employees should be provided accommodation away from oil supply or enclosed buildings during breaks to reduce the effects on the neurotransmitter.

Health status and factors influencing access to healthcare services by workers in petrol stations in Rayong province, Thailand.

Background: Petrol station (PS) workers are categorized as "unskilled labor", which leads to low wages, economic instability, and a lack of adequate access to healthcare services (HCS) despite exposure to dangerous chemicals. A lack of information on the HCS access of PS workers is concerning. Objective: This study was undertaken to elucidate factors that influenced access to health care for fuel station workers in gas stations in Rayong province, Thailand. Material and methods: Two-hundred PS workers (100 serving at fuel dispensers and 100 working at other locations) were interviewed to evaluate their health conditions and factors affecting HCS access. The study cohort comprised 137 (68.5%) women and 63 (31.5%) men. The mean age was 30.29±10.97 years and the average monthly salary was 341.16 ± 124.72 USD. Results: The average distance between a respondent's residence and government hospital was 10.49 ± 8.571 km. Most respondents (63.5%) were in good physical health, and 79.5% reported having "positive mental health". However, 73% reported neurological disorders and 57% reported respiratory symptoms. During the previous 12 months, 44.5% of respondents had HCS access; 80.9% of participants reported that they had accessed HCS to obtain treatment for an illness, and 18% went for a health checkup. Government centers were rated as "satisfactory" by 78.8% of PS workers, and 75.5% received medical coverage under a social-security scheme. Moreover, 38.5% obtained HC information from their colleagues. HCS access was attributed to the cost of receiving HCS as well as the sex, marital status, illness severity of PS workers. Conclusions: Workers should have access to comprehensive HCS. Policy frameworks and systems for HCS should take account of employees' sex, marital status, and the type and severity of their illnesses.

Factors affecting prevalence of neurological symptoms among workers at gasoline stations in Rayong Province, Thailand.

This cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing the exposure to organic solvents and the factors affecting prevalence of neurological symptoms among workers at gas stations in Rayong Province. The sample included 200 workers at gas stations, including refueling staff, cashiers, food shop, coffee shop, and convenience store employees. Interview questionnaire included general information, work history, and neurological symptoms. Urine collection devices were used to detect organic solvents metabolized in urine, including t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA), hippulic acid (HA), mandelic acid (MA), and methylhppuric acid (MHA).The results showed that the workers' medians (interquartile range: IQR) of the metabolized organic solvents were as follows: t,t-MA was 393.62 (244.59) µg/g Cr, HA was 0.32 (0.14) g/g Cr, MA was 0.06 (0.02) g/g Cr, and MHA was 0.40 (0.13) g/g Cr. For prevalence of neurological symptoms, top three symptoms were headache (49.0%), dizziness (42.5%), and stress/irritability (38.5%). Working at a gas station present was neurological symptoms more than in the past was 32.5%. According to the assessment of exposure to metabolized organic solvents and factors affecting the prevalence of neurological symptoms, overtime work ≥ 6 hours and HA content greater than quartiles Q3 had an effect on neurologic symptoms (OR=2.17; 95%CI=1.23-5.10 and OR=2.15; 95%CI=1.18- 4.76, respectively). In summary, time spent working in gas stations and exposure to toluene organic solvents can cause neurological symptoms. It is recommended to reduce overtime or add breaks during work shifts or shift changes. In addition, workers should be away from the solvent.