by Attapon Cheepsattayakorn and Ruangrong Cheepsattayakorn
Special Issue
Silica-associated diseases, including tuberculosis and other related diseases, such as COPD, lung cancer, autoimmune diseases, renal diseases, etc. remain an important public health concern in the 21th century. Silica exposures and silicosis increase the risk of active tuberculosis development by approximately 30-40 times, compared to populations without silica exposure. Workers with periods of silica exposure longer than 10 years should be provided tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis. Although evidences of silicosis are not detected, the risk of active tuberculosis can increase. However, further studies are urgently needed to identify the best chemoprophylaxis regimen for tuberculosis.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 125-129. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-17
Pub. Date: April 03, 2018
12775 Views3220 Downloads
by Watcharaphat Maneechaeye, Wat Mitthamsiri, Atik Sangasapaviliya and Panitan Pradubpongsa
Special Issue
Asthma is a respiratory disease commonly found in general medical practice and in various fields of study. Furthermore, asthma may be found in every age range. Twenty five percent of adult-onset asthma is occupational asthma. Allergens that cause occupational asthma are commonly found in work place such as animal proteins, plant proteins, metal transition, chemical substances, etc. The guideline on medical practice of the American College of Chest Physicians 2008 divides occupational asthma into two categories: sensitizer-induced occupational asthma and irritant-induced occupational asthma. Pathogenesis of disease are based on Immunologically mediated with participation of specific IgE, Immunologically mediated without evidence of participation of IgE and Non-immunologic. The diagnosis of occupational asthma in terms of symptoms and signs does not differ from the diagnosis of general asthma. The difference is that the diagnosis of occupational asthma must be reassured that the exposure to allergens involves a contact to irritating substance within workplace. Cure by medicine for occupational asthma is not different from that for general asthma. The best treatment would be to avoid allergens in the workplace. The preventive measures may be erected.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 121-124. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-16
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
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by Jedsada Panthong, Naesinee Chaiear, Narongpon Dumavibhat and Ponglada Subhannachart
Special Issue
Objective: To describe the radiographic progression among sandstone workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Methods: The sample of 134 sandstone workers had at least 2 chest radiographs between January 2012 and April 2017. Their chest radiographs were assessed from the first through last visits to find two or more steps subcategory progression. All films were interpreted and classified by two physicians, who were qualified as NIOSH B readers according to International Labor Office System of Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconiosis 2011 (ILO/ICRP). Results:Progressions were demonstrated among 30 (22.4%) workers as they had radiographic evidence of two or more step subcategory progression and 5 out of them had 2-times progression. The median duration of exposure was 10.0 years (IQR 8.0-15.0) (range 2.0-25.0). The median duration of follow-up was 31.0 months (IQR 20.0-38.0) (range 6.0-54.0)Conclusions: Our findings revealed that chest radiograph had progressed in 22.4% of patients over the median 10 years of exposure; nevertheless, the association between exposure duration and radiographic progression could not be described in this study.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 117-120. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-15
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
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by Wisit Jongkumchok, Naesinee Chaiear, Watchara Boonsawat and Seksan Chaisuksant
Special Issue
Background: Work-related asthma (WRA) is the most common chronic occupational lung disease in developing countries and the second most common in developed countries. The median attributable risk of occupational asthma for the population is estimated to be 25%. In Thailand, there are no details on occupational and causative agents vis-à-vis WRA. Aims: Our aim was to describe the occupational and causative agents for WRA patients who attended the Easy Asthma Clinic (EAC), Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Methods: This was a descriptive study: 323 participants at the Easy Asthma Clinics were identified and interviewed prior to obtaining information related to WRA symptoms and its suspected causative agents. Descriptive statistics were used for proportions. Results:The proportion of asthma patients with WRA was 16.7%. The top three occupations that carried the highest risk were (a) school workers, (b) skilled agriculture, forestry, and fishery workers, and (c) manufacturing and wood workers. The top three most identified causative agents were chalk powder, smoke from burning grass/tree, and fumes from stainless steel production. Some 63.0% of WRA patients did not wear respiratory protection equipment at work and among those who did, none wore it correctly. Conclusions:Occupational history, causative agents, and history of asthma symptoms related to work help to determine the proportion of WRA patients. The results of the current study should thus encourage physicians to record patient occupation(s) and job descriptions, so as to remove identifiable factors, before airway remodelling occurs, which makes treatment more difficult and costly.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 111-116. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-14
