Work environment and hypertension in industrial settings in Benin in 2019: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between occupational factors, particularly psychosocial factors, and hypertension. DESIGN: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study using logistic multivariate regression. SETTING: Fifteen cotton ginning plants in Benin. PARTICIPANTS: Permanent and occasional workers in the cotton ginning industry. DATA COLLECTION: Data on sociodemographic, occupational, behavioural and clinical history characteristics were collected using a number of standardised, interviewer-administered questionnaires. These questionnaires were based on the WHO's non-communicable disease questionnaire, Karasek questionnaire and Siegrist questionnaire. Weight, height and blood pressure were measured. Any worker with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg according to the WHO criteria was considered hypertensive, as was any subject on antihypertensive treatment even if blood pressure was normal. RESULTS: A total of 1883 workers were included, with a male to female ratio of 9.08. Of these, 510 suffered from hypertension (27.1%, 95% CI 25.1 to 29.2). In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors identified were occupational stress (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.96, 95% CI 1.28 to 12.2), age ≥25 years (aOR=2.77, 95% CI 1.55 to 4.96), body mass index of 25-30 kg/m2 (aOR=1.71, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.2), body mass index >30 kg/m2 (aOR=2.74, 95% CI 1.84 to 4.09), permanent worker status (aOR=1.66, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.41) and seniority in the textile sector >5 years (aOR=2.18, 95% CI 1.7 to 2.8). Recognition at work emerged as an effect-modifying factor subject to stratification. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational factors, particularly job strain and recognition at work, are modifiable factors associated with hypertension in the ginning plants sector and deserve to be corrected through occupational health promotion and prevention.

Main challenges of the detection in the context of global health security: systematic review of Joint External Evaluation (JEE) reports.

Introduction: since 2016, Joint External Evaluation (JEE) missions have been organized in various countries. This systematic review of the JEE reports is intended to identify the main challenges (MC) of detection in WHO regions. Methods: we accessed JEE reports on the WHO website. Challenge was defined as a variable of the indicators of detection where there was a need of improvement. MC was a challenge common to at least one-third of countries in each region and globally. For consistency, we assessed challenges reported under "Areas which need strengthening/challenges" in reports. Results: we analyzed 96 JEE reports. African Region (91.7%), Eastern Mediterranean Region (80.9%) and South East Asia Region (72.7%) had the highest rates of JEE completion. The MC were 24 in European Region, 26 in Mediterranean Region, 30 in Western Pacific Region, 33 in South East Asia Region and 34 in African Region. 24 MCs were identified at global level. National laboratory system and Real time surveillance had the highest number of MC. Eleven MCs were common to all WHO regions and global level. These include insufficient capacity for core test confirmation, insufficient specimen referral system, weak quality management system, issues in laboratories licensing and accreditation, weak data management, weak electronic reporting system, absence /weak mechanism of information exchange between International Health Regulation and animal health focal points, insufficient health professional specialists, the need of workforce strategy, the need of field epidemiology and insufficient workforce retention capacity. Conclusion: the MCs identified should be addressed through a global approach.

Occupational stress in industry setting in Benin 2019: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational stress is a psychosocial risk in the workplace. Working conditions in industrial settings may lead to occupational stress. In Benin, however, there is little epidemiological data on occupational stress in industrial settings. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with occupational stress in industrial settings in Benin in 2019. METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted from January 31 to April 11, 2019, among 15 cotton ginning plants. Sampling was exhaustive for permanent workers and stratified in clusters by shift for occasional cotton gin workers. Data were collected through Karasek and Siegrist questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using R software. Binary multivariable logistic regression was performed. The significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of 1883 workers included, 90.8% were male. The median age was 38 years (IQR: 28 years to 49 years). The prevalence of occupational stress was 77.7% (95% CI: 75.8-79.6). Psychological demand was high in 93.0% of workers and 83.9% had low decision latitude. Among the workers, 16.3% had low social support and 89.9% had a low recognition score at work. Factors associated with occupational stress were: being an occasional vs. permanent worker (aOR 6.43, 95% CI 4.18 to 9.88); age less than 38 years (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.76); high intensity physical activity at work (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.73); working in production vs. administration (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.45); spending fewer than 4 years at the current work location (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.44); and scoring low for recognition at work (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.23). Noise exposure and being a shift worker were significant in univariable analysis, but not multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Occupational stress is very common among workers in industrial settings. The implementation and evaluation of preventive measures against these risk factors is necessary.

