Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 185 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Nordin NA, Leonard JH, Thye NC
    Clinics (Sao Paulo), 2011;66(3):373-8.
    PMID: 21552658
    OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional study was conducted to measure the prevalence of work-related injuries among physiotherapists in Malaysia and to explore the influence of factors such as gender, body mass index, years of work experience and clinical placement areas on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

    METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were sent to 105 physiotherapists at three main public hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The questionnaire had 12 items that covered demographic information, areas of musculoskeletal problems and physiotherapy techniques that could contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 14 software.

    RESULTS: The overall prevalence of work-related injuries during the past 12 months was 71.6%. Female therapists reported a significantly higher prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders than the male therapists (73.0%, p,0.001). Significant differences were observed between the proportion of therapists who had work-related musculoskeletal disorders and those who did not for the group with a body mass index (BMI) .25 (x² = 9.0, p = 0.003) and the group with a BMI of 18-25 (x² = 7.8, p = 0.006). Manual therapy (58.6%) and lifting/transfer tasks (41.3%) were the two physiotherapy techniques that most often contributed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

    CONCLUSION: Work-related injuries are significantly higher among the physiotherapists in Malaysia compared with many other countries. Female therapists reported a higher incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in this study, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders were more common among therapists working in the pediatric specialty. This study contributes to the understanding of work-related disorders among physiotherapists from a southeast Asian perspective where the profession is in its development stage.

    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/etiology; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  2. Ithnin A, Zubir A, Awang N, Mohamad Sulaiman NN
    Pak J Biol Sci, 2019 Jan;22(3):143-147.
    PMID: 30972984 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2019.143.147
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Welding fume exposure has led to the respiratory problems among welders including cough, phlegm, chest illnesses, nausea and fatigue. Inadequate ventilation during welding works causes the situation to worsen. Welding fumes can cause a decrease in lung function among welders. Chronic exposure will lead to other health effects especially COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The objective of this study is to determine the exposure of welding fumes (Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn) towards respiratory health including lung function test (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEFR) of workers in Lumut shipyard, Perak.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research study the relationship between exposures of welding fumes towards lung function test among workers in Lumut shipyard, Perak. Lung function test was measured by spirometry among 30 welders and 31 non-welders. The concentration welding fume exposure was measured using OSHA ID-121 method. Sociodemographic data, respiratory symptoms and smoking habit data was analyzed based on the ATS 1987 questionnaire.

    RESULTS: The mean concentration for Pb in welding fumes was 2.752 mg m-3 which is above 0.5 mg m-3 PEL-TWA. The FEV1 and FVC readings showed significant different between welders and non-welders (p = 0.001). Cough and phlegm symptoms showed significant different between welders and non-welders (p = 0.001). Welders had higher prevalence in smoking habit than the non-welders. Chest illnesses symptom showed an association with the smoking habit (p = 0.01).

    CONCLUSION: There is relationship between welding fumes exposure on lung function test of workers in Lumut shipyard. Pb in welding fumes has high concentration and exceeded PEL-TWA level. The FEV1 and FVC in welders are lower than non-welder due to the fumes exposure. Welders showed higher respiratory symptoms than non-welders. Smoking habit is a contributing factor towards respiratory problem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/diagnosis; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  3. Abas AB, Said AR, Mohammed MA, Sathiakumar N
    Int J Occup Environ Health, 2008 Oct-Dec;14(4):263-71.
    PMID: 19043913
    In the absence of systematic occupational disease surveillance, other data collected by governmental agencies or industry is useful in the identification of occupational diseases and their control. We examined data on occupational diseases reported by non-governmental employees to the national workers' social security organization in Malaysia, 2002-2006. The overall incidence rate of occupational disease was 2.8 per 100,000 workers. There was an increase in the annual number and rates of occupational disease over time. The most frequently reported conditions were hearing impairment (32%) and musculoskeletal disorders (28%). Workers in the non-metallic manufacturing industry had the highest average incidence rate of hearing impairment (12.7 per 100,000 workers) and musculoskeletal disorders (3.5 per 100,000 workers), compared to all other industries. Preventive measures should focus on safety education, engineering control and workplace ergonomics. Enforcing workplace standards and incorporating an ongoing surveillance system will facilitate the control and reduction of occupational disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*; Occupational Diseases/prevention & control
  4. Ganasegeran K, Perianayagam W, Nagaraj P, Al-Dubai SA
    Occup Med (Lond), 2014 Jul;64(5):372-5.
    PMID: 24727561 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqu039
    BACKGROUND:
    Low back pain (LBP) is the most costly ailment in the work force. Risky work behaviour and psychological stress are established risk factors.

