Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 185 in total

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  1. Health-care professionals exposed to latex allergy: a cause of concern?
    Das S
    ANZ J Surg, 2008 Nov;78(11):939.
    PMID: 18959687 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2008.04708.x
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  2. Fulltext Risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among oil palm fruit harvesters during early harvesting stage
    Ng YG, Mohd Tamrin SB, Mohd Yusoff IS, Hashim Z, Deros BM, Abu Bakar S, et al.
    Ann Agric Environ Med, 2015;22(2):286-92.
    PMID: 26094525 DOI: 10.5604/12321966.1152101
    This cross-sectional study intends to investigate the associations of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among foreign labourers on a socio-economic background, occupational exposure, social lifestyle, and postures adopted during harvesting tasks. A total of 446 male respondents (263 FFB cutters; 183 FFB collectors) were studied using an interview-assisted questionnaire. OWAS was used to determine the severity of awkward posture based on videos of harvesting tasks recorded for each respondent. Analysis found that increasingly educated respondents had higher risk of developing MSDs. Shorter daily work duration and longer resting duration appear to increase the risk of neck and shoulder disorders among harvesters, which may be attributable to organizational work design. Awkward posture was a particularly significant risk factor of MSDs among FFB collectors. Among the results of the study, occupational exposure, postures and certain socio-demographic backgrounds explained some, but not all, the risk factor of MSDs among harvesters. An in-depth investigation, preferably a longitudinal study investigating the dynamic of work activities and other risk factors, such as psychosocial risk factors, are recommended.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/etiology; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  3. Fulltext 'Aches and Pains' of Filipino Migrant Workers in Malaysia: A Profile of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
    Labao HC, Faller EM, Bacayo MFD
    Ann Glob Health, 2018 08 31;84(3):474-480.
    PMID: 30835403 DOI: 10.29024/aogh.2331
    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are alarmingly high among migrant workers in Malaysia. MSDs are the most prevalent occupational-related conditions in most parts of the world affecting function, productivity and overall health-related quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to determine the profile of Filipino migrant workers in Malaysia and their various musculoskeletal complaints.

    METHOD: This study utilized a quantitative, nonexperimental, cross-sectional research design. A total of 60 subjects were randomly selected after passing the study's sampling criteria. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was to used to determine common MSDs affecting the various regions in the body. The Demographic Pofile Sheet was provided to gather a subject's demographic characteristics.

    RESULTS: Filipino migrant workers mostly complain of pain in the low back area (60%) and shoulder pain (60%), followed by pain in the upper back (48.3%) and neck pain (45%) in the last 12 months. Household workers accounting for 73.3% of the subjects commonly complain of pain in the hips/thighs (78.9%), while workers in the service industry commonly complain of knee pain (39.1%).

    CONCLUSIONS: Results imply that Filipino migrant workers have a higher prevalence of shoulder and lower back pain in the last 12 months. Household workers are more susceptible to hip/thigh pain. Interventions focusing on ergonomics policy implementation, education on posture and lifting techniques and physical function is recommended. Further studies should consider the psychological and psychosocial aspects of migrant employment, which are known risk factors for MSDs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  4. Ethnic differences in blood lead concentration among workers in a battery manufacturing factory
    Chia SE, Chia KS, Ong CN
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 1991 Nov;20(6):758-61.
    PMID: 1803964
    Blood lead levels of two ethnic groups (11 Chinese and 25 Malays) of workers in a factory manufacturing lead accumulator battery were studied. The mean adjusted (for environmental lead levels, age, exposure duration and stick-years of smoking by analysis of covariance) blood lead level of the Malays was 34.8 micrograms/dl as compared to 22.4 micrograms/dl for the Chinese. This difference was significant (p less than 0.02). Oral ingestion of lead, through eating of food with hands contaminated by lead compound, among the Malay workers was suggested as a possible cause for the difference in the mean blood lead levels. Preventive measures and recommendations to overcome the problem among this particular group of workers were discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/blood; Occupational Diseases/ethnology*
  5. Fulltext Occupational exposure to textile dust increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: results from a Malaysian population-based case-control study
    Too CL, Muhamad NA, Ilar A, Padyukov L, Alfredsson L, Klareskog L, et al.
    Ann Rheum Dis, 2016 06;75(6):997-1002.
    PMID: 26681695 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208278
    OBJECTIVES: Lung exposures including cigarette smoking and silica exposure are associated with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the association between textile dust exposure and the risk of RA in the Malaysian population, with a focus on women who rarely smoke.

    METHODS: Data from the Malaysian Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis population-based case-control study involving 910 female early RA cases and 910 female age-matched controls were analysed. Self-reported information on ever/never occupationally exposed to textile dust was used to estimate the risk of developing anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-positive and ACPA-negative RA. Interaction between textile dust and the human leucocyte antigen DR β-1 (HLA-DRB1) shared epitope (SE) was evaluated by calculating the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), with 95% CI.

