Precarious work and methodological challenges to study hard-to-reach populations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the methodological challenges and strategies of a web survey on the working conditions and health among delivery workers. METHODS: The study population consisted of Brazilian delivery workers operating in the national territory. Procedures include building solid and ongoing collaboration with worker representatives and conducting a four-month data collection from February to May 2022, sharing the link to the online questionnaire on social media such as social networks (Facebook, Instagram) and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram). RESULTS: The recruitment of 41 leaders or influencers of delivery workers increased the dissemination of the study, some of whom participated in the consensual validation of the questionnaire; the production of content for social media for the dissemination of the questionnaire link on social networks and applications, and the in-person dissemination of the study at the delivery workers' meeting points during the workday played a fundamental role, totaling around 132 hours in 45 shifts. The strategies adopted for data collection with a hybrid approach to dissemination made it possible to carry out the web survey. After four months of the web survey, 564 delivery workers, 543 men and 18 women, responded to the online questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The web survey presented methodological strategies to overcome the challenge of reaching workers, including hybrid work, to increase the participation of workers, on whom epidemiological research is still scarce.

Incidence and Predictors of COVID-19 Infection in Prison Healthcare Workers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess the predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection among correctional healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review to describe the demographic and workplace characteristics of New Jersey correctional HCWs between March 15, 2020, and August 31, 2020, using univariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Among 822 HCWs, patient-facing staff had the highest incidence of infection (7.2%). Associated risk factors include being Black and working in a maximum-security prison. There were few statistically significant findings due to small total numbers ( n = 47) that tested positive. CONCLUSIONS: Correctional HCWs' challenging work environment creates unique risk factors for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Administrative measures taken by the department of corrections may have a significant role in curbing the spread of infection. The findings can help focus preventive measures for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in this unique population.

Transtornos mentais comuns em profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde em um período de pandemia da covid-19: estudo transversal na macrorregião Norte de saúde de Minas Gerais, 2021 / Transtornos mentales comunes en profesionales de atención primaria de salud durante el período de pandemia de covid-19: un estudio transversal de la macrorregión norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2021 / Common mental disorders in Primary Health Care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic period: a cross-sectional study in the Northern health macro-region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, 2021

Objective: to analyze the prevalence of symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) in Primary Health Care professionals between August-October/2021. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study conducted with health professionals in the Northern health macro-region of Minas Gerais state; snowball sampling was used; the dependent variable, CMDs, was evaluated using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20); Poisson regression was used to perform the statistical analysis. Results: a total of 702 health professionals took part in the study; the prevalence of CDMs was 43.2%. It was higher in those with previous [prevalence ratios (PR) = 2.42; 95%CI 1.43;4.08] and current (PR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.25;1.89) symptoms of mental disorders, overwork during the pandemic (PR = 1.42; 95%CI 1.16;1.73), previous symptoms of anxiety (PR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.01;1.61), depression (PR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.06;1.52) and other mental disorders (PR = 1.20; 95%CI 1.01;1.43). Conclusion: there was an association between CDMs and presenting previous and current symptoms of mental disorders and work overload during the covid-19 pandemic.

Objetivo: analizar la prevalencia de síntomas de trastornos mentales comunes (TMC) en profesionales sanitarios de la Atención Primaria de Salud de agosto a octubre de 2021. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado con profesionales de la salud de la macrorregión norte de Minas Gerais. El muestreo fue del tipo bola de nieve. La variable dependiente, TMC, se evaluó mediante el Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). En el análisis estadístico se utilizó la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: participaron 702 profesionales de salud. La prevalencia de TMC fue del 43,2%, mayor en quienes presentaban síntomas de trastornos mentales previos (RP = 2,42; IC95% 1,43;4,08) y actuales (RP = 1,54; IC95% 1,25;1,89); exceso de trabajo durante la pandemia (RP = 1,42; IC95% 1,16;1,73); síntomas previos de ansiedad (RP = 1,27; IC95% 1,01;1,61), depresión (RP = 1,27; IC95% 1,06;1,52) y otros trastornos mentales (RP = 1,20; IC95% 1,01;1,43). Conclusión: hubo una asociación entre los TMC y los síntomas previos y actuales de los trastornos mentales y la sobrecarga de trabajo durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Objetivo: analisar a prevalência de sintomas de transtornos mentais comuns (TMCs) em profissionais de saúde da Atenção Primária à Saúde, no período agosto-outubro/2021. Métodos: estudo transversal com profissionais de saúde da macrorregião Norte de saúde de Minas Gerais; amostragem de tipo "bola de neve"; a variável dependente, TMCs, foi avaliada pelo Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20); utilizou-se regressão de Poisson na análise estatística. Resultados: participaram 702 profissionais de saúde; a prevalência de TMCs foi de 43,2%, maior naqueles que apresentaram sintomas de transtornos mentais prévios [razão de prevalências (RP) = 2,42 ;IC95% 1,43;4,08] e atuais (RP = 1,54; IC95% 1,25;1,89), trabalho a mais durante a pandemia (RP = 1,42; IC95% 1,16;1,73), sintomas prévios de ansiedade (RP = 1,27; IC95% 1,01;1,61), depressão (RP = 1,27; IC95% 1,06;1,52) e outros transtornos mentais (RP = 1,20; IC95% 1,01;1,43). Conclusão: observou-se associação de TMCs com sintomas prévios e atuais de transtornos mentais e sobrecarga de trabalho, durante a pandemia da covid-19.

