scholarly journals Health Problems while Working as a Volunteer or Humanitarian Aid Worker in Post-Earthquake Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (211) ◽  
pp. 691-695
Author(s):  
Durga Bhandari ◽  
Prativa Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Humanitarian Aid ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Aid Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Traveler’S Diarrhea ◽  
Humanitarian Aid Workers ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Traveler's Diarrhea

Introduction: Volunteers and humanitarian aid workers working in disaster struck areas of the world are a vulnerable group of travelers. Nepal saw an influx of these humanitarian aid workers following earthquakes in April and May 2015.  Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at CIWEC Hospital located in Kathmandu. A questionnaire was given to all volunteers and aid workers who arrived at the hospital for evaluation of health related problems and agreed to be part of the study. Results: Ninety-five volunteers were enrolled in the study. Among these, 65 (68%) were female and 30 (32%) were male. The immunizations received before travel were Hepatitis A 82 (86%), Hepatitis B 82 (86%), Typhoid 70 (73%), Rabies 38 (40%), Japanese Encephalitis 34 (36%), Influenza within last one year 23 (24%), measles 48 (51%), Cholera 34 (36%),Tetanus within 10 years 71 (75%) and Varicella 38 (40%). Forty-four (45%) of travelers carried medication for treatment of Traveler’s Diarrhea (TD) which included Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, Loperamide and others like Metronidazole and Charcoal. The common illnesses encountered were gastrointestinal, skin problems , injury and musculoskeletal problems, respiratory problems, genitourinary problems, cardiovascular, psychological problems, syncope, and miscellaneous. Conclusions: Traveler’s Diarrhea and dermatological problems were the most common health related problems. Volunteers were not properly prepared for self-treatment and pre-travel preparation was sub-optimal. Important pre travel health advice will decrease the incidence of health problems in this group.

scholarly journals Health hazards and risks for musculoskeletal problems among child labourers in the brickfield sector of West Bengal, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 250-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Banibrata Das
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Strenuous Activity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems

Abstract Aims The purpose of this study was to describe the health hazards among child labourers in brickfields, and to assess occupational health problems, together with physiological and respiratory stress, compared with child control subjects. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 112 child brickfield workers and 120 control subjects, and a modified Nordic Questionnaire was applied to assess the discomfort felt among both groups of workers. Physiological assessment of the workload was carried out by the measurement of heart rate, blood pressure and spirometry of the workers. Results Child brickfield workers suffer from pain, especially in the lower back (97%), shoulder (88%), hands (82%), wrist (76%), neck (73%) and ankle (71%). The post-activity heart rate of the child brickfield workers was 166.5 beats/min, whereas the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 132.2 and 67.2 mm/Hg, respectively. The forced vital capacity value of child brickfield workers was 2.04, and in the case of the controls it was 2.18, which was significantly different. The forced expiratory volumes in 1 s of experimental and control subjects were 1.82 and 1.92, respectively. The peak expiratory flow rate was significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Most of the brick-making activities were strenuous ones that affected the children. The cardiovascular and respiratory health of the child brickfield workers has changed markedly due to strenuous activity. The child brickfield workers also experienced other occupational health problems and severe musculoskeletal pain.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study to assess the health profile of street sweepers and sanitary workers in a zone of Greater Chennai Corporation, Tamil Nadu, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 4357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Patricia Pushparani ◽  
Chitra A. ◽  
Kalpana J.
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Profile ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Utilization Of Health Services ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems

Background: Sweepers and sanitary workers are getting exposed to hazardous dust during their work. The health profile of the sanitary workers and utilization of health services are not clearly known. This study aimed to assess the health profile and associated risk factors among street sweepers and sanitary workers.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 73 street sweepers and sanitary workers in a zone of Greater Chennai Corporation by multistage sampling method, during November 2016 to December 2016 using a semi structured questionnaire.Results: Among the respondents 67.1% were females, 2/3rd of them belonged to the age group of 30-40 years. Majority of them (82.2%) had reported to have musculoskeletal problems followed by respiratory problems (61.6%), ophthalmic problems (53.4%), skin problems (38.4%), mental health problems (39.7%). Most of the respondents had multiple problems. Musculoskeletal problems were more common among the female workers (p=0.002). Health problems like headache, fatigue, giddiness were more common among the workers who worked for >5 years (p=0.006). The utilization of health services was better among those workers who had formal school education (p=0.042).Conclusions: This study concludes majority of them have musculoskeletal problems followed by respiratory problems and ophthalmic problems. Usage of personal protective equipments and utilization of health services by the sweepers and sanitary workers were poor. Hence steps have to be taken to improve the health status by subjecting them to periodic screening and sensitization programs on usage of PPE.

scholarly journals Common morbidities and felt needs of salt pan workers in a coastal area of Tamil Nadu, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 805
Author(s):  
Jyothi Vasudevan ◽  
Saravanan Vaithiyalingam ◽  
Velavan Anandan ◽  
Amit Kumar Mishra ◽  
Anil J. Purty
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Qualitative Aspect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems ◽  
Salt Pan ◽  
The Government

Background: The occupational hazards faced by salt pan workers during their occupation are myriad, a fact compounded by the lack of basic amenities at their workplace and lack of awareness regarding usage of personal protection equipment.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among fifty-six salt pan workers in Marakkanam, Tamil Nadu to assess their common health problems and a qualitative component was added to assess their felt needs in work place and daily living. Data was collected using pre-designed data collection sheet for assessing the common morbidities. For the qualitative aspect of the study, in-depth interviews were conducted among twenty workers based on convenient sampling, using open ended questions. Data was collected after obtaining informed consent and steps were taken to ensure confidentiality at all stages.Results: The most common health problem of the workers in present study area included dental caries (41.7%), skin conditions (38.1%) musculoskeletal problems (36.7%) and anemia (35.1%) being other significant health problems. The qualitative aspect of the study revealed that the felt needs were improvement of their working conditions and more social support from the Government and the employers. There was very little awareness among the workers regarding use of PPE and none of them used any form of PPE.Conclusions: Salt pan workers had dental problems, dermatological problems and musculoskeletal problems as most common morbidities among them. Harsh working conditions, financial insecurity etc. are some of their work-related problems. Provision of housing facility and financial assistance during off- season by the government, basic amenities at the work place, paid leave in case of injuries, and insurance schemes for them by employer are their main felt needs. They also had no awareness regarding usage of personal protective equipment at the work place.

scholarly journals Health Inequality between Migrant and Non-Migrant Workers in an Industrial Zone of Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 1502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiet Tuan Huy Pham ◽  
Long Hoang Nguyen ◽  
Quan-Hoang Vuong ◽  
Manh-Tung Ho ◽  
Thu-Trang Vuong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Industrial Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Inequality In Health ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Self Reported Health Status

Vietnam has experienced massive internal migration waves from rural to industrialized zones. However, little efforts have been made to understand differences in health conditions and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between local and migrant industrial workers. This study aimed to examine the inequality in health status and HRQOL between these workers. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 289 Vietnamese workers at three industrial areas in Hanoi and Bac Ninh. Self-reported health status and HRQOL were measured using the EuroQOL-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. Sociodemographic, working, and environmental factors were also investigated. Overall, the mean EQ-5D index was 0.74 (SD = 0.21) and the average number of health problems in the last 12 months in our sample was 1.91 (SD = 1.63) problems. Migrant people had a lower EQ-5D index (β = −0.08, p < 0.01) and more health problems (β = 0.20, p < 0.05) compared to local workers. Those being male, working in the same posture more than 60 min, and exposed to more hazards at work were correlated with a lower EQ-5D index and higher number of health problems. The results highlighted inequalities in health status and HRQOL between migrant and local workers. Reinforcing regular health check-ups, ensuring sufficient protective equipment and working conditions may help improve the health outcomes of the workers.

