Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 187 in total

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  1. Fulltext Association between occupational stress and respiratory symptoms among lecturers in Universiti Putra Malaysia
    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*
  2. Fulltext Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of workers employed in textile dyeing factory in Turkey
    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*
  3. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among staffs in specialized healthcare centre
    Ibrahim NI, Mohanadas D
    Work, 2012;41 Suppl 1:2452-60.
    PMID: 22317086 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0480-2452
    This study was conducted to investigate pervasiveness of the musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among staffs in a specialized healthcare centre. Sixty-eight staffs from three departments namely Cardiovascular Lab (CVL), Nuclear Radiology, and General Radiography were recruited in this study. A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was distributed among study population. The result shows that the prevalence of MSD was highest in lower back (88.2%), neck (76.5%) and shoulder (60.3%) for the past 12 months followed by lower back and elbow (44.1%), and wrist (39.1%) correspondingly, for the past 7 days. Present results suggest that healthcare professionals - radiographers, patient assistants and nurses incurs MSD risks through work tasks as well as psychosocial factors. These include awkward posture during patient handling, workload, work stress and time pressure. Therefore, an ergonomics improvement on the job design and workspace are needed in order to reduce the MSD risks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  4. The effects of office ergonomic training on musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being: a cluster randomized control trial
    Mahmud N, Kenny DT, Md Zein R, Hassan SN
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP1652-68.
    PMID: 21878465 DOI: 10.1177/1010539511419199
    This study explored whether musculoskeletal complaints can be reduced by the provision of ergonomics education. A cluster randomized controlled trial study was conducted in which 3 units were randomized to intervention and received training and 3 units were given a leaflet. The effect of intervention on knowledge, workstation practices, musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Although there was no increment of knowledge among workers, significant improvements in workstation practices in the use of monitor, keyboard, and chair were observed. There were significant reductions in neck and upper and lower back complaints among workers but these did not translate into fewer days lost from work. Workers' stress was found to be significantly reduced across the studies. In conclusion, office ergonomics training can be beneficial in reducing musculoskeletal risks and stress among workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/prevention & control*
  5. An ergonomics study of a semiconductors factory in an IDC for improvement in occupational health and safety
    Bin WS, Richardson S, Yeow PH
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2010;16(3):345-56.
    PMID: 20828490
    The study aimed to conduct an ergonomic intervention on a conventional line (CL) in a semiconductor factory in Malaysia, an industrially developing country (IDC), to improve workers' occupational health and safety (OHS). Low-cost and simple (LCS) ergonomics methods were used (suitable for IDCs), e.g., subjective assessment, direct observation, use of archival data and assessment of noise. It was found that workers were facing noise irritation, neck and back pains and headache in the various processes in the CL. LCS ergonomic interventions to rectify the problems included installing noise insulating covers, providing earplugs, installing elevated platforms, slanting visual display terminals and installing extra exhaust fans. The interventions cost less than 3 000 USD but they significantly improved workers' OHS, which directly correlated with an improvement in working conditions and job satisfaction. The findings are useful in solving OHS problems in electronics industries in IDCs as they share similar manufacturing processes, problems and limitations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/prevention & control*
  6. The relationship between psychosocial work factors, work stress and computer-related musculoskeletal discomforts among computer users in Malaysia
    Zakerian SA, Subramaniam ID
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2009;15(4):425-34.
    PMID: 20003776
    Increasing numbers of workers use computer for work. So, especially among office workers, there is a high risk of musculoskeletal discomforts. This study examined the associations among 3 factors, psychosocial work factors, work stress and musculoskeletal discomforts. These associations were examined via a questionnaire survey on 30 office workers (at a university in Malaysia), whose jobs required an extensive use of computers. The questionnaire was distributed and collected daily for 20 days. While the results indicated a significant relationship among psychosocial work factors, work stress and musculoskeletal discomfort, 3 psychosocial work factors were found to be more important than others in both work stress and musculoskeletal discomfort: job demands, negative social interaction and computer-related problems. To further develop study design, it is necessary to investigate industrial and other workers who have experienced musculoskeletal discomforts and work stress.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/psychology*
  7. Fulltext Job strain among Malaysian office workers of a multinational company
    Maizura H, Retneswari M, Moe H, Hoe VC, Bulgiba A
    Occup Med (Lond), 2010 May;60(3):219-24.
    PMID: 20308258 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqq001
    Information on job strain exposure among Malaysian workers in multinational companies is limited.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  8. Reliability (internal consistency) of the job content questionnaire on job stress among office workers of a multinational company in Kuala Lumpur
    Maizura H, Masilamani R, Aris T
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2009 Apr;21(2):216-22.
    PMID: 19189999 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509331981