Análisis estadístico de los factores de riesgo asociados a las patologías de la columna lumbar para la población empleada / Statistical analysis of risk factors associated with lumbar spine pathologies for the employed population

Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo de patologías lumbares en pacientes empleados y afiliados al sistema de salud, a partir de la exploración física, hábitos, antecedentes personales y factores de riesgo laborales. Material y Métodos: El diseño del estudio es retrospectivo, transversal. En una muestra de 668 adultos trabajadores del Ecuador, se aplicó y evaluó el modelo predictivo de respuesta binaria logit para identificar factores de riesgo y se usaron métodos de aprendizaje supervisado (árboles de clasificación) para clasificar a los pacientes según el grado de patología lumbar. Resultados: El modelo predictivo logístico presentó una sensibilidad del 62,5%, una especificidad del 63,7%, el área bajo la curva ROC fue 0,63 y se determinó una precisión del 63,4%.Conclusión: Los factores que aumentan el riesgo de la patología de columna lumbar más frecuente (lumbalgia) y en orden de importancia en los pacientes son: menor edad, sexo femenino, tienden a exponerse a factores de riesgo psicosocial en su trabajo

Objective: Determine the risk factors of lumbar pathologies in patients employed and affi-liated with the health system, based on physical examination, habits, personal history, and occupational risk factors.Materials and Methods: The study design is retrospective, cross-sectional. In a sample of 668 adult workers from Ecuador. The binary logit response predictive model was applied to identify risk factors and supervised learning methodology (classification trees) was used to classify patients according to the degree of lumbar pathology.Results: The logistic predictive model has a sensitivity of 62.5%, a specificity of 63.7%, the area under the ROC curve was 0.63, and precision of 63.4% was determined.Conclusion: The factors that increase the risk of the most frequent lumbar pathology (low back pain) in order of importance in patients are: younger age, female sex, tend to be expo-sed to psychosocial risk factors at work, and lower risk of having mechanical factors.

Differences in Cancer Mortality Rate Depending on Occupational Class among Japanese Women, 1995-2015.

BACKGROUND: Although it is known that cancer mortality rate varies depending on occupations in Japan, differences in female cancer mortality rate depending on occupational classes have not been analyzed using the Vital Statistics in Japan. In this study, we analyzed the Vital Statistics data in Japan from 1995 to 2015, and revealed differences in cancer mortality rate depending on occupational classes among Japanese women. METHODS: The Vital Statistics data by occupations from 1995 to 2015 were obtained from the "Report of Vital Statistics : Occupational and Industrial Aspects" in Japan, and data on mortality for cancer in all sites, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and uterine cancer were used. We classified main occupation categories into non-manual workers and manual workers, and calculated age-standardized mortality rate for each of the occupational class, year, age group, and type of cancer and its annual percent change. RESULTS: Age-standardized mortality rates for non-manual workers (222.0 per 100,000 persons in 1995 and 143.8 per 100,000 persons in 2015) were higher in cancer in all sites than those for manual workers (127.6 per 100,000 persons in 1995 and 103.7 per 100,000 persons in 2015) throughout the years. However, age-standardized mortality rates showed a significant decreasing trend between 1995 and 2015 for non-manual workers, and the absolute value of annual percent change was higher in non-manual workers than in manual workers. As a result, a difference in age-standardized mortality rates for cancer in all sites between the two types of occupational classes decreased throughout the years. CONCLUSION: A further study investigating differences in physical or behavioral characteristics of female non-manual and manual workers is needed in order to understand the key factors for the higher cancer mortality rate in non-manual workers.

Employee Health and Wellness Outcomes Associated With Perceived Discrimination in Academic Medicine: A Qualitative Analysis.