    AIMS:
    To explore the associations between workplace risk factors, psychological stress and LBP among Malaysian railway workers.

    METHODS:
    A cross-sectional study was carried out on railway workers in Malaysia. Socio-demographics, workplace risk factors for LBP, perceived psychological stress and history of LBP over the previous month were obtained by direct interviews using a structured closed-ended questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

    RESULTS:
    There were 513 study participants (70% response rate). The prevalence of LBP in the previous month was 69%. Multivariate analysis yielded four significant predictors of LBP: employment of ≥ 10 years, lifting and lowering heavy loads, prolonged standing posture and psychological stress.

    CONCLUSIONS:
    The high prevalence of LBP and its significant associations with physical and psychological stress factors in railway workers points to an urgent need for preventive measures, particularly among workers in high-risk occupations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/etiology*; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology; Occupational Diseases/psychology
  5. Tamrin SB, Yokoyama K, Jalaludin J, Aziz NA, Jemoin N, Nordin R, et al.
    Ind Health, 2007 Apr;45(2):268-78.
    PMID: 17485871
    To determine the risk factors associated with complain of low back pain. A cross sectional study was done from June 2004 until August 2005. Seven hundred and sixty commercial vehicle drivers from 11 bus companies in central, northern and eastern regions in Malaysia participated in this study. Modified Nordic questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of low back pain; Maestro human vibration meter was used to measure the personal R.M.S values of lateral, anterior-posterior and vertical axes. Modified Owas was used to assess the awkward posture of the driver torso namely, bending forward movement, leaning, sitting straight and twisting. Profile of Mood States (POMS) was used to evaluate the mood states of bus drivers with complain of low back pain. A high prevalence of low back pain (60.4%) among Malaysian commercial vehicle drivers was found. Logistic regression analysis controlling for age, income, education level and non occupational activities revealed that the following factors were related to low back pain: Tension-anxiety [1.080, 95% CI 1.041-1.121], depression dejection [1.047, 95% CI 1.023-1.072], anger-hostility [1.053, 95% CI 1.027-1.081], fatigue [1.132, 95% CI 1.089-1.177] and confusion [1.114, 95% CI 1.061-1.169] of POMS, length of employment [1.001, 95% CI 1.0-1.003], steering wheel adjustment [1.521, 95% CI 1.101-2.101], perception of exposing to vibration [1.943, 95% CI 1.389-2.719]. In conclusion, combinations of risks lead to high increase of low back pain complain among Malaysian bus drivers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/etiology; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*; Occupational Diseases/psychology
  6. Lim KH, Liam CK, Wong CMM
    Med J Malaysia, 2000 Jun;55(2):265-7.
    PMID: 19839158
    An asymptomatic subject with radiographic changes due to welders' siderosis is described. This condition has not been well recognized and described in our community. Siderosis of the lung is generally considered to be a benign condition not associated with respiratory symptoms. However, recent reports have associated welding with various disorders of pulmonary function as well as lung cancer. There is a need for future epidemiological studies to better define the risk of long term welding.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  7. 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
  8. Abdul Rahim KA, Jewaratnam J, Che Hassan CR, Hamid MD
    PMID: 33142732 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218032
    Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the most reported occupational disease in Malaysia. ONIHL is aggravated by the presence of early hearing loss amongst the youth prior to entering a real working environment. At technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions, students may develop early ONIHL because training workshops are designed imitating the industrial working environment to produce skilled workers. The exceeding noise level at workshops and recent risk of non-occupational noise can cause early ONIHL among these students. Therefore, ONIHL must be addressed at the early stage of producing skilled workers. Octa hearing conservation index (OHCI) system is developed as a management and monitoring tool for hearing conservation program (HCP) in TVET institutions. Six existing and two new HCP components were used to build the index system. A pilot test on the effectiveness of the OHCI system was conducted in a selected TVET institution for six months. The post-HCP shows a 52.6% improvement compared to the pre-HCP. The implementation of HCP has shown improved awareness on the hazards of loud noise exposure and active use of hearing protection devices among participants. The OHCI system has a great potential as a tool to improve HCP implementation in TVET institutions, and eventually, industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  9. Kabilmiharbi, N, Selamat, F.E