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
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by Phanumas Krisorn, Naesinee Chaiear, Ponglada Subhannachart, Narongpon Dumavibhat and Sutarat Tungsagunwattana
Special Issue
Objective: This study aimed to examine the sensitivity and specificity of occupational health doctors (OHDs)’ reading of early-stage pneumoconiosis radiographs. Materials and Methods: A screening test was applied, and 33 OHDs consented to participate in the study. There were atotal of 67 chest radiographs, which consisted of normal and early-stage pneumoconiosis film. The cut-point for disease was set at profusion0/1 and 1/0. Mean sensitivity and specificity for small opacity detection were analyzed. Results: The median sensitivity of ILO profusion of 0/1 or above was 88% (IQR 10.3), and the median sensitivity of film with a 1/0 cutoff pointwas slightly higher at90% (IQR 10.3).The average specificity for ILO profusion of 0/1 or above was 43.3% (SD21.1). Upon increasing the cut-point at profusion1/0, the average specificity increased to 47.0% (SD 20.9). Conclusion: This study showed that occupational health doctors were able to interpret chest radiographs of workers with early-stage pneumoconiosis. This indicates that the development of OHDs’ chest X-ray reading skillsis valuable in order to improve the national pneumoconiosis surveillance system.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 106-110. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-13
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
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by Jeffrey R. Miller, Gregory C. Petty, Paul C. Erwin and Donna L. Cragle
Special Issue
Current and former workers from the U.S. Department of Energy complex were surveyed to measure the psychosocial effects of beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Questionnaires were administered to measure uncertainty in illness, psychosocial adjustment to illness, and health quality of life. Hypotheses were tested and relationships between variables determined. There were 126 participants; 52 with CBD and 74 with BeS. The health quality of life survey indicated participants with CBD had significantly different physical component summary scores than those with BeS. Mental component summary scores were similar. Psychosocial adjustment scores were also significantly different. Uncertainty scores were approximately equal. Moderate to strong correlations were found between the three variables. As uncertainty increased, health quality of life decreased unless the effects were mediated by psychosocial adjustments to the illness. It was concluded that BeS may have as much impact on mental health as CBD. If true, this adds an important new component to the spectrum of CBD that has implications for treatment and workers compensation.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 99-105. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-12
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
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by Jeffrey R. Miller, Gregory C. Petty, Paul C. Erwin and Donna L. Cragle
Special Issue
The objective of this research was to describe the psychosocial effects of beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) for a sample of current and former workers from U.S. Department of Energy facilities in Oak Ridge, TN. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. The responses were coded and analyzed to identify patterns and themes and to learn about their experiences. The results were compared to a theoretical model developed by the authors. Participants described ambiguity, inconsistency, vagueness, unpredictability, lack of information, and unfamiliarity that was consistent with the Michel Uncertainty in Illness Scale. They also described how they adjusted to their illness in a manner aligned with Derogatis’ Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness theory. Based on the results of this study, it appears appropriate to apply Uncertainty in Illness and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness theories to BeS and CBD. Uncertainty may be considered an independent variable and psychosocial adjustment an intermediate variable in the study of the psychosocial effects of BeS and CBD.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 84-98. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-11
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
12438 Views2944 Downloads
by Jeffrey R. Miller, Gregory C. Petty, Paul C. Erwin and Donna L. Cragle
Special Issue