Importance: Organizational culture and workplace interactions may enhance or adversely impact the wellness of all members of learning and work environments, yet a nuanced understanding of how such experiences within health care organizations impact the health and wellness of their membership is lacking. Objective: To identify and characterize the reported health and wellness outcomes associated with perceived discrimination among academic medicine faculty, staff, and students. Design, Setting, and Participants: This qualitative study analyzed anonymously submitted written narratives from 2016 that described experiences related to inclusion in the workplace or lack thereof. Narratives that described health outcomes associated with work- or school-based discrimination were purposively sampled. Participants were faculty, staff, and students at health-related schools or hospitals affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. Data analysis was performed from March 2019 to January 2020. Exposures: Self-reported experiences, both witnessed and personal, of discrimination in the workplace. Results: A total of 315 narratives were collected, and 115 narratives from 115 participants were analyzed. Most respondents identified as female (70 respondents [60.9%]), non-Hispanic White (68 respondents [59.1%]), and heterosexual (89 respondents [77.4%]) and had worked at the institution for at least 1 year (99 respondents [86.0%]). The outcomes associated with adverse workplace experiences were broad and ranged in nature from emotional to mental and physical. Most reported outcomes were emotional (101 respondents [87.8%]), and more than 1 in 10 narratives (14 respondents [12.2%]) described a mental or physical health outcome. Many of the participants felt devaluated, overexerted, and hopeless, resulting in clinically relevant manifestations, such as increased stress and anxiety levels and even elevated blood pressure. Conclusions and Relevance: This qualitative study identified a continuum of negative outcomes on employee health and well-being associated with perceived discrimination and chronic exclusion in the workplace. These findings suggest the need for organizations to promote inclusion as a component of workplace wellness interventions.

Health and Mortality in Korean Healthcare Workers.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the health status of healthcare workers (doctors and nurses) compared to those in the general population based on the National Health Insurance Service database and the cause of death data from Statistics Korea. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 104,484 doctors and 220,310 nurses working in healthcare facilities from 2002 to 2017, and who had undergone at least one general medical examination. Based on the subject definition, the subject data were extracted from the National Health Insurance healthcare facility database and qualification database. We collected medical use details included in the research database, general medical examination results, medical history included in the health examination database, and additional data on the cause of death from the National Statistics database to analyze the main cause of death and mortality. RESULTS: In terms of the major causes of death and mortality among healthcare workers, the mortality rate associated with intentional self-harm, injury, transportation accident, heart disease, addiction, and falling was significantly higher than that in the general population. Further, the prevalence of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases was high. When analyzing the proportional mortality ratio (PMR) by cause of death for healthcare workers, the PMR values for death related to malignant neoplasm was the highest. In terms of diseases, both doctors and nurses had higher rates of infectious diseases such as maternal sepsis, rubella, and measles. CONCLUSION: The health status of healthcare workers differs from that of the general population. Thus, it is important to consider the occupational characteristics of healthcare personnel. This study is unique in that it was conducted based on medical use indicators rather than survey data.

Occupational risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection during the second pandemic surge: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This cohort study including essential workers, assessed the risk and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second surge of COVID-19 according to baseline serostatus and occupational sector. METHODS: Essential workers were selected from a seroprevalence survey cohort in Geneva, Switzerland and were linked to a state centralised registry compiling SARS-CoV-2 infections. Primary outcome was the incidence of virologically confirmed infections from serological assessment (between May and September 2020) to 25 January 2021, according to baseline antibody status and stratified by three predefined occupational groups (occupations requiring sustained physical proximity, involving brief regular contact or others). RESULTS: 10 457 essential workers were included (occupations requiring sustained physical proximity accounted for 3057 individuals, those involving regular brief contact, 3645 and 3755 workers were classified under 'Other essential occupations'). After a follow-up period of over 27 weeks, 5 (0.6%) seropositive and 830 (8.5%) seronegative individuals had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, with an incidence rate of 0.2 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.6) and 3.2 (95% CI 2.9 to 3.4) cases per person-week, respectively. Incidences were similar across occupational groups. Seropositive essential workers had a 93% reduction in the hazard (HR of 0.07, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.17) of having a positive test during the follow-up with no significant between-occupational group difference. CONCLUSIONS: A 10-fold reduction in the hazard of being virologically tested positive was observed among anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositive essential workers regardless of their sector of occupation, confirming the seroprotective effect of a previous SARS-CoV2 exposure at least 6 months after infection.

Essential but Ill-Prepared: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects the Mental Health of the Grocery Store Workforce.

OBJECTIVES: Frontline essential workers face elevated risks of exposure to COVID-19 because of the interactive nature of their jobs, which require high levels of interaction with the general public and coworkers. The impact of these elevated risks on the mental health of essential workers, especially outside the health care sector, is not well studied. To address this knowledge gap, we examined correlations between perceptions of workplace risks and mental health distress among grocery store workers in Arizona. METHODS: We collected the first statewide sample of essential workers outside the health care sector focused on mental health and well-being. A total of 3344 grocery store workers in Arizona completed an online survey in July 2020. We used multiple regression models to identify demographic and work-based correlates of mental health distress. RESULTS: Levels of mental health distress among respondents were high: 557 of 3169 (17.6%) reported severe levels and 482 of 3168 (15.2%) reported moderate levels. Perceptions of workplace safety were strongly correlated with significantly reduced levels of mental health distress (ß = -1.44; SE = 0.20) and reduced perceived stress (ß = -0.97; SE = 0.16). Financially disadvantaged workers and employees aged <55 reported high levels of mental health distress. Perceptions of safety and protection in the workplace were significantly correlated with availability of safety trainings, social distancing, and policies governing customer behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Lacking sufficient workplace protections, grocery store employees in Arizona experienced high levels of mental health distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing clear federal and state policies to employers to guide implementation of workplace protections may help reduce sources of mental health distress.

Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de profissionais de enfermagem na Bahia na pandemia da COVID-19 / Health-related quality of life of nursing professionals in Bahia, Brazil, in the COVID-19 pandemic / Calidad de vida de los profesionales de enfermería en Bahía, Brasil, en la pandemia COVID-19

Objetivo: Identificar fatores associados à qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de profissionais de enfermagem da Bahia durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Método: Estudo transversal, amostragem tipo snowball com 113 enfermeiras(os) e técnicas(os) de enfermagem. De setembro/2020 a maio/2021, num formulário eletrônico, coletaram-se informações sociodemográficas, ocupacionais, epidemiológicas e de qualidade de vida, avaliada pelo questionário WHOQOL-BREF nos seus domínios Físico, Psicológico, Relações sociais e Meio ambiente. Utilizou-se regressão linear múltipla para identificar fatores associados à variação dos domínios do WHOQOL-BREF. Resultados: Baixos escores de qualidade de vida associaram-se significantemente a várias características dos profissionais: ser caso suspeito de COVID-19, no domínio Físico; ficar sem exercer a profissão por causa da COVID-19, nos domínios Físico e Psicológico; trabalhar exclusivamente em instituições privadas, no domínio Relações sociais; ter mais idade, no domínio Relações sociais; e não receber apoio social de outras pessoas, nos domínios Físico, Psicológico, Relações sociais e Meio Ambiente. Conclusão e implicações para a prática: Ter mais idade, vínculo exclusivo com instituição privada, ser caso suspeito de COVID-19, ficar sem exercer a profissão por causa da COVID-19 e não receber apoio social associaram-se à baixa qualidade de vida de profissionais de enfermagem durante a pandemia

Objective: To identify factors associated with the health-related quality of life of nursing professionals in Bahia, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Cross-sectional study with snowball sampling including 113 nurses and nursing technicians. From September 2020 to May 2021, sociodemographic, occupational, epidemiological, and quality of life information was collected in an electronic form and evaluated with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, according to its Physical, Psychological, Social relations, and Environmental domains. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with variation in the four quality of life domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. Results: Low quality of life mean scores were significantly associated with being a suspected case of COVID-19 (in the Physical domain), withdrawing from professional practice due to COVID-19 (Physical and Psychological domains), working exclusively in private institutions (Social relations), older age (Social relations), and lack of social support (in the Physical, Psychological, Social Relations, and Environmental domains). Conclusion and implications for the practice: Older age, exclusive work in private institutions, being a suspected case of COVID-19, withdrawing from professional practice due to COVID-19, and lack of social support were associated with lower quality of life of nursing professionals during the pandemic

Objetivo: Identificar factores asociados a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de los profesionales de enfermería de Bahía, Brasil, durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Estudio transversal, muestreo bola de nieve, con 113 enfermeros y técnicos de enfermería. De septiembre 2020 a mayo 2021, en formulario electrónico, fueron recolectadas informaciones sociodemográficas, ocupacionales, epidemiológicas y de calidad de vida, evaluadas por el cuestionario WHOQOL-BREF en sus dominios Físico, Psicológico, Relaciones Sociales y Medio Ambiente. Se utilizó la regresión lineal múltiple para identificar factores asociados con los dominios del WHOQOL-BREF. Resultados: Los puntajes bajos de calidad de vida se asociaron significativamente con ser un caso sospechoso de COVID-19 (en el dominio Físico); no ejercer la profesión a causa del COVID-19 (dominios Físico y Psicológico); trabajar exclusivamente en instituciones privadas (Relaciones Sociales); mayor edad (Relaciones Sociales); y no recibir apoyo social (en los dominios Físico, Psicológico, Relaciones Sociales y Medio Ambiente). Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica: Mayor edad, tener vinculación exclusiva con una institución privada, ser caso sospechoso de COVID-19, no ejercer la profesión a causa del COVID-19 y no recibir apoyo social se asociaron con la baja calidad de vida de los profesionales de enfermería durante la pandemia

Síndrome metabólica em profissionais de enfermagem que atuam na assistência oncológica: prevalência e fatores associados / Síndrome metabólico en profesionales de enfermería que actúan en la asistencia oncológica: prevalencia y factores asociados / Metabolic syndrome in nursing professionals working in oncology care: prevalence and associated factors