    MyJurnal
    Manual workers in plastics industry are often exposed to work related discomfort and pain while performing their daily
    task. These exposure leads to common occupational diseases such as Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD) or
    low back pain (LBP) which in turn will affect their working performance. The main objective for this study is to
    analyse the working posture of a manual worker that works in a polypropylene fibrillated yarn industry using RULA
    assessment in CATIA P3 V5R14 software. The subject were selected from the packaging area as the manual handling
    work are only present in that area. Based on the RULA analysis done by constructing the worker posture in the
    software, several awkward postures were identified to be high in risk factors. The postures that is high in risk is
    postures 3 which is due to lifting heavy loads and twisting or turning of the trunk. The postures obtained the final
    RULA analysis score of 7 and this indicates that changes must be done immediately. It is recommended that the
    company should increase the ergonomic awareness among the manual workers especially while performing their work
    and to redesign the working posture for the manual workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  10. Annuar, I., Nurulakhmar, A.S., Mazruras, S., Azhar, A.H.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Back pain associated with sense of pain and less comfort in back part of the body especially at the lower back area. Back pain is an occupational health problem with significant impact to productivity of workers.
    Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted to study the prevalence of back pain towards individual, physical and psychosocial factors associated among body shop’s operators at national Automotive Manufacturers.
    Result: A total of 32 operators were involved in this study. Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire has been used in this study and body position assessment was done by using Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) method. Study showed the prevalence of back pain among operators throughout their work and in the last 12 months was 93.8% and 87.5% respectively. There are significant association (p0.05) between prevalence of back pain with another individual, physical and psychosocial factor.
    Conclusion: This study shows that back pain prevalence were influenced by types of activity and body posture during working at assembling division among workers. Attention should be given to ergonomics factors to prevent back pain incident among automotive industry assembly workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  11. Naemah Tajol Arus, Suhaily Amran, Norhafsam Maghpor, Ahmad Sayuti Zainal Abidin, Nurzuhairah Jamil, Rochi Bakel, et al.
    MyJurnal
    In the recent years, an extensive number of scientific researches on occupational diseases have been done to
    identify occupations at high risk of inducing diseases. There are many categories of occupational diseases, and unitary
    of them are occupational respiratory diseases. This study was conducted in a tea factory located in Cameron Highlands,
    Malaysia, with an output of 600,000.00 kg per annum. Its objective was to evaluate respiratory diseases among the
    workers, conducted via questionnaires, interviews and lung functional tests. A total of 38 workers participated in this
    study, 19 in the exposed group and 19 in the control group. The most common chronic symptoms for the exposed
    group are wheezing, dyspnea (short of breath) and phlegm. The result shows that, among the tea processing workers,
    the exposed group suffer from respiratory diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  12. Sethu, V.S.
    MyJurnal
    Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (WRMSDs-UL) account for one of the largest types of occupational disorders worldwide. This broad term includes several disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tension neck syndrome and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) which are generally caused by poor postures, repetitive strain and psychosocial factors. Various workplace interventions have been investigated and employed to prevent the different WRMSDs-UL, but a common consensus to address the problem has yet to be achieved. This paper reviews and discusses the efficacies of some interventions which have been tested for the most prevalent type of WRMSDs-UL, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The focus will be on computer users who developed CTS out of the prolonged and repetitive use of keyboards and pointing devices. The interventions studied include engineering design, management strategies, personal development, medical treatment and multi-dimensional approaches. Outcome of the study reveals that the most effective approach would be one that is multi-dimensional in nature, with the inclusion of at least two or more intervention strategies at the same time.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  13. Nur Azlina Abd Rahman, Muhamad Arifpin Mansor, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail
    MyJurnal
    The occurrences of occupational accidents and incidents are increasing in parallel with the growth of industries
    such as mining and quarrying. The main objective of this study was to analyze data on the perception of occupational
    accidents in the mining and quarrying sector in Malaysia. The data was collected and examined based on the
    questionnaires on the level of perception of accident investigation in mining and quarrying sector. Statistical data
    reported by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) was also reviewed. The findings of this study
    prove that the level of perception of workers towards occupational accident issues in mining and quarrying sector
    is still in the moderate level with the mean value of 3.28. The findings show that 51.7% of the workers agree while
    25.9% totally agree to the accident occurrence. Only 1.7% of the workers are not aware of accident occurrence at the
    workplace. Employers and employees must carry out their responsibilities to prevent accidents by adhering to health
    and safety practices at the workplace.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  14. Siti Nadia Mohd Bakhori, Mohamad Zaki Hassan, Feiruz Ab’lah, Aadil Nausherwan, Mohd Azlan Suhot, Mohd Yusof Daud, et al.
    MyJurnal
    The construction industry is one of the major sectors in Malaysia. Apart from providing
    facilities, services and goods it also offers employment opportunities to local and
    foreign workers. In fact, the construction workers are exposed to high risk of noises
    being generated from various sources including excavators, bulldozers, concrete mixer
    and piling machines. Previous studies indicated that the piling and concrete work were
    recorded as the main source that contributed to the highest level of noise among
    others. Therefore, the aim of this study is to obtain the level of noise exposure during
    piling process and to determine the awareness of workers against noise pollution at
    the construction site. Initially, the reading of noise level was obtained at construction
    site by using a digital sound level meter (SLM) and noise exposure to the workers was
    mapped. Readings were taken from four different distances; 5, 10, 15 and 20 meters
    from the piling machine. Furthermore, a set of questionnaire was also distributed to
    assess the knowledge of regarding noise pollution at the construction site. The result
    showed that the mean noise level at 5 meters distance was more than 90 dB, which
    exceeded the recommended level. Although the level of awareness of regarding the
    effect of noise pollution is satisfactory but majority of workers (90%) still did not wear
    ear muffs during working periods. Therefore, the safety module guidelines related to
    noise pollution controls should be implemented to provide a safe working environment
    and prevent initial occupational hearing loss.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases
  15. Teoh JW, Hassan F, Mohamad Yunus MR
    Singapore Med J, 2013 Oct;54(10):e208-10.
    PMID: 24154590
    Isolated laryngeal histoplasmosis is a very rare entity. It has variable clinical presentations that might mimic both benign and malignant lesions, and is usually associated with pulmonary and other disseminated forms of histoplasmosis. Herein, we report a case of primary laryngeal histoplasmosis without the involvement of other systems in a 70-year-old Chinese man, who previously worked as a miner. He presented with a history of hoarseness for two months, with no other associated symptoms. Direct laryngoscopy revealed irregularity of the posterior one-third of both vocal folds. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of Histoplasma capsulatumon periodic acidSchiff and Grocott's methenamine silver staining. The lesion resolved after one month of oral itraconazole treatment. However, the patient had to complete six months of antifungal treatment to prevent recurrence.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/diagnosis; Occupational Diseases/drug therapy; Occupational Diseases/microbiology*
  16. Mohan V, Justine M, Jagannathan M, Aminudin S, Johari SH
    J Orthop Sci, 2015 Mar;20(2):410-7.
