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Fulltext Non-communicable diseases in the Asia-Pacific region: Prevalence, risk factors and community-based prevention

Low WY, Lee YK, Samy AL

Int J Occup Med Environ Health, 2015;28(1):20-6.
PMID: 26159943 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0326-0

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) lead to substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide. The most common NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. With the rapid increase in NCD-related deaths in Asia Pacific countries, NCDs are now the major cause of deaths and disease burden in the region. NCDs hamper achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). People in the low socio-economic group are most affected by NCDs as they have poor access to policies, legislations, regulations and healthcare services meant to combat NCDs. This results in loss of productivity by a decreasing labor force with implications at the macroeconomic level. The 3 major NCDs in the Asia Pacific region are CVDs, cancer and diabetes due to the increasing loss of disability adjusted life years (DALYs). The 4 major behavioral risk factors for NCDs are: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, inadequate physical activity and unhealthy diet. The underlying risk factors are urbanization, globalization, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and hypertension. Strategies to combat NCDs in the Asia Pacific region are as follows: population-based dietary salt reduction, health education, psychological interventions, i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational-interviewing, taxation and bans on tobacco-related advertisements, implementing smoke-free zones and surveillance by the World Health Organization. Control measures must focus on prevention and strengthening inter-sectorial collaboration.
Fulltext Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and related occupational causative factors among electricity linemen: A narrative review

Padmanathan V, Joseph L, Omar B, Nawawi R

Int J Occup Med Environ Health, 2016;29(5):725-34.
PMID: 27518883 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00659

Occupational tasks of linemen are highly associated with the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). Although linemen are prone to develop WRMDs, there is paucity of information on the prevalence of WRMDs and related occupational causative factors. Therefore, the present review was conducted to report on the prevalence of WRMDs and to outline causative risk factors within occupational tasks in the lineman profession. Literature search was conducted in various databases such as Scopus, PubMed and ScienceDirect for articles published between 1996-2013. The articles were analyzed, selected and retrieved based on predetermined objectives, inclusion criteria and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). In the review process only articles published in English were considered. The review identified moderate to high prevalence of WRMDs among the linemen population. Back and shoulder regions were highly affected compared to the other body regions. The review also reported occupational tasks such as bar installation, insulator fixation and manual handling of tools as high risk tasks that lead to the development of WRMDs. In addition, occupational tools such as ladders, manual cutters and manual presses were also identified as a potential ergonomic hazard. In conclusion, the current review identified that WRMDs are common in the back and shoulder regions among linemen. Also, a number of occupational risk factors were identified to be associated with WRMDs among the linemen. Hence, future research on prevention and intervention studies concerning lineman profession population in order to develop a good job practice are recommended. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):725-734.
Fulltext Occupational exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in a plastic injection molding factory in Malaysia

Kouidhi W, Thannimalay L, Soon CS, Ali Mohd M

Int J Occup Med Environ Health, 2017 Jul 14;30(5):743-750.
PMID: 28584331 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00917

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study has been to assess ambient bisphenol A (BPA) levels in workplaces and urine levels of workers and to establish a BPA database for different populations in Malaysia.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Urine samples were collected from plastic factory workers and from control subjects after their shift. Air samples were collected using gas analyzers from 5 sampling positions in the injection molding unit work area and from ambient air. The level of BPA in airborne and urine samples was quantified by the gas chromatography mass spectrometry - selected ion monitoring (GCMS-SIM) analysis.
RESULTS: Bisphenol A was detected in the median range of 8-28.3 ng/m³ and 2.4-3.59 ng/m³ for the 5 sampling points in the plastic molding factory and in the ambient air respectively. The median urinary BPA concentration was significantly higher in the workers (3.81 ng/ml) than in control subjects (0.73 ng/ml). The urinary BPA concentration was significantly associated with airborne BPA levels (ρ = 0.55, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide the first evidence that workers in a molding factory in Malaysia are occupationally exposed to BPA. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(5):743-750.
Assessing ergonomic risks: REBA analysis of food delivery riders in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia

Daud A, Mohd Basri IS, Ahmad E, Mohd Hairon S, Nordin R, Azmir NA, et al.

Int J Occup Med Environ Health, 2025 Apr 14.
PMID: 40237063 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02558

OBJECTIVES: Rapid urbanization has intensified the demand for human labor, including in sectors like food delivery, where workers are prone to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to assess the ergonomic risks among food delivery riders in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 191 food delivery riders in September 2021 - March 2022. The REBA method, a paper-and-pen observational tool, was utilized to evaluate the postural risks associated with WMSDs. Data on demographics and working conditions were collected through interviews and observations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize REBA scores, with mean scores compared between motorcycle types using t-tests.
RESULTS: The mean final REBA score was 5, indicating a medium risk for developing WMSDs. Scores of 4, 5, and 6 were observed in 36.1%, 31.4%, and 31.9% of riders, respectively. Riders using scooters generally had lower REBA scores than those using sedan motorcycles.
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted a medium risk of WMSDs among food delivery riders. Ergonomic interventions, particularly in motorcycle design, are necessary to mitigate these risks and improve occupational safety and health. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(2).