Introduction : Human displacement during disaster would cause women and their dependent children to be particularly vulnerable. Yet, women failed to make their voices heard. Thus their needs, priorities and perceptions would not be identified which in turn could hinder an effective emergency response and a full recovery process.
Objective : This paper provides a general overview of problems and issues experienced by women and their dependent children during the Johore flood disaster. With this information, relevant agencies shall focus, among other considerations, on the special needs of women and children in planning and carrying out emergency responses in the future.
Methodology : This paper was written based on data and information obtained from the Johore Flood Disaster Report and observations made by the health teams on the flood victims throughout the flood period.
Findings and Discussions : Pregnant mothers with 36 weeks of gestation or more were evacuated from their homes to the health centres or hospitals when the Johore flood disaster struck. Regular maternal and child health (MCH) services were conducted at the flood relief centres. Despite the efforts by health care providers, we observed women facing some unique issues and problems. These include: 1) Effects of loss of security and protection; 2) Disruption of social relations and privacy; 3) Inadequate supply of basic items and; and 4) Economic disruption. Recommendations for future relief work are: i) Predisaster planning for emergency response must engage and involve women representatives. Women must also be recruited as emergency and relief workers; ii) Assessment of predetermined capacity of identified relief centres with gender consideration for evacuees must be done; iii) All relief centres shall have physical partition between families. Breast feeding room with access to clean water should also be provided; iv) Gender, cultural and religious sensitivity with regards to social protection and relations shall be observed at all times; v) Women should engage and be made occupied with suitable activities to encourage healthy social interaction thus avoiding feelings of boredom and helplessness; vi) Basic personal items for women and adolescent girls, such as sanitary towel and undergarments, and places to wash and hang them in privacy must be provided; vii) Elderly women may have to temporarily stay at unaffected relatives’ or old folk homes throughout the disaster period, and; viii) No smoking policy shall be enforced at all times in flood relief centres.
Conclusion : Women and their dependent children have been recognised as one of the vulnerable groups during disasters. Thus, women shall be empowered as partners in formulating any emergency response plan so that together they would be able to complement all disaster mitigation, relief and recovery efforts in amore effective manner.
The state of Johore suffered a massive flood disaster from 19th December 2006 to 1st January and from 12th January to 19th February 2007. The possible upsurge of dengue was of foremost concern and led to efforts in increasing control activities. Anyone with history of high fever with at least two symptoms of severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscles and joint paint, rashes and petechiae were notified as dengue. Active and passive case finding was initiated at all 371 evacuation centres as well through health facilities and hospitals through an active surveillance system. Presumptive larval survey was also carried together with control activities by 46 health teams. Data were collected using the format ‘Aktiviti harian kawalan denggi di kawasan pos banjir- Lampiran E‘ and ‘Laporan aktiviti harian kawalan denggi di pusat pemindahan banjir – Lampiran D2’. Dengue serology and blood film for malaria was sent for as well as vector species identification. A total of 594 dengue cases were reported for the period of 19th December 2006 till 19th February 2007, which was an increase in comparison to the 5-year median but less than that reported in year 2006. However only 14 (2.3%) cases were from flood affected areas. During the flood phase, a total of 5,929 inspections were carried out at the evacuation centres with Aedes Index (AI) of 1.86%, while the post flood period showed a lower index. However Breteau Index (BI) and Container Index (CI) were higher. Preventive fogging were carried out at the evacuation centres using adulticides, thermal fogging was carried out at 21,959 premises (40.04% of inspected premises) and 350.6 L adulticides (malathion, fenitrothion and permethrin) were used. Dengue was expected to increase during flood as a result of increase Aedes potential breeding sites. However with intensive and integrated control activities, Johore was able to minimize the impact of flood for vector-borne diseases as seen from the low cases reported in flood related areas. A special guidelines for surveillance and control was developed during this flood as a reference for future occurrences.