Assessment of the Biosafety and Biosecurity in the Reference Veterinary Laboratory of Parakou in Benin.

Optimal biosafety and biosecurity are major requirements of global health security. This study assessed the biorisk management in the reference veterinary laboratory of Parakou (Benin). The study was cross-sectional, descriptive, and evaluative. The non-probability sampling method with the reasoned choice was used. The Food and Agriculture Organization laboratory mapping tool-safety was used to collect information from the laboratory team. Group discussion, working environment observation, and document exploitation were the data collection techniques. The biorisk management was rated good if the average indicator of the laboratory reached at least 80%. Otherwise, the biorisk management was rated insufficient. The overall laboratory biosafety and biosecurity score was insufficient (42.4%). Per area, the scores were 26.7% for engineering, 33.3% for administration, 53.8% for personal protective equipment, and 62.3% for the operational. There was no area or category score that reached 80%. Containment, waste disposal, and personal protective equipment disposal were the best performing categories with a score above 60%. The laboratory has no biosafety and accident prevention program. Its premises require renovation. The standard operating procedures for biosafety are not yet finalized, and the training mechanism is not optimal. Therefore, strong advocacy and implementation of a biorisk management improvement plan appear as urgent corrective actions which are required to help the reference veterinary laboratory of Parakou in its task to protect the livestock and, ultimately, the people of Benin from dangerous diseases and emerging pathogens.

[Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain among motorcycle drivers in Porto-Novo (Benin)]. / Prévalence et facteurs associés à la lombalgie chez les conducteurs de taxi moto à Porto-Novo (Bénin).

INTRODUCTION: low back pain is a major health problem in the workplace. Some populations of workers appear to be much more exposed than others. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with the occurrence of low back pain among motorcycle drivers in Porto-Novo. METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study of 270 consenting motorcycle drivers with at least one year of seniority. Patients were asked to complete the Nordic Questionnaire adapted to our context and physical examination of the spine was performed. Data were analyzed using Epidata 3.1. Software and STATA/IC 11.0. The threshold significance level was 5% and the confidence intervals were 95%. RESULTS: the prevalence of low back pain was 68.89%. The average age of motorcycle drivers was 42.43 ±11.25 [25-64]years. The majority of them had been driving for more than 5 years (93.33%). Drivers spent an average of more than 8 hours (93.34%) driving per day and 68.52% of them drove over 160km per day. Low back pain was mechanical in 91.39% of cases. It was characterized by sudden onset in 81.73% of cases. Pain was moderate in 55.91% of drivers, evolving in acute pain in 46.24% of drivers and without radiation in 62.36% of cases. Age, education level, stress, posture, condition of motorcycle shock absorbers were associated with low back pain in these motorcycle drivers (p < 0.001). By contrast, distance travelled, job duration, seniority and road conditions were not associated with the occurrence of low back pain. CONCLUSION: low back pain is a serious public health problem in particular among motorcycle drivers in our country where riding a motorcycle is becoming more and more a work to bring assistance to the population facing growing unemployment. Hence the need to address factors associated with effective prevention.

Poor maternal anthropometric characteristics and newborns' birth weight and length: a cross-sectional study in Benin.