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a prevalência da síndrome metabólica e os fatores associados em profissionais de enfermagem que atuam em oncologia. Método: estudo transversal com 231 profissionais de enfermagem, de um centro de alta complexidade em oncologia do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre junho de 2013 e junho de 2015. Realizou-se entrevista para coleta de dados sociodemográficos, profissionais, antecedentes pessoais, hábitos e estilos de vida e condições de saúde. Foram realizadas medida da circunferência da cintura, peso, altura, pressão arterial casual e Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial, além da glicemia plasmática de jejum, triglicerídeos e lipoproteína de alta densidade. Avaliou-se a síndrome metabólica de acordo com a I Diretriz Brasileira de Diagnóstico e Tratamento da Síndrome Metabólica. Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi realizada, sendo a presença da síndrome metabólica ou não o desfecho. Resultados: a prevalência da síndrome metabólica foi de 25,1% e esta condição se associou ao maior tempo de formação profissional (4,0%; IC95%:1,05-1,07), à maior pressão diastólica na Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial do período de sono (3,0%; IC95%:1,01-1,05), presença de sobrepeso (2,84%; IC95%:1,93-6,70) e obesidade (4,94%; IC95%:2,08-11,77). Conclusões: observou-se alta prevalência da síndrome metabólica nos profissionais avaliados, e associação com excesso de peso e alteração da pressão no período de sono. Os resultados apontam para necessidade de intervenções para controle de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis na população estudada.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico y los factores asociados en profesionales de enfermería que actúan en oncología. Método: estudio transversal con 231 profesionales de enfermería, de un centro de alta complejidad en oncología del Estado de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre junio de 2013 y junio de 2015. Se realizó entrevista para recolección de datos sociodemográficos, profesionales, antecedentes personales, hábitos y estilos de vida y condiciones de salud. Fueron realizadas medida de la circunferencia de la cintura, peso, altura, presión arterial casual y Monitoreo Ambulatorio de Presión Arterial, además de la glucemia plasmática de ayuno, triglicéridos y lipoproteína de alta densidad. Se evaluó el síndrome metabólico de acuerdo con la I Directriz Brasileña de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento del Síndrome Metabólico. Fue realizada Regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta, siendo la presencia del síndrome metabólico, o no, el resultado. Resultados: la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico fue de 25,1% y esta condición se asoció al mayor tiempo de formación profesional (4,0%; IC95%:1,05-1,07), a la mayor presión diastólica en elMonitoreo Ambulatorio de Presión Arterial del período de sueño (3,0%; IC95%:1,01-1,05); presencia de sobrepeso (2,84%; IC95%:1,93-6,70) y obesidad (4,94%; IC95%:2,08-11,77). Conclusiones: se observó alta prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en los profesionales evaluados, y asociación con exceso de peso y alteración de la presión en el período de sueño. Los resultados señalan la necesidad de intervenciones para el control de factores de riesgo para enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en la población estudiada.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors in nursing professionals working in oncology. Method: cross-sectional study with 231 nursing professionals from a high complexity oncology center in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between June 2013 and June 2015. An interview was carried out to collect sociodemographic, professional, personal history, habits and lifestyles, and health conditions data. Waist circumference, weight, height, casual blood pressure, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring were performed, in addition to fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein. Metabolic syndrome was evaluated according to the I Brazilian Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. Poisson regression with robust variance was performed, the outcome being the presence or not of metabolic syndrome. Results: there was a 25.1% prevalence of metabolic syndrome and this condition was associated with longer professional training (4.0%; 95%CI: 1.05-1.07), with higher diastolic pressure in Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring during sleep (3.0%; 95%CI:1.01-1.05), overweight (2.84%; 95%CI:1.93-6.70), and obesity (4.94%; IC95%: 2.08-11.77). Conclusions: there was a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the evaluated professionals, and an association between excess weight and changes in pressure during sleep. The results point to the need for interventions to control risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in the studied population.

Variáveis clínicas consideradas fatores de risco para a síndrome metabólica: um estudo transversal / Variables clínicas consideradas factores de riesgo para síndrome metabólico: un estudio transversal / Clinical variables considered risk factors for the metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar os principais fatores de risco para a síndrome metabólica e sua relação com a percepção da qualidade de vida em colônias pesqueiras brasileiras. Métodos Incluímos 77 participantes com idade > 18 anos. Síndrome metabólica e qualidade de vida foram os principais desfechos do estudo. Consideramos nível de significância < 0,05 e todos os procedimentos foram aprovados pelo comitê de ética. Resultados A maioria dos participantes é do sexo masculino, solteiros, classe econômica D-E, carga horária trabalhada de 6 a 8 horas, tempo de serviço de 1 a 5 anos e dedicados exclusivamente à pesca. Conclusão: Perímetro abdominal e pressão arterial foram os critérios mais frequentes e de maior contribuição para a síndrome metabólica. Apesar de a qualidade de vida apresentar maior escore para o domínio relações sociais, neste estudo, o domínio físico foi o único associado a outra observação, na qual observamos correlação significativa com a pressão arterial sistólica.