Outbreak management in disaster has to be planned and implemented prior to, during and after the disaster is over. The risk of outbreaks following disaster is related to the size, health status and living conditions of the displaced population. The risk is increased due standing water in floods for vector borne diseases, overcrowding, inadequate water and sanitation and poor access to health care. The 2006-2007 flood in Johore resulted in 2 episodes of food poisoning and an outbreak of coxsackie A24 acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis. Only 19,667 (12.5%) of the 157,018 displaced persons suffered from communicable diseases which comprised of acute respiratory disease 7361(28%), skin infection 4241(19%), acute gastroenteritis 1872(8%) and conjunctivitis 589 (2%). The routine disease surveillance and environmental control were enhanced to cover the relief centers and flood areas. Risk assessment of communicable disease carried out resulted in prompt control measures and good coverage of preventive activities. In conclusion the Johore State Health Department has successfully manage the outbreaks during the major flood.
Introduction : The focus of this paper is to evaluate effectiveness of health education material produced and identify effective educational methods in disseminating health-related information. The study explores the knowledge, attitude and practice level among flood victims in Sub-District Sri Medan, Batu Pahat.
Methodology : Convenient sampling method was adopted as a technique to get 195 respondents aged 18 years and above who had stayed in flood relief centres in the district. A set of questionnaire designed to collect data on demography, effectiveness of health education material, accessibility to education materials, preferable educational methods during flood situation, and flood victims knowledge, attitude and practices.
Result : The study found no association between knowledge level and practice of seven steps hand washing. Result showed poster was regarded as most preferable method in disseminating health related information during flood. No association was found in demographic determinants and knowledge. The length of stay in relief centre has significant association with the level of knowledge obtained.
Conclusion : The use of qualitative and quantitative methods together able to determine accurately the effectiveness of the health education materials used during the disaster as well as the impact in behavioral change.
Gender bias are most obvious in the distribution of income and wealth. This reflects women’s unequal position in the labour market , their less favorable treatment in most social security systems and their lower status within the household. Discrimination against women is also evident in the political sphere. Their access to power is not commensurate with their numbers, their needs or their contributions as citizens. As well as affecting women’s physical and mental health, gender bias also affect the quality of the services they receive. In most developed countries, women are offered equal access to basic health care. However their use of those service may be hindered by a number of gender related factors which are likely to affect poor women in particular. In health organization, gender bias gives significant impact to the evaluation of staff performance, increase stress level and miscommunication. It is also influence the leadership style and also can create ‘glass ceiling’ phenomenon. Job dissatisfaction , absenteeism and high turn over are also the consequences of gender bias. Alongside the development of gender sensitive methods of routine data collection, gender bias in health research will also need to be addressed. Most biomedical research continues to be based on the unstated assumption that women and men are physiologically similar in all respects apart from their reproductive systems. Other biological differences are ignored, as are the social/gender differences that have such a major impact on health.
Low back pain (LBP) is a major medical and social problem associated with disability and work absenteeism. Since the effect on unawareness on back care among hospital staff may affect the smooth running of the services to the public and patients, it is the objective of this study to identified the awareness of back care among nurses so that preventive measures can be taken. About 80 nurses working in the outpatient clinic was survey using self addressed questionnaires which were adapted from Zutphen Physical Activity Questionnaire at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu. Demographic analysis demonstrated that among the eighty nurses that responded, 37.5% (n=30) are Malays, 25% (n=25) Chinese and 37.5% (n=30) ( to include other Sabahan tribes). Their age group varies between 23 to 55 years of age. A total of 72 nurses, both agreed (45%,n=36) and strongly agreed (45%,n=36) that understanding good postures is important to prevent LBP. They felt strongly (55%, n=44) about the importance of correct lifting techniques, and having a well-designed workplace (50%,n=40). Regarding factors that cause LBP, 55% (n=44) of them strongly agreed that good lifting technique can prevent LBP while 56 (70%) agreed that prolong sitting doing computer work can cause LBP. About 60% (n=48) also agreed that LBP can cause stress and that 45% (n=36) of them strongly agreed that being overweight than average can worsen LBP. However, 40% (n=32) provide a neutral answer to whether height have any influence on LBP while 50% (n=40) agreed that weak back muscles can worsen the backache further. However, 45% (n=36) agreed that games that involved back movement have high risks and 55% (n=44) agreed that swimming helps to strengthen back muscle. The environmental factors addresses issues of footwear and soft mattress where 60%(n=48) agreed while 15%(n=12) strongly agreed that good footware and appropriate use of soft mattresses 60% (n=48) can prevent LBP. This study have demonstrated that the nurses that participated had a clear understanding and knowledge on back care even though a wider study need to be carried out to ensure validity of study finding.