Background: Maternal undernutrition is known to negatively impact newborns' birth weight and length, but this finding is poorly documented in the Beninese population. This study aimed to assess the effect of maternal anthropometry on mean birth weight and length in a Beninese cohort of newborns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Tori Bossito, Republic of Benin. Pregnant women attending maternity wards between June 2007 and July 2008 were recruited. At delivery the women's characteristics, including weight and height, were gathered and newborns' birth weights and lengths were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using multiple linear regression. Results: A total of 526 mother-infant pairs were enrolled; 29.8% of women had low weight status and 26.2% had short stature (<155 cm). The mean birth weight was 2985 g (standard deviation [SD] 384) the mean birth length was 48.7 cm (SD 2.2). Maternal low weight status (coefficient=-151.81, p<0.001) and short stature (coefficient=-135.49, p<0.001) reduced the mean birth weight. Similar results were found for mean birth length, which was decreased by maternal low weight status (coefficient=-0.42, p=0.04) and short stature (coefficient=-0.51, p=0.01). Conclusion: Maternal undernutrition expressed by low anthropometry remains problematic in the Beninese population and induces transmission of malnutrition. Nutritional interventions are required to break this vicious cycle.

Health status of a sample of Beninese seafarers examined on the occasion of medical fitness for work at sea.

BACKGROUND: In view of the considerable risks involved in maritime work, the medical fitness of seafarers is of paramount importance. A study carried out in May 2018 in Benin made it possible to describe the health profile of seafarers who received a medical examination before boarding and to identify the diseases likely to hinder their medical aptitude for this profession. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that was based on 125 medical files registered from 2013 to 2017 and selected on the basis of the criteria of completeness, readability and non-overload of the entries. RESULTS: The results showed that more than half (63.2%) of the seafarers in our series are over 40 years old. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 28.4% in the seafarer population. Obesity was detected in 21.5% of subjects. Of the moderate cases of hearing loss found, 4 out of 5 worked at the machine station. The unrestricted fitness level was 86.4%. One (0.8%) case of physical restriction and 12.8% of cases of mandatory wearing of medical glasses at work were reported. The "healthy worker effect" may underestimate the risk of marine activity to the health of seafarers when referring to the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides opportunities to improve the seafarers' health situation in accordance with international provisions such as the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) ratified by Benin in June 2011.

Aspects épidémiologiques et cliniques des accidents du travail avec incapacité permanente partielle : à propos de 221 cas colligés

Les accidents du travail (AT) sont fréquents et s'accompagnent souvent de lourdes conséquences pour l'individu, la communauté et l'employeur, occasionnant dans certains cas des séquelles dont il faut déterminer le taux d'incapacité permanente partielle (IPP). L'étude était transversale et analytique. Elle s'est déroulée sur une période de cinq années allant de 2012 à 2016, et a concerné tous les dossiers complets d'accidents du travail avec Incapacité Permanente Partielle AT/IPP enregistrés à la Direction régionale de Ouagadougou de la Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale. Les résultats descriptifs ont été présentés sous forme univariée et bivariée. L'échantillon était constitué de 221 cas d'AT/IPP extraits parmi les dossiers d'AT déclarés à Ouagadougou, soit un taux de 4,49 % (221/4922). L'échantillon était constitué de 54 femmes (24,4 3%) et 167 hommes (75,57 %). L'âge moyen était de 40,09 ± 8,8 ans (16 - 62 ans), avec une sinistralité plus fréquente dans le secteur des « services fournis à la collectivité, services sociaux et services personnels » (38,46 %). Plus de 2/3 des cas étaient des « employés » (67,42 %). Les accidents de trajet constituaient la majorité des sinistres (62 %). Ils survenaient en matinée entre 6 heures et 8 heures (45,25 %) et le véhicule de transport était le principal élément agent matériel causal (64,71 %). Les AT/IPP ont causé des fractures des membres (48,88 %) et entrainé 110 cas d'impotence fonctionnelle (49 %) et en moyenne 103 journées de travail perdues (3 - 848 jours). La prévention des AT/IPP devra intégrer des modules sur la sécurité routière

