International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health最新文献

{"title":"Cumulative asbestos exposure as a key predictor of long-term pleuropulmonary outcomes: insights from decades of follow-up.","authors":"Ladislav Štěpánek, Marie Nakládalová, Magdaléna Janošíková, Lubomír Štěpánek, Alena Boriková","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02143-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-025-02143-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Occupational asbestos exposure was widespread before regulatory bans, and it remains a risk during renovations or demolitions of older buildings. While asbestos-related diseases are well-documented, less is known about minor radiological changes in exposed individuals. This longitudinal study aimed to identify predictors of pleural and parenchymal lung disorders in individuals with previous occupational asbestos exposure, focusing on both established asbestos-related diseases and minor radiological abnormalities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study tracked 445 former employees (334 men, 111 women) of two Czech asbestos-processing plants, who underwent regular examinations from the 1980s to December 2022. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to analyse predictors of asbestos-related diseases, as well as minor radiological findings alone.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over a median latency of 37 years, 127 participants (28.5%) developed asbestos-related diseases, mainly pleural mesothelioma (59 cases). An additional 168 participants (37.8%) exhibited minor radiological findings, predominantly pleural plaques (129 cases), while 150 (33.7%) had no abnormalities. Substantial cumulative exposure was a strong predictor for minor radiological findings (odds ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-3.35, p = 0.010) and any endpoint, including diseases (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.18-3.02, p = 0.008). Respiratory symptoms and impaired spirometry results significantly increased the likelihood of endpoint occurrence. No significant differences emerged between settings with predominantly chrysotile exposure and those with a chrysotile-crocidolite mixture.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the predictive value of cumulative exposure and the need for ongoing surveillance of occupationally exposed individuals to better understand radiological changes, their significance, and to refine risk assessment models.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144126280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exposure to seasonal PM_2.5 derived from biomass burning increased the risk of vitamin D deficiency in healthy perimenopausal women.","authors":"Mattabhorn Phimphilai, Sridanai Watthanawongkeeree, Worapaka Manosroi","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02149-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-025-02149-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Southeast Asia faces problems with seasonal air pollution from biomass burning. Data regarding vitamin D deficiency and seasonal air pollution is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of seasonal air pollutants on vitamin D deficiency and the predictors of vitamin D deficiency during haze periods.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective cohort study included 77 peri-menopausal women. All participants were enrolled and followed at the peak and low pollutant periods, respectively. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured at both points. Data regarding 24 h particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM_2.5) was obtained from the database of the Pollution Control Department of Thailand.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The ambient 24 h PM_2.5 was higher (46.9 ± 4.7 µg/m³ vs. 11.2 ± 5.1 µg/m³, P < 0.001) at the peak pollutant period. In contrast, serum 25(OH)D level was 18.8% lower, and the incidence of vitamin D deficiency was 45.4% higher at the peak pollutant period compared to those at the low pollutant period. Seasonal air pollutants were associated with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency by 3.5 folds [OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.1-14.6)]. The ambient 24 h PM_2.5 during the peak pollutant periods was an independent predictor of vitamin D deficiency. Its threshold of 20 µg/m³ demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 75.0%, 85.7%, and 78.0%, respectively, to predict the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Seasonal air pollutants increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. The ambient 24 h PM_2.5 at 20 µg/m³ demonstrated high diagnostic performance for vitamin D deficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144110390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychosocial work exposures as risk factors for skin problems in a general working population: cross-sectional and prospective associations.","authors":"Randi Hovden Borge, Håkon A Johannessen, Jose Hernán Alfonso","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02135-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02135-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The potential contribution of psychosocial work exposures to skin problems is largely overlooked in the occupational health literature. To address this knowledge gap, we examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between six psychosocial work exposures (i.e., quantitative demands, job control, social support, emotional demands, role conflict, and interpersonal conflict) and self-reported skin problems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data came from a probability sample of the general working population in Norway surveyed in 2016 (N = 7833) and 2019 (N = 8038). The prospective sample comprised 3430 participants. Data were analysed with ordered logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, occupation, and exposure to cleaning products, water, and dry indoor air.