    RESULTS: Occupational exposure to textile dust was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing RA in the Malaysian female population (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6 to 5.2). The association between occupational exposure to textile dust and risk of RA was uniformly observed for the ACPA-positive RA (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.8) and ACPA-negative RA (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7 to 7.0) subsets, respectively. We observed a significant interaction between exposure to occupational textile dust and HLA-DRB1 SE alleles regarding the risk of ACPA-positive RA (OR for double exposed: 39.1, 95% CI 5.1 to 297.5; AP: 0.8, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.2).

    CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study demonstrating that textile dust exposure is associated with an increased risk for RA. In addition, a gene-environment interaction between HLA-DRB1 SE and textile dust exposure provides a high risk for ACPA-positive RA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/etiology*; Occupational Diseases/genetics
  6. Ergonomics intervention through work organization solution: The way forward
    Vinothini P, Leonard HJ, Omar B
    Appl Ergon, 2015 Jan;46 Pt A:231.
    PMID: 25069765 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.07.004
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/prevention & control*
  7. Prevalence and predictors for musculoskeletal discomfort in Malaysian office workers: Investigating explanatory factors for a developing country
    Maakip I, Keegel T, Oakman J
    Appl Ergon, 2016 Mar;53 Pt A:252-7.
    PMID: 26499952 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.10.008
    Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health issue for workers in developed and developing countries, including Malaysia. Most research related to MSDs has been undertaken in developed countries; given the different regulatory and cultural practices it is plausible that contributions of hazard and risk factors may be different. A population of Malaysian public service office workers were surveyed (N = 417, 65.5% response rate) to determine prevalence and associated predictors of MSD discomfort. The 6-month period prevalence of MSD discomfort was 92.8% (95%CI = 90.2-95.2%). Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) analyses was used to compare a range of models and determine a model of best fit. Contributions associated with MSD discomfort in the final model consisted of physical demands (61%), workload (14%), gender (13%), work-home balance (9%) and psychosocial factors (3%). Factors associated with MSD discomfort were similar in developed and developing countries but the relative contribution of factors was different, providing insight into future development of risk management strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  8. Effects of two ergonomic improvements in brazing coils of air-handler units
    Loo HS, Yeow PH
    Appl Ergon, 2015 Nov;51:383-91.
    PMID: 26154237 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.06.007
    The research aims to address the physically loading task and quality and productivity problems in the brazing of coils of air-handler units. Eight operators participated in two intervention studies conducted in a factory in Malaysia to compare the status quo brazing with (1) the use of a new twin-brazing torch that replaced the single-brazing gun and (2) brazing in a sitting position. The outcome measures are related to quality, productivity, monetary costs, body postures and symptoms. After baseline, Interventions I and II were applied for 3 months respectively. The results show a 58.9% quality improvement, 140% productivity increase and 113 times ROI. There was also a reduction in poor work postures e.g. in the raising of the arms and shoulders; bending, twisting and extending of the neck; and bending of left and right wrists, and the back. This research can be replicated in other factories that share similar processes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/etiology; Occupational Diseases/prevention & control*
  9. The effects of long-term VDT usage on the nature and incidence of asthenopic symptoms
    Yeow PT, Taylor SP
    Appl Ergon, 1990 Dec;21(4):285-93.
    PMID: 15676784
    An opportunity arose in 1985 to become involved in a transition of working practice from hard copy to VDT. Over a two-year period, 161 VDT users and 65 control subjects in the same office environment were regularly and routinely examined for symptoms of asthenopia. The analysis of data shows that there are no significant differences in type, number and frequency of the work-related symptoms between VDT users and non-VDT users. It appears that reporting of symptoms within the group may be random, although certain symptoms do appear more frequently than others. Additionally, it appears that there is a significant difference between male and female users in the frequency of symptom reporting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  10. Fulltext Polychlorinated biphenyl and heavy metal exposures among fishermen in the Straits of Malacca: neurobehavioural performance
    Mohamad A, Azlan A, Adon MY, Khoo HE, Razman MR
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2015;24(3):515-24.
    PMID: 26420195 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2015.24.3.06
    The aim of this study was to determine the level of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and selected heavy metals among fishermen via dietary intake of fish and other seafood from the eastern coast along the Straits of Malacca. This study determined the neurobehavioural performances (based on neurobehavioural core test battery scores) of the fishermen and evaluated the correlations between scores of neurobehavioural core test battery and exposure factors. Ninety fishermen participated in the study. The total fish intakes of the fishermen were measured using a set of food frequency questionnaires. The PCBs contents in the seafood samples ranged between 0.2 and 0.6 pg/g fresh sample. The concentrations of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in the seafood samples were 1.1-5.4, 0.3-4.4, 0.6-36.1, and 0.02-0.3 μg/g fresh sample, respectively. The PCBs, Hg, As, Cd, and Pb exposures of the fishermen was estimated to be 2.8, 0.02, 4.5, 0.09, and 0.5 pg/kg body weight/day, respectively. PCB and heavy metal exposures through dietary intake of fish and seafood were within the tolerable daily limits. The results of neurobehavioural core test battery revealed that the neurobehavioural performances of the fishermen were not affected due to PCB and heavy metal intoxication. No correlations were found between the exposure and neurobehavioural performance among the fishermen. These data are useful for policy makers to assure the safety and quality of seafood in relation to sea pollution. Although the levels of exposure were low, periodic assessment of the quality of fish and fish products is required due to the polluted seawater.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
  11. Noise-induced hearing loss and associated factors among vector control workers in a Malaysian state
    Masilamani R, Rasib A, Darus A, Ting AS
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2014 Nov;26(6):642-50.
    PMID: 22548779 DOI: 10.1177/1010539512444776
    This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among vector control workers in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 181 vector control workers who were working in district health offices in a state in Malaysia. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and audiometry. Prevalence of NIHL was 26% among this group of workers. NIHL was significantly associated with the age-group of 40 years and older, length of service of 10 or more years, current occupational noise exposure, listening to loud music, history of firearms use, and history of mumps/measles infection. Following logistic regression, age of more than 40 years and noise exposure in current occupation were associated with NIHL with an odds ratio of 3.45 (95% confidence interval = 1.68-7.07) and 6.87 (95% confidence interval = 1.54-30.69), respectively, among this group of vector control workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  12. The effects of office ergonomic training on musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being: a cluster randomized control trial