Prévalence et description des pratiques d'allaitement maternel exclusif dans une zone semi-rurale au sud du Bénin

Introduction : Dans un contexte de non atteinte des recommandations de l'OMS et de l'UNICEF con-cernant l'allaitement maternel exclusif, cette étude avait pour objectif de décrire les pratiques et habi-tudes d'allaitement maternel dans une population semi-rurale au sud du Bénin. Matériel et méthode : Cette enquête s'est déroulée à Sèmè-Kpodji située à 15 km au sud-est de la capitale Porto-Novo. Les pratiques d'allaitement maternel exclusif de 0 à 6 mois ont été observées et notées chez 339 femmes ayant accouché entre janvier 2015 et janvier 2016. Résultats : La plupart des enfants (71,40%) ont été mis au sein dès la première de vie ; l'âge moyen de sevrage était de 4,5 mois. Le taux d'allaitement maternel exclusif était de 53,9% et a diminué pro-gressivement en fonction de l'âge de l'enfant. Les taux d'allaitement maternel prédominant et complété ont varié de 25,4% à 49,6% et de 0 à 40,7% respectivement. La durée moyenne des tétées est passée de 24,1 à 15,1 minutes et la fréquence des repas de 9,5 à 6,4 repas par jour. Conclusion : Cette enquête confirme la nécessité de continuer les interventions de santé publique visant à promouvoir l'allaitement maternel exclusif afin d'améliorer les indicateurs de santé materno-infantile

Prévalence des accidents d'exposition au sang et facteurs associés chez les professionnels de santé à l'hôpital de zone de Menontin, Bénin

Introduction: Les accidents d'exposition au sang (AES) constituent une réelle préoccupation pour les professionnels de santé à cause de la gravité des affections qu'ils engendrent. La présente étude a été menée pour évaluer la fréquence des accidents d'exposition au sang (AES) au sein du personnel de l'hôpital de zone de Mènontin et les facteurs qui lui sont associés. Méthode d'étude : Enquête descriptive transversale et analytique incluant 90 agents de santé. Le recueil des données a été fait sur la base d'un questionnaire anonyme et de deux grilles d'observation. Le questionnaire a été remis à chaque agent de santé volontaire après explication des objectifs de l'étude. Une visite de tous les services a été réalisée pour compléter les grilles d'observation. Résultats : L'âge moyen de notre échantillonnage est de 37 ans ± 10. Les femmes ont représentées dans 70% de notre échantillonnage et le sexe ratio est de 0,42.Les infirmiers (32,2%), les techniciens de laboratoire (25,56%) et les aidessoignants (16,7%) étaient les classes professionnelles plus représentées. La fréquence des AES chez les professionnels de santé à l'hôpital de zone de Mènontin est de 40%. Les types d'AES les plus fréquents sont les piqures (44,4%), les projections sur muqueuse (25%) et les coupures (16,7%).le sang a été impliqué dans 86,11% des cas. Les mécanismes de survenue des AES répertoriés étaient essentiellement le recapuchonnage (66,7%) et l'élimination de déchets (25%). L'absence de formation sur les AES et de port de gants influence significativement la survenue des AES. Les AES n'ont pas été déclarés dans 66,7% des cas. Les mesures de prévention et de prise en charge des AES sont inexistantes au sein de l'hôpital de zone de Mènontin. Conclusion : Des séances de sensibilisation du personnel sur les risques liés aux AES s'imposent en vue de leur prévention

Allergies respiratoires professionnelles liées à l'exposition à la poussière de farine de blé: cas de 05 boulangeries de la ville de Porto-novo