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar los principales factores de riesgo del síndrome metabólico y su relación con la percepción de la calidad de vida en las colonias pesqueras brasileñas. Métodos se incluyeron 77 participantes mayores de 18 años. El síndrome metabólico y la calidad de vida fueron los principales resultados del estudio. Se consideró un nivel de significancia <0.05 y todos los procedimientos fueron aprobados por el comité de ética. Resultados La mayoría de los participantes son hombres, solteros, clase económica D-E, jornada laboral de 6 a 8 horas, antigüedad de 1 a 5 años y dedicados exclusivamente a la pesca. Conclusión La circunferencia de la cintura y la presión arterial fueron los criterios más frecuentes y la mayor contribución al síndrome metabólico. Aunque la calidad de vida tuvo una puntuación más alta para el dominio de relaciones sociales, en este estudio, el dominio físico fue el único asociado con otra observación, en la que observamos una correlación significativa con la presión arterial sistólica.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the main risk factors for metabolic syndrome and its relationship with the perception of quality of life in Brazilian fishing colonies. Methods We included 77 participants aged > 18 years. Metabolic syndrome and quality of life were the main study outcomes. We considered a significance level < 0.05 and all procedures were approved by the ethics committee. Results Most participants are male, single, economic class D-E, working hours of 6 to 8 hours, length of service from 1 to 5 years, and dedicated exclusively to fishing. Conclusion Abdominal perimeter and blood pressures were the most frequent criteria and the greatest contribution to metabolic syndrome. Although quality of life had a higher score for the social relationship domain, in this study, the physical domain was the only one associated with another observation, in which we observed a significant correlation with systolic blood pressure.

Multimorbidade e cuidado com a saúde de agentes comunitários de saúde em Vitória, Espírito Santo, 2019: um estudo transversal / Multimorbilidad y atención de la salud de los agentes comunitarios de salud en Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil, 2019: un estudio transversal / Multimorbidity and health care of community health workers in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2019: a cross-sectional study

Objetivo: Avaliar condições de saúde, cuidados com a saúde e hábitos de vida de agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) de Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal da linha de base de um estudo de intervenção. Foram realizados exames bioquímicos, antropométricos, hemodinâmicos e entrevistas, entre outubro de 2018 e março de 2019, em Vitória. Testes estatísticos apropriados, conforme o delineamento da amostra, foram realizados utilizando-se o software SPSS versão 21.0, e adotando-se p<0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 262 ACS com idade média de 46,1±9,3 anos. Observaram-se elevados percentuais de pré-diabetes (22,9%), diabetes mellitus (17,2%), hipertensão arterial (37,0%), obesidade (39,8%), hipercolesterolemia (57,3%), hipertrigliceridemia (27,1%), multimorbidade (40,8%), sedentarismo (60,9%) e uso de ansiolíticos/antidepressivos (22,5%). Cerca de 40% dos ACS apresentaram três ou mais morbidades. Conclusão: Foram observados elevados percentuais de doenças crônicas, multimorbidade, sedentarismo e uso de ansiolíticos/antidepressivos em ACS de Vitória.

Objetivo: Evaluar condiciones de salud, cuidados de la salud y hábitos de vida de los agentes comunitarios de salud (ACS) en Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal de la línea de base de un estudio de intervención. Se realizaron clínicos y entrevistas entre octubre de 2018 y marzo de 2019 en Vitória. Se realizaron las pruebas estadísticas adecuadas utilizando el software SPSS versión 21.0, adoptando p<0,05. Resultados: Se evaluaron 262 ACS, con una edad promedio de 46,1±9,3 años. Hubo altas prevalencias de prediabetes (22,9%), diabetes mellitus (17,2%), hipertensión arterial (37,0%), obesidad (39,8%), hipercolesterolemia (57,3%), hipertrigliceridemia (27,1%), multimorbilidad (40,8%), inactividad física (60,9%) y uso de ansiolíticos/antidepresivos (22,5%). Aproximadamente el 40% tenía tres o más enfermedades. Conclusión: Se observaron altos porcentajes de enfermedades crónicas, multimorbilidad, sedentarismo y uso de ansiolíticos/antidepresivos en los ACS de Vitória.

