Ocular chemical burns in the workplace: Epidemiological characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies focusing on occupational pathologies can be an important medium through which to bring about change with respect to workplace accidents, both in terms of prevention planning and management as well as the appropriate care following an accident. Ocular chemical burns benefit from urgent attention as, if not treated early and appropriately, the tissue of the eye and its functionality can be seriously compromised. The objective of this study was to collate epidemiological data on workplace ocular chemical burns which could in turn serve to identify key action points in terms of occupational health. METHODS: Cohort study with 604 cases of chemical burns to the eye occurring in the workplace between 2014 and 2015. Criteria inclusion were diagnosis of chemical burn, patient seen at the medical centre of the mutual society, workplace acquired ophthalmic pathology leading to the issuing of a sickness certificate. No exclusion criteria were defined. RESULTS: Ocular chemical burns were the second most common workplace eye injury (12.68%) behind foreign bodies in the eye (43.42%). Men accounted for 68.54% of cases of ocular chemical burns. In around 75% of cases, sickness certification was for less than 7 days, although 6 patients suffered permanent disability. The occupational sector which was most affected particularly the industry service industry. The economic costs with these workplace injuries were extracted. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate early medical assistance is essential. The production and distribution of clinical guides for health care workers could optimise first line assistance and mitigate possible training deficiencies.

What do Spanish men know about menopause?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge men have about menopause and to analyze whether sociodemographic aspects influence this knowledge. METHODS: A total of 560 consecutive surveys were collected during 2019. Surveys were completed by men anonymously, voluntarily, and without incentives. A maximum score of 45 points was considered for the knowledge analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 49.13 ±â€Š11.1 years. The most frequent source of information to obtain knowledge about menopause was friends (61.4%). The mean of the questionnaire score was 20.69 ±â€Š6.1 (R: 0-45). The most frequent symptoms associated with menopause were hot flashes and vaginal dryness (93.7%; 48%) and the best-known treatment to improve vaginal health was lubricants at 69.5%. The most common treatment men knew for improving menopause symptoms was menopause hormone treatment; however, 27.9% of men thought there is no treatment for menopause. Differences were found between ages in numbers and grades (P = 0.032). Men with a higher level of education had significantly more knowledge than those with primary school education (P = 0.016). Differences were shown in men who obtained information from healthcare staff with respect to other sources (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge in men in this sample is limited. Differences were found between ages, level of education, and sources of information. No differences were found between public and private hospitals. Teaching of this knowledge should be carried out by trained personnel, preferably healthcare staff.