Objectif : Prévenir les allergies respiratoires professionnelles chez les travailleurs exposés à la poussière de farine de blé dans les boulangeries de la ville de Porto-Novo. Méthode : Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale descriptive conduite d'Octobre à Décembre 2014 dans 5 boulangeries de la ville de Porto-Novo. A travers un échantillonnage à deux degrés, nous avons sélectionné d'une part de façon aléatoire 5 boulangeries des 32 de la ville et d'autre part de façon exhaustive recruter 51 travailleurs des 5 boulangeries. Il a été procédé à un examen physique (auscultation pulmonaire et examen oto-rhinolaryngologique) systématique de tous les travailleurs interviewés. Analyse des données : Les données ont été enregistrées et analysées avec le logiciel EPI info version 3.5.3. Les résultats obtenus ont été compilés dans des tableaux de fréquence simple. Résultats : La grande majorité des travailleurs sont de sexe masculin (90,2%). La plupart des travailleurs ont un âge compris dans la tranche de 31 et 50 ans (47,1%) et une ancienneté comprise entre 1 à 9 ans (47,2%). Les travailleurs sont concentrés au niveau des postes de : façonnage (68,7%), pétrissage (49,1%) et enfournage (39,2%). Les procédés et pratiques générateurs d'importantes poussières selon les travailleurs sont : le fleurage (88%), la vidange des sacs à farine dans le pétrin (80%), l'usage du balai pour le nettoyage (41,2%) et le pétrissage (19,6).. Les symptômes respiratoires dont se plaignent souvent les travailleurs sont : éternuement (82,4%), rhume/écoulement nasal (58,8%), toux (37%) et bronchorrhée (27,5%). Ces symptômes apparaissent chez les travailleurs le plus souvent après un délai d'exposition compris entre 1 et 9 ans et plus de la moitié des cas (57,1%) dans la tranche d'âge de 31-50ans. 2/3 des cas d'asthme sont survenus chez les travailleurs dans cette fourchette d'âge. Conclusion : La farine est désormais reconnue comme étant le premier allergène professionnel. Il s'avère important d'adopter une démarche de prévention adéquate du risque qu'elle constitue afin de garantir la santé et la sécurité aux travailleurs

Occupational and Environmental Health Risks Associated with Informal Sector Activities-Selected Case Studies from West Africa.

Most in the Economic Community of West African States region are employed in the informal sector. While the informal sector plays a significant role in the region's economy, policymakers and the scientific community have long neglected it. To better understand informal-sector work conditions, the goal here is to bring together researchers to exchange findings and catalyze dialogue. The article showcases research studies on several economic systems, namely agriculture, resource extraction, transportation, and trade/commerce. Site-specific cases are provided concerning occupational health risks within artisanal and small-scale gold mining, aggregate mining, gasoline trade, farming and pesticide applications, and electronic waste recycling. These cases emphasize the vastness of the informal sector and that the majority of work activities across the region remain poorly documented, and thus no data or knowledge is available to help improve conditions and formulate policies and programs to promote and ensure decent work conditions.

A cross-sectional study with an improved methodology to assess occupational air pollution exposure and respiratory health in motorcycle taxi driving.

INTRODUCTION: Motorcycle taxi driving is common in many African cities. This study tested whether this occupation is associated with more respiratory disorders in a context of widespread urban air pollution with an improved methodology. METHODS: In a cross sectional study we compared 85 male motorcycle taxi drivers in the capital city of the Republic of Benin (Cotonou) with an age and neighborhood matched control group. All participants carried a portable carbon monoxide data logger for 8 hours per day to assess exposure to air pollution. Respiratory symptoms were obtained using a standardized questionnaire and pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ significantly (p>0.10) in their age, height, educational level, and exposures to smoke from biomass fuels and tobacco products. The taxi drivers were exposed to higher mean (SD) levels of carbon monoxide (7.6±4.9ppmvs. 5.4±3.8ppm p=0.001). They reported more phlegm and tended to have slightly lower levels of lung function, although these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In this cross sectional study of young motorcycle taxi drivers with substantial exposure to urban traffic and a matched control group, we found no evidence for respiratory impairment. A follow-up of such study population with other pollution exposure surrogate and other clinical endpoint may provide a more robust conclusion regarding the exposure response in this professional group.