The objective of this research was to develop a theoretical model that describes the psychosocial effects of beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). The medical, nursing, health education, and psychological literature was reviewed to identify theories that might support the development of a psychosocial model of BeS and CBD. A proposed model was synthesized based upon elements from multiple academic disciplines. The conceptual model is based on three prominent psychological theories: 1) health, stress, and coping, 2) uncertainty and illness, and 3) psychosocial adjustment to illness. The model hypothesizes that workers who are diagnosed with BeS or CBD experience a great deal of uncertainty that has a detrimental effect on their health quality of life. The focal relationship in this model is between the independent variable uncertainty and the dependent variable health quality of life. It is further hypothesized that the relationship between these two variables is affected by an intermediate variable, the ability to make psychosocial adjustments to disease. Creating this model is a step toward filling a void in our understanding of the natural history of CBD. Once validated it will establish a foundation for future research, interventions and program evaluations and may lead to changes in the psychological, social, financial, and disease management support provided to this population.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 72-83. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-10
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
10085 Views2986 Downloads
by N. Chaiear, J. Ngoencharee and N. Saejiw
Special Issue
Objectives: 1) To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and abnormal pulmonary function among workers exposed to different levels of rubber wood dust (RWD) and 2) to determine the factors which may be associated with the respiratory effects.Methods: The study population was 340 workers working in a rubberwood sawmill factory in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Southern Thailand. Respiratory health questionnaires and spirometric testing according to the ATS 1994 criteria were performed. Workers were classified into three groups by the RWD levels; low RWD (≤ 1.9 mg/m3); moderate RWD (2.0-4.9 mg/m3); and high RWD (≥ 5.0 mg/m3).Results: A total of 279 workers (59 male and 220 female) were participated in the study. Their average age and work duration were 36.7 years (SD=8.5) and 6.2 years (SD=4.1), respectively. The prevalence rate of upper and lower respiratory symptoms were 67.0% and 63.1% respectively. The prevalence of abnormal spirometric testing result was 20.6 % (obstructive type 4.4 %, restrictive type 10.5 %, and small airway disease 5.7 %). These prevalence rates were not significantly different according to the RWD level. However, the factors which were significantly associated with the upper respiratory symptoms were being female [OR 2.03 (95%CI 1.10, 3.78)] and being atopy [OR 3.63 (95%CI 1.88, 7.0)]. The factor which was significantly associated with lower respiratory symptoms was a family of asthma [OR 3.95 (95%CI 1.32, 11.7)]. Conclusion: Exposure to rubber wood dust is associated with a high prevalence of respiratory illnesses and being atopic person takes a high risk of work related respiratory illnesses.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 65-71. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-9
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
10257 Views2826 Downloads
by Manop Pitukpakorn and Somchai Bovornkitti
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 63-64. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-8
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
7032 Views2068 Downloads
by Somchai Bovornkitti
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 62-62. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-7
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
7384 Views2360 Downloads
by Sarawan Porgpermdee, Fareeda Potchanakaew and Saowalak Chaiyo
Special Issue
This study is descriptive research. The objective of the study was to monitor silicosis and follow upon subjects in neighboring communities of a stone crushing factory in Mueang District, Surin Province, Thailand for three years. The study applied chest x-ray examination and reports by ILO classification for pneumoconioses. Also, the environmental inspection was performed through air monitoring sampling on 24-hour basis by Air Metrics/Model: TAS 5.0 S/N 5547 between 2014-2016. Subjects of this study were 10-years old and older, residing within 5-kilometer radius around the factory, and along the road that was used by gravel trucks from the factory. The total subjects were voluntary 1,602 persons with consenting to the chest radiographing. The results of air monitoring sampling during 2014-Year 2016 are 0.049, 0.035 and 0.032 average of PM10, respectively. TSP results were 0.014, 0.074 and 0.078 respectively and did not exceed standards limit.The health surveillance findings of voluntary subjects were from 1,602 persons, at 61.15 % out of population at potential risk affected by stone dust on 2,620 persons. The results of chest radiograph by ILO classification pneumoconioses revealed that 13 cases (0.81%) were Categories 1 (profusion 1/0, 1/1, 1/2), 2 cases (0.12%) were Categories 2 (profusion 2/1, 2/2, 2/3) respectively. The results from 3-year surveillance of abnormal chest radiograph reports of profusion 1/0-2/2 group of 6 cases indicated 1 case with confirmation of profusion 1/1 silicosis (0.06%) of at-risk population, and non-occupational silicosis. In conclusion, silicosis surveillance from chest radiograph reports by ILO classification pneumoconioses, and by two NIOSH reports found 1 case was confirmed 1 non-occupational profusion PP 1/1 silicosis. However, reports found 5 profusion 1/0 - 2/2 cases (0.19%) and required continuous monitoring. The study needed further monitoring to include population in silicosis-risk zone.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 57-61. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-6