Study site:outpatient clinic, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu
Population ageing is inevitable in Malaysia as a result of declining fertility rates. Steps can be taken to face this challenge. These include ways to promote “healthy ageing” and “compression of morbidity” and ways to promote “productive ageing”, i.e., keeping the elderly economically and socially engaged. This article, based on a review of the literature, argues that it is illogical to force people into compulsory retirement at an arbitrary age when they can continue to contribute actively to society. Instead, ways can be devised to promote healthy ageing, prolonging independence and encouraging productive ageing through gradual economic and social disengagement of the individual depending on the individual’s physical health, mental health, contribution to society and personal inclination and preferences. Public policy in general and public health policy in particular can be designed or redesigned to help achieve this.
Flooding is the most frequent of all natural disasters. A flood is any water flow that exceeds the capacity of the drainage system and usually subsides in relatively shorter period. However, the flood that hit Batu Pahat District were different from other districts. Batu Pahat flooding extended for 48 days from the first wave until it subsided fully. It gives positive and negative effects not only to the victims but also to the health care workers (HCWs) while executing their duties during and post flood. This write up aims to share HCW’s experience and voices from those who were involved in the flood disaster. Methods used are brainstorming sessions, discussion, observation and interview. From this study, 10 main themes were highlighted. This flood disaster has given the HCWs to prepare mentally, physically and increase knowledge and skills to face any disaster in the future.
Floods are natural disasters that occur without much warning. Natural disasters can result in negative impact due to highly stressful event. Floods can cause mental and emotional disorders to the victims and could also induce stress and trauma either in the short or long terms. This research was carried out to recognize the psychological sequelae of floods and how to overcome them. This study describes the cross sectional descriptive pattern of flood victims in Johor. The DASS Test Questionnaire which is a measurement tool endorsed by the Family Development Institute, Ministry of Health Malaysia was used. We carried out the research in 3 districts of Johor which were the worst hit areas by the flood disaster. Twenty-three percent of the participants were males while 77% were females. The DASS Test Questionnaire showed that 13% were mildly depressed, 7% moderately depressed and 3% were severely depressed. It also revealed that 22% were mildly anxious, 19% moderately anxious, 5% severely anxious and 4% had very severe anxiety. On the stress scores, 15% suffered mild stress, 11% were moderately stressed while 2% were severely stressed. A committee to conduct the motivation programme for the state of Johor was formed by Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Johor with the cooperation of the PROKEM committee from Hospital Permai, Johor Bahru. This committee headed by the Deputy Director of Health (Medical Division) attempted to overcome the psychological sequelae suffered by flood victims. The activities conducted by the PROKEM staff and staff from the Ministry of Health were monitored by the committee based at Hospital Permai, Johor Bahru. The Bilik Gerakan was in operation for 24 hours a day with meetings conducted every morning and evening to brief and debrief members of staff who were going to carry out the motivation programme. Feedback was also obtained from staff on their return from the various relief centres.
Each organization has a particular culture, due to personal interactions, with certain values shared by its members. Corporate culture is defined as ‘the set of shared, taken-for-granted implicit assumptions that a group holds and that determines how it perceives, thinks about, and reacts to its various environments’. Positive corporate culture is linked to increased staff alignment, advanced level of employee commitment, increased employee productivity, enhanced organizational effectiveness and increased profitability. Researchers claimed that most studies suggesting the associations between culture and performance are methodologically weak. Cultural transformation has been a big part of NHS reforms and health system redesign in United States to deliver improvements in quality and performance. Environment, market competition, technology advancement, information age and government policies will influence the cultural change within the organization. Undesirable culture might emerge if the organization does not act appropriately to manage its corporate culture. There are six critical success factors for the implementation of corporate culture changes: committed and effective leadership, clear definition of the desired goals, rigorous implementation of a change management model, effective mitigation of change resistance, active governance structure and a design model, and effective communication. Among the issues in implementing corporate culture within healthcare organizations are middle managers dilemma, cultural diversity and subcultures within the organization, size of healthcare organization and critical mass.
Background: A cross-sectional study on work-related stressors among nurses in a public teaching hospital had also attempted to explore functions of coping strategies in determining stress.