    This small, cross-sectional study assessed the reliability of 3 scales from the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ)-decision latitude, psychological job demand, and social support-in a group of office workers in a multinational company in Kuala Lumpur. A universal sample of 30 white-collar workers from a department of the company self-administered the English version of the JCQ comprising 21 core items selected from the full recommended version of 49 items on-site. Reliability (internal consistency) was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each scale. Corrected item-total correlation was presented for each and every item. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were acceptable for decision latitude (.76) and social support (.79) but slightly lower for psychological job demand (.64). Values for all item-total correlations for all 3 scales were greater than .3. In conclusion, this study suggests that the JCQ is a reliable scale for assessing job stress in this group of workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/diagnosis*
  9. Health-care professionals exposed to latex allergy: a cause of concern?
    Das S
    ANZ J Surg, 2008 Nov;78(11):939.
    PMID: 18959687 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2008.04708.x
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  10. Evaluation and optimization of handle design parameters of a grass trimming machine
    Mallick Z
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2008;14(3):343-9.
    PMID: 18954544
    The grass trimming machine is a widely used agricultural machine for cutting grass by the roadside and in other areas in Malaysia. Hand-arm vibration (HAV) syndrome is very common among workers operating power tools and performing similar work for extended periods. Grass trimming involves the use of a motorized cutter spinning at high speed, resulting in high levels of HAV among its operators. The existing D-shape handle causes HAV-related stress and operational load in operators. This research proposes a new design of a handle of the grass trimming machine. When this new design was compared with the old one, it was found that the new handle resulted in 18% lower HAV. To find the lowest HAV, 3 critical parameters of the new handle (length, angle and material of the cap of the handle) were optimized using the Taguchi quality tool. Appropriately selected parameters of the new handle significantly reduced the occurrence of HAV among grass trimmers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/prevention & control*
  11. Are psychosocial factors associated with low back pain and work absence for low back pain in an occupational cohort?
    Urquhart DM, Kelsall HL, Hoe VC, Cicuttini FM, Forbes AB, Sim MR
    Clin J Pain, 2013 Dec;29(12):1015-20.
    PMID: 23370089 DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31827ff0c0
    OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between individual and work-related psychosocial factors and low back pain (LBP) and associated time off work in an occupational cohort.
    METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by nurses working across 3 major public hospitals. Participants provided sociodemographic data and information on the occurrence of LBP, time off work, and psychosocial factors.
    RESULTS: One thousand one hundred eleven participants (response rate 38.6%) were included in the study. Fifty-six percent of participants reported LBP in the previous year. When individual psychosocial factors were examined in the same model, the relationship between somatization and LBP persisted (OR 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35, 2.01). Low job security was also significantly associated with LBP independent of the other work-related factors (OR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69, 0.98). Of those participants with LBP, 30% reported absence from work due to LBP. When absence from work was examined, negative beliefs (OR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94, 1.00) and pain catastrophizing (OR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.71) were independently associated with time off work, along with low job satisfaction (OR 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51, 0.97) and high job support (OR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.75).
    CONCLUSIONS: Somatization and low job security were found to be independently associated with occupational LBP, whereas negative beliefs, pain catastrophizing, reduced job satisfaction, and high job support were independently related to time off work. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these individual and work-related psychosocial factors predict, or alternatively, are outcomes of pain and time off work associated with LBP.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/psychology*
  12. An international comparison of women's occupational health issues in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore: the CIDA-SEAGEP study
    Choi BC
    Occup Med (Lond), 2005 Oct;55(7):515-22.
    PMID: 16174662
    An international comparison study of women's occupational health issues was carried out in 2000 for the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore. The study was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency's Southeast Asia Gender Equity Program.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  13. Laboratory accidents--a matter of attitude
    Karim N, Choe CK
    Malays J Pathol, 2000 Dec;22(2):85-9.
    PMID: 16329540
    This is a prospective study on accidents occurring in the Pathology laboratories of Hospital Ipoh over the 3-year period from January 1996 to October 1999. 15 mishaps were recorded. The location of the accidents were the histology (40%), microbiology (33%), haematology (20%) and cytology (7%) laboratories. No mishaps were reported from the clinical chemistry, blood bank and outpatient laboratories. Cuts by sharp objects were the most common injuries sustained (47%) followed by splashes and squirts by fluid such as blood or chemicals (27%). There was 1 case each of contact with biohazardous fluid, burn, allergy and accidental drinking of disinfectant. 67% of the accidents involved medical laboratory technicians, 20% involved attendants and the rest were medical officers and the junior laboratory technicians. Although the accidents reported appeared trivial, it is vital to document them and bring them to the attention of all concerned in the laboratory, in order to prevent major accidents and also because of medico-legal implications. The role of the Laboratory Safety Committee cannot be overemphasised. Modification of staff attitude is considered an important remedial goal.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/prevention & control
  14. The Bahasa Melayu version of Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ): Reliability and validity study in Malaysia
    Shariat A, Tamrin SB, Arumugam M, Ramasamy R
    Work, 2016 Mar 09;54(1):171-8.
    PMID: 26967034 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162269
    BACKGROUND: The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was developed to assess the level of musculoskeletal discomfort among office workers related to their ergonomic situation.

    OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this initial study is to analyze the validity and dependability of the Malay translation of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire.

    METHODS: The questionnaire was self-administered two times, with an interval of two weeks in order to evaluate the accuracy of the original findings with a retest. The study involved 115 participants.

    RESULTS: The range of Cronbach Alpha coefficient showed a considerable consistency of the items for each sub-scale (Cronbach's a > 0.95). The range of Kappa coefficients was between (ICC = 0.690-0.949, p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/diagnosis*
  15. Fulltext Prevalence of latex hypersensitivity among health care workers in Malaysia
    Shahnaz M, Azizah MR, Hasma H, Mok KL, Yip E, Ganesapillai T, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 1999 Mar;54(1):26-31.
    PMID: 10972001
    Health care workers have been reported to constitute one of the few high-risk groups related to IgE-mediated hypersensitivity associated with the use of latex products. This paper describes the first ever study of prevalence carried out in Malaysia among these workers. One hundred and thirty health care personnel from Hospital Kuala Lumpur were skin tested. Extracts used were prepared from seven different brands of natural rubber latex gloves with varying levels of extractable protein (EPRRIM). Out of the 130 volunteers, 4 (3.1%) had positive skin test to latex with extracts with high levels of EPRRIM (> 0.7 mg/g). The prevalence among the Malaysian health care workers can be considered to be low in comparison to that of some consumer countries as the USA which reported a prevalence of as high as 16.9%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
  16. Nipah virus infection among abattoir workers in Malaysia, 1998-1999
    Sahani M, Parashar UD, Ali R, Das P, Lye MS, Isa MM, et al.
    Int J Epidemiol, 2001 Oct;30(5):1017-20.
    PMID: 11689513
    BACKGROUND: An outbreak of encephalitis primarily affecting pig farmers occurred during 1998-1999 in Malaysia and was linked to a new paramyxovirus, Nipah virus, which infected pigs, humans, dogs, and cats. Because five abattoir workers were also affected, a survey was conducted to assess the risk of Nipah infection among abattoir workers.

    METHODS: Workers from all 143 registered abattoirs in 11 of 13 states in Malaysia were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants were interviewed to ascertain information on illness and activities performed at the abattoir. A serum sample was obtained to test for Nipah virus antibody.

    RESULTS: Seven (1.6 %) of 435 abattoir workers who slaughtered pigs versus zero (0%) of 233 workers who slaughtered ruminants showed antibody to Nipah virus (P = 0.05). All antibody-positive workers were from abattoirs in the three states that reported outbreak cases among pig farmers. Workers in these three states were more likely than those in other states to have Nipah antibody (7/144 [4.86%] versus 0/291 [0%], P < 0.001) and report symptoms suggestive of Nipah disease in pigs admitted to the abattoirs (P = 0.001).