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cross-sectional analyses indicated statistically significant associations with skin problems for emotional demands, role conflict, and interpersonal conflict in 2016 and 2019, and for social support in 2019. In prospective analyses, emotional demands (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.23), role conflict (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.29), and interpersonal conflict (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.52) significantly predicted subsequent skin problems. Interpersonal conflict (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.57) was a significant predictor above and beyond baseline levels of skin problems. Quantitative demands and job control was generally non-significant, except for a significant interaction in the 2019 sample.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Exposure to certain psychosocial work stressors may be a risk factor for experiencing skin problems, particularly if you are exposed to interpersonal conflict. Preventive efforts to reduce the occurrence of skin problems in work settings should also target psychosocial stressors.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"309-319"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972187/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143604791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of risk mitigation strategies on non-fatal injuries in the construction sector in qatar: a retrospective analysis.","authors":"Lama Soubra, Alreem Al-Mohannadi, Yasser Berzan, Rafael Consunji, Ayman El-Menyar, Hassan Al-Thani, Mohammed Ali Al-Marri, Hamad Saed Al-Hajri","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02126-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02126-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The construction sector has the highest risk of fatal and non-fatal injuries worldwide. This study examined the impact of risk mitigation strategies implemented in Qatar's construction sector between 2013 and 2021 on non-fatal injuries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed quantitative and qualitative methods. Data on implemented strategies were gathered through a systematic website search and structured interviews with Safety and Occupational Health officers. Retrospective injury data were obtained from Hamad Trauma Center medical records. Systematic website search identified key legislation and guidelines. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Injury data were categorized into pre- and post-implementation data. Differences were assessed using means, standard deviations, percentages, effect sizes, and confidence intervals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eight safety legislation/policies and guidelines were issued. Interview analysis identified technical, behavioral, and organizational measures as key themes in risk mitigation strategies. Comparing pre- and post-implementation data, non-fatal injury incidence (effect size (ES): 0.21, 95% CI 0.19-0.28) and severity (ES: 0.32, 95% CI 0.25-0.40) were reduced. Hospital and ICU stays were shorter post-implementation (ES: 0.2, 95% CI 0.12-0.27 and 0.014, 95% CI 0.010-0.021). Injury reductions were observed across major affected areas, except for the chest and skin. Non-fatal injuries remained more common among general laborers (ES: - 0.26, 95% CI - 0.34, 0.18) and those wearing protective devices (ES; - 0.1, CI - 0.12, - 0.07).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Implemented risk mitigation strategies collectively reduced non-fatal injury incidence and severity and improved outcomes in the construction sector. Future research should explore observed trends through prospective studies and job hazard analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"283-296"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972227/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143523451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of long-term exposure to air pollutants with benign prostatic hyperplasia among middle-aged and older men in China.","authors":"Wenming Shi, Jie V Zhao","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02127-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02127-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Air pollution has been an important risk factor for human health. However, little is known about the impacts of air pollutants on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. We aimed to explore the association of long-term exposure to air pollutants with BPH among men.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We leveraged the nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a total of 8,826 participants aged 45 years and above from 125 Chinese cities were enrolled in 2015. Annual fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), coarse particles (PM_2.5-10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone were estimated using satellite-based models. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of BPH associated with air pollutants. The restricted cubic spline model was performed to explore the exposure-response relationships with BPH.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 8,826 participants (mean age: 60.3 years), the prevalence of BPH was 14.5%. Each 10 µg/m³ rise in PM_2.5 (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence intervals: 1.01-1.07) and PM_2.5-10 (1.06, 1.02-1.10) were associated with prevalent BPH. Compared with the lowest quartile levels, higher PM_2.5 and PM_2.5-10 exposure were related to an increased risk of BPH. There were non-linear relationship between PM_2.5-10 and NO₂ exposure with prevalent BPH. The association with BPH was more pronounced in participants who were overweight/obesity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that long-term air pollutants exposure, especially for PM_2.5 and PM_2.5-10, is associated with BPH among middle-aged and older men. Our findings provide epidemiological evidence for policymakers and researchers to improve prostate health by reducing air pollution.