Materials and Methods: A structured bilingual questionnaire (English-Malay) on symptoms and sources of stress, and coping style measure was disseminated to medical and surgical nurses working in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Socio demographic information and stress management methods were inquired. Frequency in workplace stressors were assessed using Nursing Stress Scale. Stress symptoms and home-life stressors were evaluated using Personal Stress Inventory. Measurement of coping strategies was performed using Coping Orientation for Problems Experienced questionnaire.
Results: A total of 181 questionnaires were disseminated and 151 (83.4%) were satisfactorily completed by nurses. It was found that the prevalence of work-related stress among medical and surgical nurses was 49.3% (N=74/150). Analysis of dichotomized outcome (between Stress and No stress group) illustrated high workload (t-value=4.122; p
Stres di tempat kerja terjadi apabila keperluan kerja tidak sepadan dengan kebolehan, sumber, dan kehendak pekerja. Ia boleh memberi kesan ke atas psikologi dan fisiologi manusia. Seseorang individu yang berasa tertekan dengan kerja yang dilakukan akan menunjukkan kemurungan yang berpanjangan. Apabila rasa tertekan, psikologi akan terganggu dan pekerja gagal membuat keputusan dengan baik. Situasi ini boleh menjejaskan prestasi kerja mereka dan menggugat produktiviti organisasi. Masalah paling dibimbangi adalah stres di tempat kerja boleh menyebabkan penyakit berbahaya seperti tekanan darah tinggi, sakit jantung dan melemahkan sistem pertahanan badan terhadap penyakit. Stres di tempat kerja juga boleh menyebabkan kemalangan di tempat kerja, peningkatan kos keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan, gangguan trauma kumulatif, menjejaskan prestasi kerja serta mengganggu kehidupan sosial individu. Masalah keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan akibat stres di tempat kerja seharusnya tidak diabaikan oleh organisasi kerana ia boleh menyebabkan sumber manusia sesebuah negara kehilangan daya saingnya. Sumber manusia yang berasa terancam akibat masalah keselamatan dan kesihatan akan gagal menggunakan sepenuhnya kreativiti mereka dan melakukan tugas pada tahap minimum. Fenomena ini seharusnya dibimbangi dalam persekitaran perniagaan masa kini yang sangat kompetitif. Di Malaysia, kajian yang berkaitan dengan stres seharusnya dipertingkatkan kerana kajian lepas terhadap stres di tempat kerja adalah tidak menyeluruh. Perkembangan ini sejajar dengan perubahan yang berlaku di persekitaran kerja seperti teknologi, sosial, ekonomi, undang-undang buruh dan seumpamanya. Kajian stres di tempat kerja perlu dijalankan kerana sumbangannya amat bernilai dalam menghasilkan sumber manusia yang lebih produktif dan berdaya saing.
Workplace bullying has drawn greater attention in the last one and half decades. Despite its recognition by many organizations and countries, it is still rife. Why is that so? Could it be that the root of the problem has not been addressed? Or, could it be due to difficulties and resistances in embarking preventive and control measures. In this paper, we will examine the possible causes of workplace bullying based on a proposed model. In depth discussion of the personal and organizational factors are made while the work group and societal factors are dealt with in brief. In summary, the root of workplace bullying is multi-factorial. Understanding the complexity and subtlety of workplace bullying is pertinent in the effort to prevent or curtail it.
Introduction : The 2006 -2007 flood in Johore which displaced more than 312,386 residents of the state was an extraordinary event and tested everyone preparedness. The disaster caused massive material, economic and environmental losses exceeded the state and local community capacity, forcing them seeks help from other states. Needs assessment, effectiveness of health services as well as leadership and nongovernment organization involvement were evaluated and constitute lessons learnt from the experiences.
Methodology : This is a descriptive review of the Johore flood. The review was based on literature search using established data and published reports of previous disasters. Discussion will focus on the 4 S’s of the surge capacity that is Structure, Staffing, Supplies and System (policies & procedures). Result : Structure- although 49 or 14% of health facilities in the state were affected by the flood, health services continued to be given. Majority of the relief centers were schools with better facilities. Funding for repairs obtained early approval as estimation of damages was timely applied. Temporary isolation centers for the conjunctivitis outbreak was appropriate implemented. Staffing- Leadership was assumed by the Johore State Health Department, the strongest and most prepared health sector. Needs assessment resulted in additional staff being deployed from other states allowing local staff to have their break from work as well as personal stress. Local staff became multi-skilled players. Training in disaster preparedness has to be of utmost priority to support such needs. Supplies- Personnel protective and pest control equipment, and medical supplies were adequately supplied. The laboratory services were well prepared. Pamphlets, posters, buntings and banners were distributed including five new health promotion materials. System- Flood disaster plan of action was well in place resulting in efficient management of the operating rooms, data management, coordination of services and disease surveillance through early warning system.