    CONCLUSIONS: Nipah infection was not widespread among abattoir workers in Malaysia and was linked to exposure to pigs. Since it may be difficult to identify Nipah-infected pigs capable of transmitting virus by clinical symptoms, using personal protective equipment, conducting surveillance for Nipah infection on pig farms which supply abattoirs, and avoiding handling and processing of potentially infected pigs are presently the best strategies to prevent transmission of Nipah virus in abattoirs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  17. Fulltext Notification of occupational and work-related diseases and poisonings in Malaysia, 1997-1998
    Sirajuddin H, Roslinah A, Rampal KG, Kuppusamy I, Rohna R, Aziz M, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2001 Mar;56(1):25-31.
    PMID: 11503292
    In 1997, the Ministry of Health Malaysia introduced a surveillance programme for occupational and work-related diseases including poisonings for cases seen in government health facilities. Between June 1997 and November 1998, there were 36 cases of respiratory disease and 95 cases of poisoning by chemicals and pesticides notified while skin diseases were 108 cases. Respiratory diseases reported were predominantly occupational asthma (25%), pneumoconiosis (17%) and infections (39%). The commonest reported skin disease was contact dermatitis (87%). The commonest causes of occupational poisonings were paraquat (19%), organo-phosphates (16%), agro-chemicals excluding pesticides (15%) and gases (10%). The number of cases reported is still relatively few compared to data from other countries, suggesting that there is still considerable under reporting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  18. Fulltext Pattern of occupational allergic dermatitis in the Dermatology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur
    Rohna R, Ganesapillai T, Salbiah D, Zaiton I
    Med J Malaysia, 1999 Mar;54(1):128-31.
    PMID: 10972018
    A two years retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed as contact allergic dermatitis with positive patch test attending the Dermatology clinic was performed. Of the 346 patients with a positive patch test, 14% had occupational dermatitis. This condition affected mainly young and inexperienced workers. An inverse relationship was seen between age and prevalence of occupational allergic dermatitis. Allergic hand dermatitis was the commonest presentation in occupational allergic dermatitis. This was followed by dermatitis of the exposed skin (face, neck, hands and forearms). The common sensitising agents identified were rubber chemicals and nickel. The two main groups at risk were factory workers and medical personnel. The common allergens found in factory workers were epoxy resin, pewter, nickel and rubber chemicals. Exposure dermatitis occurred in patients working in the pewter industry. Two thirds of medical personnel with hand dermatitis were allergic to rubber gloves. One year follow up after patch testing showed that 19% of patients still suffered from chronic dermatitis. Dermatitis improved in 34% of patients. Forty-seven percent were cured and stopped attending the clinic after patch testing and adequate counselling.

    Study site: Dermatology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
  19. Fulltext Non-ionizing radiation exposure causing ill-health and alopecia areata
    Isa AR, Noor M
    Med J Malaysia, 1991 Sep;46(3):235-8.
    PMID: 1839918
    Three cases of occupational exposure to radio-frequency and microwave radiation were seen at the out-patient clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. They presented with run-down symptoms of neck strain associated with throbbing headache, irritability, loss of appetite, fatigue, memory difficulties, and numbness of extremities. They also presented with alopecia areata which is felt to be causally linked to the radiation exposure.

    Study site: Outpatient clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/etiology*
  20. Fulltext The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and risk factors among women assembly workers in the semiconductor industry
    Chandrasakaran A, Chee HL, Rampal KG, Tan GLE
    Med J Malaysia, 2003 Dec;58(5):657-66.
    PMID: 15190650
    A cross-sectional study to determine work-related musculoskeletal problems and ergonomic risk factors was conducted among 529 women semiconductor workers. Overall, 83.4% had musculoskeletal symptoms in the last one year. Pain in the back (57.8%), lower leg (48.4%) and shoulder (44.8%) were the three most common musculoskeletal problems. Significant associations were found between prolonged standing and upper and lower leg pain, between prolonged sitting and neck and shoulder pain and between prolonged bending and shoulder arm, back and upper leg pain. The study therefore showed a clear association between work-related musculoskeletal pain and prolonged hours spent in particular postures and movements.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*
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