    Mahmud N, Kenny DT, Md Zein R, Hassan SN
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP1652-68.
    PMID: 21878465 DOI: 10.1177/1010539511419199
    This study explored whether musculoskeletal complaints can be reduced by the provision of ergonomics education. A cluster randomized controlled trial study was conducted in which 3 units were randomized to intervention and received training and 3 units were given a leaflet. The effect of intervention on knowledge, workstation practices, musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Although there was no increment of knowledge among workers, significant improvements in workstation practices in the use of monitor, keyboard, and chair were observed. There were significant reductions in neck and upper and lower back complaints among workers but these did not translate into fewer days lost from work. Workers' stress was found to be significantly reduced across the studies. In conclusion, office ergonomics training can be beneficial in reducing musculoskeletal risks and stress among workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/prevention & control*
  13. Reliability (internal consistency) of the job content questionnaire on job stress among office workers of a multinational company in Kuala Lumpur
    Maizura H, Masilamani R, Aris T
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2009 Apr;21(2):216-22.
    PMID: 19189999 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509331981
    This small, cross-sectional study assessed the reliability of 3 scales from the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ)-decision latitude, psychological job demand, and social support-in a group of office workers in a multinational company in Kuala Lumpur. A universal sample of 30 white-collar workers from a department of the company self-administered the English version of the JCQ comprising 21 core items selected from the full recommended version of 49 items on-site. Reliability (internal consistency) was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each scale. Corrected item-total correlation was presented for each and every item. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were acceptable for decision latitude (.76) and social support (.79) but slightly lower for psychological job demand (.64). Values for all item-total correlations for all 3 scales were greater than .3. In conclusion, this study suggests that the JCQ is a reliable scale for assessing job stress in this group of workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/diagnosis*
  14. Work and lifestyle factors associated with morbidity of electronic women workers in Selangor, Malaysia
    Hwei-Mian Lim, Heng-Leng Chee, Mirnalini Kandiah, Sharifah Zainiyah Syed Yahya, Rashidah Shuib
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2002;14(2):75-84.
    PMID: 12862411
    The objective of this study was to identify sociodemographic, work, living arrangement and lifestyle factors associated with morbidity of electronics women workers in selected factories in Selangor, Malaysia. The research design was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. Most of the 401 respondents were young single Malay women. Morbidity was high as 85.5% of the women reported experiencing at least one chronic health problem, and 25.7% said that an illness or injury prevented them from carrying out normal activities within the last two weeks. Major acute illness symptoms were the common cold, backache, and diarrhoea while chronic health problems such as persistent headache, eye problems, menstrual problems, and persistent backache were also reported. After logistic regression, chronic health problems was significantly associated with room sharing; while illness that prevented normal activities within the last two weeks was significantly associated with overtime work and exercise. Further research is recommended to understand the complex inter-relationship between morbidity and working and living conditions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  15. Physician, heal thyself: the paradox of anxiety amongst house officers and work in a teaching hospital
    Tan SM, Jong SC, Chan LF, Jamaludin NA, Phang CK, Jamaluddin NS, et al.
    Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2013 Apr;5 Suppl 1:74-81.
    PMID: 23857841 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12048
    Anxiety among house officers may impair functioning and health care delivery. This study aimed to determine the association between anxiety among house officers at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, sociodemographic and work-related factors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*; Occupational Diseases/psychology
  16. Fulltext Psychosocial support for healthcare frontliners during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia
    Bakar AYA, Ramli S
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2020 Dec;54:102272.
    PMID: 32653851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102272
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/psychology*; Occupational Diseases/therapy
  17. Cerebral arterial gas embolism in air force ground maintenance crew--a report of two cases
    Lee CT
    Aviat Space Environ Med, 1999 Jul;70(7):698-700.
    PMID: 10417007
    Two cases of cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) occurred after a decompression incident involving five maintenance crew during a cabin leakage system test of a Hercules C-130 aircraft. During the incident, the cabin pressure increased to 8 in Hg (203.2 mm Hg, 27 kPa) above atmospheric pressure causing intense pain in the ears of all the crew inside. The system was rapidly depressurized to ground level. After the incident, one of the crew reported chest discomfort and fatigue. The next morning, he developed a sensation of numbness in the left hand, with persistence of the earlier symptoms. A second crewmember, who only experienced earache and heaviness in the head after the incident, developed retrosternal chest discomfort, restlessness, fatigue and numbness in his left hand the next morning. Both were subsequently referred to a recompression facility 4 d after the incident. Examination by the Diving Medical Officer on duty recorded left-sided hemianesthesia and Grade II middle ear barotrauma as the only abnormalities in both cases. Chest X-rays did not reveal any extra-alveolar gas. Diagnoses of Static Neurological Decompression Illness were made and both patients recompressed on a RN 62 table. The first case recovered fully after two treatments, and the second case after one treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and bubble contrast echocardiography performed on the first case 6 mo after the incident were reported to be normal. The second case was lost to follow-up. Decompression illness (DCI) generally occurs in occupational groups such as compressed air workers, divers, aviators, and astronauts. This is believed to be the first report of DCI occurring among aircraft's ground maintenance crew.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/diagnosis; Occupational Diseases/etiology*; Occupational Diseases/therapy
  18. Screening of dental staff nurses for noise induced hearing loss
    Daud MK, Noh NF, Sidek DS, Abd Rahman N, Abd Rani N, Zakaria MN
    B-ENT, 2011;7(4):245-9.
    PMID: 22338236
    The effect of noise on employees of dental clinics is debatable. The purposes of this study were to determine the intensity and frequency components of dental instruments used by dental staff nurses and the prevalence of noise induced hearing loss.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/diagnosis; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  19. Fulltext Seroprevalence and distribution of leptospirosis serovars among wet market workers in northeastern, Malaysia: a cross sectional study
    Rahman MHAA, Hairon SM, Hamat RA, Jamaluddin TZMT, Shafei MN, Idris N, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2018 Nov 14;18(1):569.
    PMID: 30428852 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3470-5
    BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease associated with occupations which exposed workers to environments contaminated with urine of infected animals. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis among wet market workers in Kelantan.

    METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in two main wet markets in Kelantan and 232 wet market workers were randomly selected. Blood samples were analysed for microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against 20 live leptospirosis reference serovars. MAT titres of 1:100 or more were considered as seropositive.

    RESULTS: It was found that the overall seroprevalence for leptospirosis among the respondents was 33.6% (95% CI = 27.5, 39.7). The samples were tested positive against serovars Melaka (IMR LEP 1), Terengganu (IMR LEP 115), Sarawak (IMR LEP 175), Copenhageni (IMR LEP 803/11), Hardjobovis (IMR LEP 27), Australis, Autumnalis, Bataviae, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Hardjoprajitno, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Pyrogenes, Terrasovi, Djasiman, Patoc and Pomona. The predominant serovars was Autumnalis (18.2%).

    CONCLUSION: Wet markets workers were at risk for leptospirosis infection evidenced by high seroprevalence of leptospirosis in this study. Further research need to be conducted to determine factors that favours infection in this groups.

    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/blood; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
  20. Fulltext Effect of working characteristics and taught ergonomics on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders amongst dental students
    Khan SA, Chew KY
    BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 2013;14:118.
    PMID: 23547959 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-118
    Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are one of the main occupational health hazards affecting dental practitioners. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD) amongst dental students. Possible correlations with the working environment and ergonomics taught in Malaysian dental schools were also sought.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*; Occupational Diseases/physiopathology; Occupational Diseases/prevention & control*
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