Conclusion : Public health preparedness is a matter of good governance and management based on evidence and experience. There is a need for a permanent and stable program for the Ministry of Health to prepare and coordinate the response to all disasters.
Skim Sistem Saraan Malaysia (SSM) telah diperkenalkan pada tahun 2002 menggantikan skim Sistem Saraan Baru (SSB) kepada kakitangan sektor awam. Satu kajian keratan rentas telah dijalankan ke atas Pakar Perubatan Kesihatan Awam (PPKA) pada 2004 yang bertujuan untuk mendapatkan persepsi mereka mengenai skim SSM. Semua PPKA yang berdaftar dengan Persatuan Pakar Perubatan Kesihatan Awam (PPPKA) yang berkhidmat dengan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) dipilih sebagai responden. Kajian ini menggunakan borang soalselidik yang diisi sendiri oleh responden. Kadar respon kajian ini ialah 70.0% iaitu 217 responden. Kajian ini mendapati sebanyak 80.6% PPKA tidak bersetuju dengan pelaksanaan SSM, hanya 7.4% bersetuju dan sebanyak 12.0% berkecuali. Kelemahan-kelemahan utama SSM yang dikenalpasti oleh responden yang tidak bersetuju dengan SSM ialah prosedur atau skim perkhidmatan yang kabur(83.9%), peperiksaan Tahap Kecekapan yang tidak releven (54.1%) dan kenaikan pangkat terjejas (40.5%). Hasil kajian ini dapat membantu pihak-pihak yang terlibat memperbaiki kelemahan-kelemahan SSM supaya pelaksanaannya menjadi lebih mantap dan dapat menangani kelemahan yang wujud di dalam skim tersebut.
Satu kajian keratan rentas telah dijalankan ke atas 285 orang penduduk yang berumur 18 tahun dan ke atas di Kg. Bangi Daerah Hulu langat, Selangor D.E. dari 6-12 Mac 2006. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk melihat prevalens senaman dan faktor yang mempunyai hubungan dengannya. Kaedah persampelan universal telah digunakan dan pengumpulan data melalui borang soalselidik berpandu. Alatan yang digunakan termasuk penimbang berat Seca dan sfigmomanometer yang telah di kalibrasi, stateskop dan pita pengukur ketinggian. Hasil kajian menunjukkan hanya 13.7% daripada responden yang di kaji di dalam kategori cukup bersenam mengikut definisi kajian. Antara faktor-faktor yang mempunyai hubungan yang signifikan dengan prevalens cukup bersenam adalah jantina (p=0.004), tahap pendidikan (p=0.02) dan status perkahwinan (p
Objective : This scientific writing is meant for describing the problems faced by pharmacy staffs during heavy flood situations in Johore and the actions to be taken for solving these problems.
Methodology : This finding is in accordance to the observations, experiences and interview of staffs (through questionnaires), who are involved directly and indirectly in preparations of emergency during flood. Efficiency of pharmaceutical services provided during flood is evaluated.
Result : Several problems were identified when providing pharmaceutical services, such as purchasing and supplying of items, pre-packing, preparing drug charts, visit to relief centers, post-flood health campaign, and doctors from NGOs prescibing medicines out of MOH drug formulary. During the period of flood, usage of drug and non-drug items increases drastically resulting in the current stock in store were not sufficient to compensate for the high demand. Moreover, inaccessibility of certain roads in districts such as Segamat and Kota Tinggi, aggravated and worsen the problems of obtaining goods from suppliers. Workload of pharmacy staffs increased especially in activities such as pre-packing and preparing drug charts due to shortage of manpower.