    PMID: 25542222 DOI: 10.1007/s00776-014-0682-4
    BACKGROUND: Research has been conducted on the prevalence and physical risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among occupations such as agriculture workers, office workers, school teachers, and health care professionals. However, a paucity of research exists on the patterns and physical risk factors of WMSDs among the academicians in a higher learning institution. This study was conducted to determine the patterns and physical risk factors of WMSDs among the academicians.
    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 228 subjects with a mean age of participants of 32.3 ± 7.8 for a period of 1 year from December 2011 until December 2012. An extended neordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used to assess the patterns of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The short version of the Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire (DMQ) was used to determine the physical risk factors of WMSDs among the academicians. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi square test were used for data analysis.
    RESULTS: The 1-year pattern of WMSDs among the academicians were neck pain (44.7 %), followed by shoulder pain (40.4 %), upper and lower back pain (33.3 %), and the least common region was elbow pain (3.5 %). Among 20 common physical activities in DMQ, 15 physical activities performed by the academicians in their workplace were considered as a physical risk factors for neck, shoulder, and back pain at p < 0.05.
    CONCLUSION: The preliminary study demonstrated that neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain were the most common WMSDs among the academicians in a higher learning institution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  17. Santos A, Ramos HM, Ramasamy G, Fernandes C
    Public Health, 2014 Aug;128(8):759-61.
    PMID: 25115577 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2014.04.003
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  18. 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*
  19. Nur Aqilah MY, Juliana J
    Glob J Health Sci, 2012 Nov;4(6):160-9.
    PMID: 23121752 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v4n6p160
    There was considerable evidence that a subject's psychological status may influence respiratory sensations and that some subjects may experience respiratory symptoms regardless of the presence of a respiratory disease. The objective of this study was to determine the association between occupational stress and respiratory symptoms among lecturers. This cross sectional study was conducted in Universiti Putra Malaysia, involved 61 lecturers from various faculties. Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and questionnaires based on American Thoracic Society were used to collect the data on socio-demography, stress level and respiratory symptoms. High level of occupational stress (high strain) was determined among 16 of the respondents (26.2%). Breathlessness was the common symptom experienced by the respondents. Female lecturers were significantly experienced high stress level compared to male (p=0.035). They were also significantly having more breathlessness symptom compared to male lecturer (p=0.011). Study highlighted in study population, gender plays a significant role that influenced level of occupational stress and also gender has role in resulting occupational stress level and respiratory symptoms. There was no significant association between occupational stress and respiratory symptoms. It can be concluded that this group of lecturers of Universiti Putra Malaysia did not experienced high occupational stress level. Occupational stress level was not statistically significantly associated with all respiratory symptoms being studied.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  20. Sibel O, Beyza A, Murat K, Fatma E, Göksel K, Sevin B
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Aug;67(4):375-8.
    PMID: 23082444
    Dyes are known to be a causative agent of occupational asthma exposed to them. We evaluate respiratory symptoms among textile. The study population comprised 106 exposed workers and control (unexposed) group. Data were collected by a questionnaire. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) were performed. Among the exposed workers 36.8% defined phlegm. Respiratory symptoms were not significantly different between two groups. The employment duration of the exposed workers with phlegm was longer than those without phlegm (p = 0.027). The mean % predicted of forced expiratory flow (FEF) 25-75 of the exposed workers was found to be significantly lower than the control (unexposed) group (p = 0.01). Our study suggests that textile dyeing might cause respiratory symptoms at workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/chemically induced*
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links