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"321-329"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972197/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143630372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The association between particulate matter 2.5 and thyroid function and thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis.","authors":"Haihong Wang, Jing Xu, Caizhu Huang, Lichao Chen, Xiandan Zhang, Wenjun Tian","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02133-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02133-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Recent studies indicate a potential link between exposure to atmospheric particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and thyroid function, though epidemiological conclusions remain inconsistent. This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aims to clarify the connection between PM2.5 levels and the risks of thyroid function and thyroid cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using the medical subject headings \"PM2.5\" and \"thyroid hormones\" along with their associated free words, publications from the Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed up to April 2024 were searched. The study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024554220).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1322 articles were collected from databases, of which 27 studies were included in the analysis. The findings indicated that exposure to PM2.5 was a significant risk factor for hypothyroidism, increasing the incidence risk by 0.15 (95% CI 1.08, 1.23, P < 0.001). PM2.5 exposure levels were significantly higher in Asian populations than in European populations; each incremental increase in PM2.5 exposure resulted in a rise in TSH by 0.27 mIU/L (95% CI 0.07, 0.47, P = 0.008) and a decrease in FT4 by 0.21 pmol/L (95% CI - .35, - 0.07, P = 0.004). Additionally, in susceptible pregnant women, each incremental increase in PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy was associated with a rise in TSH levels by 0.08 mIU/L (95% CI - 0.02, 0.17, P < 0.001) and a decrease in FT4 levels by 0.09 pmol/L (95% CI - 0.23, 0.05, P = 0.210).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our research establishes PM2.5 exposure as a risk factor for diminished thyroid function. In Asian populations, the average level of PM2.5 exposure is high, significantly affecting thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4). Particular attention to PM2.5 exposure levels during pregnancy is essential to reduce the risk of thyroid dysfunction.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"267-282"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143673244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The association between occupational lead exposure and serum levels of vitamin D3 and a bone turnover biomarker in smelter workers.","authors":"Rateba Said Mohammed, Basma Hussein Mourad","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02125-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02125-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Bone tissue is the chief target for lead (Pb) in chronic exposure. This study aimed to demonstrate the relation between the blood lead levels (BLL) and serum levels of 1,25 dihydroxy cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and type I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX-1) as a biomarker of bone turnover among some Egyptian workers occupationally exposed to Pb in the smelting process. The study also targeted to identify any clinical manifestations indicative of skeletal system affection and their association with the performed investigations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 48 smelter workers and 48 administrative controls participated in the study. All subjects underwent comprehensive medical and occupational history taking and detailed clinical examinations, with a particular focus on symptoms indicative of skeletal system involvement. These symptoms included generalized bony aches, low back pain, joint pain, restricted joint movement, a history of fractures from minor trauma, and delayed fracture healing. BLL, as well as serum levels of vitamin D3 and CTX-1, were measured in all participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Smelter workers exhibited significantly higher prevalence of bony aches, low back pain, joint pain, and past fractures from minor trauma compared to controls. The BLL and serum CTX-1 levels were significantly elevated in the exposed group, while serum vitamin D3 levels were notably lower. Logistic regression analysis revealed that BLL significantly predicted bony aches and low back pain. Additionally, serum vitamin D3 and CTX-1 levels were significant predictors of low back pain and joint pain, respectively, among exposed workers. The measured parameters were significantly correlated with one another and with the duration of employment in the exposed group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Significant associations between manifestations of skeletal system affection, BLL, and serum levels of vitamin D3 and CTX-1 were detected among smelter workers with chronic occupational exposure to Pb.