Conclusion : Even though workload increased drastically during flood, pharmaceutical services provided by the state pharmacy are still able to maintain good quality services to cater for the need of healthcare professionals and patients. Throughout the flood period, all the difficulties and hurdles faced by us had been solved; due to the cooperation from other agencies. Besides, by writing this article, a disaster preparedness guideline is produced for the purpose of improving management of future disasters.
Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease and major cause of chronic renal disease. Chronic renal disease can be prevented if known risk factors were been early detected. Albuminuria is the earliest clinical evidence of chronic renal disease. Objectives of this study is to identify the incidence of albuminuria and relationship between albuminuria with socio demographic and clinical factors such as blood sugar control, blood pressure control, excessive body mass index and hypercholesterolemia.
Methodology: Data been collected from patient’s record that been regularly follow up at Primary Healthcare Clinics in Negeri Sembilan. Duration of study follow up was from the date of they been diagnosed of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 until detection of albuminuria or 1st July 2007,end date of data collection then survival analysis been done.
Result: Majority of study population was female 60.9% and Malay 69.7%. Mean age was 59.9 ± 10.7 and duration having Diabetes Mellitus was 7.0 ± 6.3 years. Only 22% achieved optimum glucose (HbA1c < 6.5%), controlled blood preassure 130/80 mmHg 42.3%, level of cholesterol <4.5 mmol/L only 22.7 %, 11.4% of patients having ideal body weight < 23 kg/m2. The incidence of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 was 24.4 cases per 1000 population. The median of follow up duration was 22 years; with minimum follow up was 7 months and maximum 42 years. Survival analysis showed that the median of free albuminuria among cases was 22 years (CI 95%:16.5 – 27.4). The log rank test showed no significant relationship between high blood pressure, excessive body mass index and hypercholesterolemia with albuminuria. This study noted that the occurrence of albuminuria seems to be higher among those were hypertensive (26.6%), and excessive body mass index (24.7%).
Conclusion: Percentage of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 patient that achieved optimum clinical target still very low. Early detection of albuminuria is very important as preventive measure of diabetes nephropathy. Good blood pressure control and ideal body weight also prevent of occurring diabetes nephropathy complication.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, albuminuria, survival analysis.
Introduction: Non-verbal cues are untold words that carry a significant meaning. As a doctor, this remark needs to be perceived correctly. It is an inevitable communication knowledge and skills ought to be mastered in any doctorpatient relationship, particularly when making patient’s assessment.
Methodology: This was a systematic communication assessment of a real observations on doctor-patient relationship in various setting. It was supported by feedbacks from many scholars who were involved in research and teaching and also reviews, papers and studies on the said subject.
Results: It has been realized that non-verbal communication was equally important and necessary to complement the verbal one. From all non-verbal cues we have recognized and listed, we have identified at least ten to be the most vital areas to be observed while counseling or consulting a patient.
Conclusion: Non-verbal cues were always present to support doctor in making a final conclusion about his/her patient’s state. If doctor was patience enough, he or she could has a complete profile of his/her patient and this would lead to the improvement in a person’s life. Having an observant attitude and being able to nose around appropriately were skills that have to be learnt, experienced and applied as these might make an effective doctor-patient communication.
Background : A safety culture practice through prevention needs skillful, knowledgeable and competencies workers. The effectiveness of occupational safety and health programme implementation needs the knowledge related to Occupational Safety and Health Acts, 1994 (OSHA 1994) and its regulations.
Objective : This study was to determine the level of knowledge and awareness towards Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) aspects among workers in medical laboratory.
Methodology : A cross-sectional study was carried out on 34 medical laboratories in which 17 were from private and another 17 laboratories were from public sectors. It consists of 112 medical laboratory disciplines. Data were obtained using self-administered questionnaire consisting of 33 questions related to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). Each question was coded “know” and “do not know” and respondents were needed to state their understanding towards each OSH issue tendered.
Results : Respondent’s level of knowledge was analyzed according to socio-demography and socioeconomic factors. OSH level of knowledge among medical laboratory workers showed that there are significant differences (p0.05) in OSH knowledge according to between sex, marital status, income and services sectors among workers in medical laboratories. Only about 60.5% of respondents knew the existence of OSHA 1994, whereas those who knew about OSHA 1994 regulations were below than 50.0% from overall respondents.
Conclusion : Promotion and practices of dynamic safety culture through prevention needs high knowledge of OSH.