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
9106 Views2742 Downloads
by Keeratiya Thai-ou
Special Issue
Background: The staff of the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 4, Saraburi, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand analyzed the data of 28 cases of diagnosed silicosis (J62.8) whose data were reported to the Health Data Center in Saraburi province, Thailand. Thus, its staff in collaboration with the staff of the Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand formed the outbreak investigation team for this epidemiological outbreak of silicosis in Saraburi province, Thailand and operated from May 15, 2017 to May 17, 2017. Objective: 1. To confirm the diagnosis of Silicosis. 2. To find the causes of Silicosis. 3. To advice the health-care issues for Silicosis prevention to all patients diagnosed of Silicosis including high-risk populations of Silicosis Methodology 1. Meeting with stakeholders at Saraburi Hospital. This aimed to examine diagnostic Criteria from medical records in Saraburi Hospital and to define the definition of patients and suspected patients with Silicosis as well as organizing an investigation team. 2.Investigated suspected patients with Silicosis by using the clinical criteria which was provided by Saraburi Provincial Public Health Office, the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 4, Saraburi, Saraburi Hospital as well as the Health Promoting Hospitals.3.Meeting of a summarizing the investigation and root cause analysis regarding Silicosis with the Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Saraburi Provincial Public Health Office and the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 4, Saraburi at Saraburi Hospital as well as planning for a surveillance system. Results: From analysis of 28 cases registered in Health Data Center, Saraburi province, Thailand by the outbreak investigation team, there were one case with no data availability, three cases with non-classification of suspected Silicosis, and 24 cases of suspicion criteria. Out of 24 Silicosis suspected cases, 8 cases were unable to follow up due to their homes being out of the Health Inspection Region 4, one case died of Nocardia species infection, one case of not being occupational cause, and one case of refuse to provide personal health data. Thus, only 13 cases were eligible for study. Of 13 cases, 12 cases were diagnosed of chronic Silicosis whereas one case was not compatible with the diagnostic criteria. Conclusion: As a result of the investigation of 13 cases, 12 cases were diagnosed as chronic silicosis. The main cause of silicosis in this study population was receiver, whereas the secondary causes were source and passage.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 51-56. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-5
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
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by Kanala Chanvirat, Naesinee Chaiear and Thitiworn Choosong
Special Issue
Objective: Our aim was to determine the occupational exposure level for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and respirable dust (RD) among sandstone workers. Materialsand methods: This study was a descriptive analysis of the occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and respirable dust (RD), utilizing personal air sampling from the breathing zone. The samples were collected throughout the 8-h working day: 88 samples were collected from workers performing stone cutting in mines and at home (wetting system), as well as stone chiseling and stone carving (22 samples each). Twenty-two samples were collected of the RD using the Gravimetric method (NIOSH 600), while for occupational exposure, the level of RCS was measured using a NIOSH7601 spectrophotometer. Results: Sand-stone workers had a geometric mean occupational exposure to RD of GM 1.84 mg/m3. The highest respiratory dust (RD) concentration (2.83 mg/m3) was found among the stone carvers. Those cutting stone at the mines had the next highest GM (2.65 mg/m3), while the lowest occupational exposure was seen among those chiseling stone(GM 0.9 mg/m3). The occupational exposure to RCS had a geometric mean of 0.10 mg/m3. The highest exposure group was for those cutting stone in the mines (GM = 0.14 mg/m3) followed by those carving stone (GM = 0.10 mg/m3). The moderate exposure group was for those chiseling stone (GM 0.05 mg/m3) followed by those cutting stone at home (GM = 0.03 mg/m3). The low exposure group had a GM of 0.03 mg/m3 for RCS. We found the quartz silica concentrations of the sandstone used in this area high (≤90%) as was the percentage of quartz silica in the airborne particulates for stone carving (≤71.4% by volume). Conclusion: The stone cutting in mines group and the stone carving group reached occupational exposure limits to RCS which exceeded the 0.05 mg/m3 OSHA PEL. It is essential to prevent such high exposure through engineering controls, by adapting tools and implementing medical surveillance. All groups had a RCS occupational exposure which would warrant medical surveillance as each group exceeded the OSHA action level of 0.0025 mg/m3.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 44-50. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-4
