Work-related stress levels and musculoskeletal disorders among municipal solid waste collectors in Ankara.

BACKGROUND: Industrialization and rising standards of living have contributed to a growing amount of solid waste and consequent disposal problems. Solid waste collection is among the occupations with the highest risk for musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: We have conducted this study to assess musculoskeletal complaints and work-related stress levels among municipal solid waste (MSW) collectors. METHODS: The subjects were all currently employed at the MSW Department of the City of Ankara, Turkey. Validated questionnaires were completed by 267 MSW collectors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (22.0 version). RESULTS: Upper back pain rate was 89.1% among the collectors. 47.9% of collectors reported having had upper back pain during the last 12 months and 38.7% had experienced it during the last month. 80.9% of the sample complained of shoulder pain. Wrists/hands and neck pain rates were found at rates of 78.7% and 67.8% respectively. Psychological demands, were significantly higher among MSW collectors living with moderate-severe pain. CONCLUSIONS: Ergonomics education, healthy work habits, occupational safety training and improvements in the psychosocial work environment should be considered.

Effects of dietary advice on insulin-like growth factors among healthy newborns.

OBJECTIVES: In fetal life, insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1, IGF 2 and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) 3 are essential growth factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of dietary intervention on insulin-like growth factors in the cord blood of neonates. METHODS: The study involved 52 pregnant women who were followed up in Gazi University Medical School Hospital at Ankara, Turkey. They were randomly divided into two groups: The experimental group was involved in nutrition education. We measured IGF 1, IGF 2 and IGFBP 3 concentrations in cord blood from 52 neonates. RESULTS: In the experimental group, cord serum levels of IGF 1, IGF 2 were observed to be higher than that of control group. CONCLUSION: Dietary advice had positive effects on the cord serum IGF 1 and IGF 2 concentrations. Dietary advice during pregnancy proved to be effective in fetal development.

Job satisfaction among aircraft baggage handlers and their exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A case study.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) cause pain and economic loss. Risk of WMSDs is affected by job satisfaction as a psychosocial factor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate job satisfaction among aircraft baggage handlers and their exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors. METHODS: Two data collection tools addressing risk levels (Quick Exposure Check) and psychosocial factors (Job Satisfaction Survey) were answered by 399 male baggage handlers employed in Esenboga International Airport in Ankara, Turkey. RESULTS: Risk exposure scores for WMSDs among baggage handlers were 27±3.4 (high) for the back (static), 42±7.2 (very high) for the back (moving), 42±6.1 (very high) for the shoulder/arm, 44±1.9 (very high) for the wrist/hand, and 13±5.1(high) for the neck. The average job satisfaction levels of the majority was either low (4.2250±1.10184) or moderate (3.1019±0.93352). In addition, low and moderate job satisfaction was significantly associated with higher WMSD risk levels among baggage handlers. CONCLUSIONS: Increased WMSD risk levels among baggage handlers are associated with low and moderate job satisfaction, suggesting that it is mandatory to perform intervention methods in this occupation.

Reduction of work-related musculoskeletal risk factors following ergonomics education of sewing machine operators.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major hazard for sewing machine operators. Ergonomics education is recommended for reducing musculoskeletal disorders at workstations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an ergonomics education in reducing the exposure to risk factors for WMSDs among sewing machine operators. In this study of 278 workers, their exposure to the risk of WMSDs was assessed using the quick exposure check scale prior to them attending an ergonomics education programme and then again 3 months after the programme. The scores for risk exposure before the education programme were moderate for back (static) and back (dynamic), high for shoulder/arm and very high for wrist/hand and neck. The results obtained 3 months later were low for back (static) and shoulder/arm, and moderate for back (dynamic), wrist/hand and neck. Based on our results, ergonomics education can reduce the exposure to risk factors for WMSDs in the workplace.

Lean Body Mass as a Predictive Value of Hypertension in Young Adults, in Ankara, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive capacity of body composition estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to identify abnormal blood pressure in physical education and sport teaching students in the city of Ankara. METHODS: Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained in the city of Ankara in 2014. A total of 133 students aged 20-35 yr participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements were measured. Body composition was assessed by BIA. Physical activity level (PAL) and usual dietary intake were assessed. Pre-hypertension and hypertension were defined, respectively, as BP ≥120 and/or 80, and ≥140 and /or 90 mmHg. RESULTS: More overweight students showed abnormal BP especially SBP (P=0.005 and 0.002, respectively). Age adjusted regression showed significant association between arm circumference (ß= 0.176, P 0.044), mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC) (ß= 0.235, P 0.007), lean body mass (LBM) (ß= 0.238, P 0.006), basal metabolism rate (BMR) (ß= 0.219, P 0.012) and SBP and, also, MAMC (ß= 0.201, P 0.022), LBM (ß= 0.203, P 0.021), BMR (ß= 0.189, P 0.030) and DBP. Fat intake was associated with DBP (ß= 0.14, P =0.040). Multivariate regression models adjusted for age, BMI, WC and fat intake/kg body weight showed positive association of SBP with MAMC, BMR and LBM (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The relationship between blood pressure and body composition in young adults may be associated to LBM and MAMC. LBM or MAMC in this population may be indirect indicators of heart muscle mass and heart pumping power.