Objective: To assess health conditions, health care and lifestyle habits of community health workers (CHW) in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using baseline data from an intervention study. Biochemical, anthropometric and hemodynamic examinations and interviews were carried out between October 2018 and March 2019 in Vitória. Appropriate statistical tests, in accordance with the sample design, were performed using SPSS software version 21.0, adopting p<0,05. Results: We assessed 262 CHWs with a mean age of 46.1±9.3 years. High prevalence of prediabetes (22.9%), diabetes mellitus (17.2%), hypertension (37.0%), obesity (39.8%), hypercholesterolemia (57.3%), hypertriglyceridemia (27.1%), multimorbidity (40.8%), physical inactivity (60.9%) and use of anxiolytics/antidepressants (22.5%) was found. Some 40% of the CHWs had three or more morbidities. Conclusion: High percentages of chronic diseases, multimorbidity, sedentary lifestyle and use of anxiolytics/antidepressants were found in CHWs in Vitória.

Selection of Probiotics in the Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections and Their Impact on Occupational Health: Scoping Review.

The occupational health impact of respiratory infectious diseases is costly to the economy and the health care system. Probiotics are non-pathogenic live microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, can colonize the intestinal tract, and enhance the immune system. In recent years, numerous studies have described the possible usefulness of certain probiotic strains in the treatment and prevention of respiratory tract infections, with disparate results. In order to assess the possible efficacy and safety of these microorganisms to prevent or ameliorate respiratory tract infections, we systematically searched the bibliographic databases MEDLINE (via Pubmed), EMBASE, The Cochrane library, Scopus, and Web of science, using the descriptors "Respiratory Tract Infections", "Probiotics", "Occupational Health", "Humans", and "Clinical Trials". After applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 studies were accepted for review and critical analysis. Our analysis suggests that a combination of different probiotics, most of them in the genus Bifidobacterium sp. and Lactobacillus sp., could be a good mix to strengthen the immune system and reduce the symptoms of URTIs in the healthy working population.

Validation and measurement invariance of the Occupational Depression Inventory in South Africa.

This study aimed to validate the recently developed Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI) in South Africa. A total of 327 employees (60% female) participated in the study. Bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling analysis indicated that the ODI can be considered essentially unidimensional. The ODI displayed strong scalability (e.g., scale-level H = 0.657). No monotonicity violation was detected. The reliability of the instrument, as indexed by Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega-total, Guttman's λ2, and the Molenaar-Sijtsma statistic, was highly satisfactory. Measurement invariance was observed across age groups, sexes, and ethnicities, as well as between our sample and the ODI's original validation sample. As expected, the ODI showed both a degree of convergent validity and a degree of discriminant validity vis-à-vis a measure of "cause-neutral" depressive symptoms. Moreover, the ODI manifested substantial associations, in the anticipated directions, with measures of work engagement, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction. Overall, the ODI exhibited excellent structural and psychometric properties within the South African context. Consistent with previous research, this study suggests that occupational health specialists can confidently rely on the ODI to investigate job-related distress.

Trends and Seasonality of Information Searches Carried Out through Google on Nutrition and Healthy Diet in Relation to Occupational Health: Infodemiological Study.

This study aimed to analyze and relate the population interest through information search trends on Nutrition and Healthy Diet (HD) with the Occupational Health (OH). Ecological and correlational study of the Relative Search Volume (RSV) obtained from Google Trends query, segmented in two searched periods concerning antiquity; date of query: 20 April 2021. The RSV trends for the analyzed three Topics were: Nutrition (R2 = 0.02), HD (R2 = 0.07) and OH (R2 = -0.72). There was a good positive correlation between Nutrition and OH (R = 0.56, p < 0.001) and a moderate one between HD and OH (R = 0.32, p < 0.001). According to seasons, differences were verified between RSV means in the Topics HD (p < 0.01) and OH (p < 0.001). Temporal dependence was demonstrated on Nutrition searches (Augmented Dickey-Fuller = -2.35, p > 0.05). There was only a significant relationship between the RSV Topic HD (p < 0.05) for the Developing and Least Developed countries. The data on the analyzed RSV demonstrated diminishing interest in the search information on HD and OH as well as a clearly positive trend change in recent years for Nutrition. A good positive correlation was observed between the RSV of nutrition and OH whereas the correlation between HD and OH was moderate. There were no milestones found that may report a punctual event leading to the improvement of information searches. Temporal dependence was corroborated in the RSV on Nutrition, but not in the other two Topics. Strangely, only an association was found on HD searches between the Developing and Least Developed Countries. The study of information search trends may provide useful information on the population's interest in the disease data, as well as would gradually allow the analysis of differences in popularity, or interest even between different countries. Thus, this information might be used as a guide for public health approaches regarding nutrition and a healthy diet at work.

Influence of Nutrition, Food and Diet-Related Interventions in the Workplace: A Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression.

OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific literature on the influence of verified nutrition, food and diet interventions on occupational health. METHOD: This study involved a critical analysis of articles retrieved from MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and Medicina en Español (MEDES) using the descriptors "Diet, Food, and Nutrition" and "Occupational Health" and applying the filters "Clinical Trial", "Humans" and "Adult: 19+ years"; the search was conducted on 29 May 2021. RESULTS: A total of 401 references were retrieved from the bibliographic databases, with an additional 16 identified through a secondary search; among the studies retrieved, 34 clinical trials were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The interventions were grouped into seven categories: (1) dietary interventions associated with exercise or educational programs; (2) individual environmental interventions or other educational actions; (3) educational interventions oriented toward lifestyle, dietetics, physical activity and stress management; (4) economic incentives; (5) multicomponent interventions (combination of mindfulness, e-coaching and the addition of fruits and vegetables); or dietary interventions (facilitating greater food supply in cafeterias); or interventions focused on physical exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Given that most people spend a large part of their time in the workplace and, therefore, eat at least one of their daily meals there, well-planned interventions-preferably including several strategies-have been demonstrated, in general, as useful for combating overweight and obesity. From the meta-regression study, it was observed that the interventions give better results in people who presented high Body Mass Index (BMI) values (obesity). In contrast, intervention 2 (interventions related to workplace environment) would not give the expected results (it would increase the BMI).

Free-Living Dietary Intake in Tactical Personnel and Implications for Nutrition Practice: A Systematic Review.

Tactical personnel (including military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue) are responsible for ensuring national and public safety. Dietary intake is an important consideration to support optimal health and performance. The aims of this systematic review were to: (1) describe the reported free-living dietary intake (energy and macronutrients) of tactical personnel, and (2) describe the practical implications of reported dietary intakes to support the physical and dietary requirements of tactical personnel. A systematic search of databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science) was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. English and full text research articles were identified and screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic and dietary intake data were extracted, tabulated, and synthesized narratively. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Twenty-two studies (15 military, 4 law enforcement, and 2 fire and rescue) were eligible to inform this review. The volume of evidence suggested that tactical personnel met dietary protein and exceeded dietary fat recommendations but failed to meet energy and carbohydrate recommendations. Therefore, practical approaches to support optimized energy, fat and carbohydrate intake in tactical personnel is important.

Are doctors protected enough during COVID-19 in South Asia?

BACKGROUND: The highly contagious nature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) places physicians in South Asia at high risk of contracting the infection. Accordingly, we conducted this study to provide an updated account of physician deaths in South Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze and compare the different characteristics associated with physician mortality amongst the countries of the region. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study by using published news reports on the websites of news agencies from 9 selected countries in South Asia. Our study included only those physicians and doctors who died after contracting COVID-19 from their respective workplaces. All available data about the country of origin, type of, sex, age, medical or surgical specialty, and date of death were included. RESULTS: The total number of physician deaths reported due to COVID-19 in our study was 170, with half (87/170, 51%) of the deaths reported from Iran. Male physician deaths were reported to be 145 (145/170 = 85%). Internal Medicine (58.43%) was the most severely affected sub-specialty. The highest physician mortality rate in the general population recorded in Afghanistan (27/1000 deaths). General physicians from India [OR = 11.00(95% CI = 1.06-114.08), p = 0.045] and public sector medical practitioners from Pakistan [aOR = 4.52 (95% CI = 1.18-17.33), p = 0.028] were showing significant mortality when compared with other regions in multivariate logistic regression. CONCLUSION: An increased number of physician deaths, owing to COVID-19, has been shown in South Asia. This could be due to decreased personal protective equipment and the poor health care management systems of the countries in the region to combat the pandemic. Future studies should provide detailed information of characteristics associated with physician mortalities along with the main complications arising due to the virus.

Changes in COVID-19 measures in the workplace: 8-month follow-up in a cohort study of full-time employees in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: It is unclear how many workplace COVID-19 preventive measures were maintained during repeated outbreaks. The aim of this study was to investigate a longitudinal change of implementation of workplace preventive measures responding to COVID-19 in Japan. METHODS: An online longitudinal study was conducted using a cohort of full-time employees in Japan, starting in March 2020 (T1), with follow-up surveys in May (T2), August (T3), and November (T4) 2020. A repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to compare the difference among the four surveys in the mean number of 23 predetermined items of the measures implemented. RESULTS: The final sample comprised 800 employees. The mean number of the implemented measures increased from T1 to T2, but did not change from T2 to T3, then decreased from T3 to T4. The number of workplace preventive measures significantly increased from T1 to T2 for 21 items (P < .001), and significantly decreased from T3 to T4 for 14 items (P < .001 to P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: While the preventive measures responding to COVID-19 in the workplace were well-implemented during the earlier phase of the outbreak, they seem to have been relaxed after a huge outbreak (T3 to T4: August to November 2020). Workplaces should be encouraged to continue the preventive measures over repeated outbreaks.