Pub. Date: March 22, 2018
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by Brina Griffea-Hollis and Deanna Melton-Riddle
Original Research
The burden of disease can be detrimental to individuals, health systems and can be an overall burden on the public health system. While there have been efforts to educate the public on the prevention of the Norovirus, the emergence of outbreaks of Norovirus continue to increase across the United States. This purpose of this article is to present data on the outbreaks of Norovirus from years 2014-2017 and suggest additional options to help improve education of the general public in an effort to combat the disease.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 40-43. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-3
Pub. Date: March 13, 2018
9683 Views2826 Downloads1 Likes
by Rivera Gómez Maricarmen, Reynoso Vázquez Josefina, Cortés Ascencio Sandra Yazmín, Hernández Pacheco Ivan and Ruvalcaba Ledezma Jesús Carlos
Original Research
In the adolescent pregnancy, constitutes a serious public health problem worldwide with physical consequences and psychosocial impact for the mother and the child. Preventive measures for this event focuses on intervention on risk factors, the educational model is essential from the teachers and educators in health. Aim. Analyze the speech of the teacher-student, pregnant adolescents binomial and promoter of health workers of health education on the teaching methodology implemented and received by students about pregnancy in adolescents. Material and methods. A qualitative study of type ethnomethodological was carried out in the town of Tepeapulco, Hidalgo. Results. The speech of teachers denotes implementing pedagogical methods from traditional education, speeches are consistent with statements by students and traditional method is used in the same way the educator for the health, the latter require be trained in constructivist pedagogy, since they indicate that the students ignore them if the teacher is not in the classroom which denotes loss of interest in critical issues by the students. Conclusion. The beginning of sexual life at an early age, addictions to tobacco, alcohol, overcrowding, are related to pregnancy in adolescents, in the same way deficiencies in the traditional teaching model for the development of learning about the topic which requires the execution of learning based on the constructive approach.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 31-39. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-2
Pub. Date: March 10, 2018
15186 Views2675 Downloads1 Likes
by Nnadozie R.I.A., Onyenwe E., Ibediugha B.N. and Okorie A.G.
Original Research
The study was carried out to verify reports of persistent transmission of onchocerciasis, despite long-term Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin, (CDTI). Blackflies were collected along Asu River using human baits. A total of 91 female Simulium damnosum complex adults were caught and dissected- using a dissecting microscope- for microfilariae of O. volvulus. 58 flies representing (63.70%) of the total number of captured flies were caught in the month of June while 33 (36.20%) were caught in July. Despite ivermectin treatment, evidence of O. volvulustransmission was documented in Amagu Agba. A total of 27 larvae were recovered from the three body segments of the dissected flies, of this number, 17 larvae were recovered from the head region and a total of 10 were recovered from the thorax and abdomen representing 62.96 % and 37.04 % respectively of the total number of larvae recovered. The proportion of infected flies recorded was 8 (8.8 %) while the proportion of infective flies recorded was 17 (18.7%) of the total number of infected and infective flies. The high proportion of infective flies is indicative of active transmission in and around the study area. This should not be so as CDTI is currently going on in the area. Some militating factors such as: patterns of treatment coverage and compliance, parasite ivermectin susceptibility, parasite immigration in flies or people, may be responsible for the current unsuccessful ivermectin treatment strategy.There is therefore need for consistent and effective ivermectin distribution pattern and its resultant onchocerciasis prevalence, detected with blackfly dissection techniques and or more reliably detected in both blackfly population and human subjects through a combination of some molecular-based detection techniques and biocontrol approaches. Adopting these measures together with community-ownership participation concept, will successfully interrupt transmission in Amagu Agba community and other endemic areas.
American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018, 6(2), 26-30. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-6-2-1
Pub. Date: March 09, 2018
8349 Views1601 Downloads