scholarly journals An Overview of the Health Issues of the Elderly: A Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-41
Author(s):  
Archana Anil ◽  
Nimmy N John ◽  
Jaya Soorya B P ◽  
H Doddaya
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Common

Background: In the changing era of our community posing a challengeable situation to the senior support-needing population of the community, there is a need to know the different kinds of problems faced by the elderly. In the view of all these facts, this study was conducted to study the various health related problems among geriatrics. Objective: To study various health related problems in elderly population. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in May to August 2020 in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. 150 elderly (aged above 60 years) were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire. Results: In the present study, 45.33% were males and 54.67% were females. Among the total elderly, 27.33% were illiterate, 56.00% had received primary education, and 14.00% had received secondary education while only 2.67% had received education up to the graduate level. The common health problems elderly was decreased vision (35.33%), followed by arthritis (13.33%), hearing problems (12.00%), urinary problems (8.00%), diabetes(6.00%), weight loss (4.67%), dental problems (4.00%), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.33%), Hypertension (3.00%), asthma and anaemia with (2.67%) each, fatty liver and cancer with (2.00%) each and Ischemic heart disease (0.67%) . Conclusion: The study highlights the common health problems the elderly face. In this study, it was found that the most prevalent health problem among geriatrics was vision impairment followed by arthritis and hearing impairment. Keywords: Geriatrics; visual impairment; Health problems; Arthritis; Ageing.

scholarly journals A study of the morbidity pattern among the elderly population in Vadodara, Gujarat

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. 2608
Author(s):  
Pranay A. Jadav ◽  
Neha R. Bavarva
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems ◽  
Comprehensive Health ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Aging is an inevitable process. Old age persons are more vulnerable to physical and social problems. The objective was to study the prevalence of health problems among elderly population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 600 old age persons living in villages of Vadodara district. Their socio-demographic profile and morbidity pattern were assessed by face to face interview. Data were analysed by epi info version 7.Results: Around 65% of study participants have musculoskeletal problems; obesity was prevalent in 46.2% which was more in females (53%) than in males (41%). Depression was more in females 76.2% as compared to males (40%). Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension were 18.7% and 30.33% respectively.Conclusions: Present study reveals that old age persons from various health problems which show the need for comprehensive health programs especially for elderly population.

Musculoskeletal and General Health Problems of Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, and Banjo Players

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-176
Author(s):  
Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund ◽  
Kris Chesky
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Electric Guitar ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Total Group ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Electric Bass ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems ◽  
Acoustic Guitar

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe self-reported problems among guitarists and to examine differences associated with type of guitar played. Data for the study were extracted from the University of North Texas Musician Health Survey (UNT-MHS) data set. Subjects for the present study (n = 520) were included if they identified acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass or banjo as their primary instrument. Prevalences for musculoskeletal problems were determined for the total group, by guitar-specific groups, and by gender. Prevalences for nonmusculoskeletal, overall health problems were established for the whole guitar group and by instrument. Of the total subjects, 81% reported one or more musculoskeletal problems. The acoustic guitar group reported the highest prevalence (83%), followed by the banjo (78%), electric bass (77%), and electric guitar groups (74%). The highest site-specific prevalences for the whole group were the left fingers (32.9%), left wrist (29.8%), and left hand (24.7%). Regarding nonmusculoskeletal problems, 66% of the total group perceived stress due to work environment as a moderate to high problem. The total group reported mostly problems with fatigue, depression, headache, and eye strain. The overall findings of the study show that musculoskeletal problems as well as stress-related health problems are a major concern for the guitar community.

Sojourn Abroad: Adjustment Experiences of Missionaries and Humanitarian Aid Workers

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynette H. Bikos ◽  
Michael Klemens ◽  
Leigh Randa ◽  
Alyson Barry ◽  
Thomas Bore
Keyword(s):  
Humanitarian Aid ◽  
Aid Workers ◽  
Humanitarian Aid Workers
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