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"297-307"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972219/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143582298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low back pain and work-related factors among home health care workers with self-governing or conventional team structure - a natural experiment with a cross-sectional design.","authors":"Kathrine Greby Schmidt, Laura Grace Downs Tuck, Anders Bruun Nielsen, Charlotte Diana Nørregaard Rasmussen","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02134-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02134-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Compare home health care (HHC) with self-governing and conventional team structure regarding self-reported low back pain (LBP) and work-related factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A natural experiment was assessed using a cross-sectional design. Primary outcome was LBP intensity; secondary outcomes included LBP duration and work limitations as well as intensity, duration and work limitations of neck/shoulder pain, stress, productivity, influence at work, meaning at work, sickness absence, interpersonal collaboration, and variation in physical behaviour. Home health care (HHC) workers in the self-governing teams were surveyed about their appraisal of the self-governing structure. Data were collected through a questionnaire, except for physical behaviour, which was obtained via accelerometry. Differences between groups were analyzed using t-tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 10 HHC-teams across four municipalities, 125 HHC-workers completed the questionnaire (self-governing n = 60; conventional n = 65). LBP intensity was similar among HHC-workers in the two team structures (self-governing = 4.1; conventional = 4.0, 0-10 scale). Self-governing teams experienced significantly higher levels of (i) meaning at work (5.8 points, 0-100 scale), (ii) improved collaboration with manager (7.5 points, 0-100 scale) and (iii) improved collaboration with needs assessors (11.9 points, 0-100 scale) compared to conventional teams. No significant differences were found in the other outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The higher scores for self-governing teams in meaning at work, collaboration with manager and collaboration with needs assessors are positive. The lack of a lower report in LBP and neck/shoulder pain calls for more focused efforts to enhance HHC-workers' health in addition to the reorganization into the self-governing structure.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"331-341"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972207/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143648594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determinants of good or excellent work ability in a branch of the dutch military.","authors":"Pablo M Stegerhoek, Jesse van der Zande, Herman IJzerman, Evert A L M Verhagen, Ehsan Motazedi, Caroline Bolling, P Paul F M Kuijer","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02128-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02128-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, a branch of the Dutch Military, is characterised by a diverse range of mentally and physically demanding occupational tasks. The employability of the personnel depends on the balance between occupational demands and personal resources, which can be measured through the work ability score. Therefore, this study investigates personal and work-related determinants of work ability in a branch of the Dutch Military.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We gathered cross-sectional data through a survey distributed among all operational Royal Netherlands Marechaussee personnel (n: 7,658). We used binomial logistic regression analysis to estimate the relationship between determinants in four domains (i.e., personal, workload, work characteristics, and work experience) and the dichotomised work ability scores (poor to moderate vs. good to excellent).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The survey had a 20% response rate with 1538 respondents. Our study included a slightly higher percentage of reservists and civilians than the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee's workforce. Forty per cent of participants rated their work ability as poor or moderate. Good or excellent work ability was related to older age (> 50 years compared to < 29 years), lower physical workload, no shift work, less fatigue, more autonomy, task clarity, and social support.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We found that 40% of survey respondents rated their work ability as low or moderate. In the future, factors like shift work, autonomy, task clarity, and social support may be used to improve work ability in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"233-242"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11937055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143492017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of combined ergonomic training and exercises on musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic risks in supermarket cashiers: a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Devran Yaşar, Elif Esma Safran, Ömer Şevgin","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02132-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02132-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of a 12-week ergonomic training and exercise program on musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic risks among supermarket cashiers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study cohort comprised 77 cashiers, aged between 18 and 45, who were experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Of these, 60 participants completed the study after random assignment to either the intervention group, which received ergonomic training and exercise, or the control group, which received only ergonomic training. The study lasted 12 weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline (week 0) and 12 weeks post-intervention. The outcomes included the Visual Analogue Scale, the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E), and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment. The clinical trial registration number is NCT06407440.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Musculoskeletal pain in the upper back, lower back, and hips/thighs decreased significantly after the intervention, while there were no significant changes in the control group, except for a reduction in upper back pain. A significant improvement in activity limitations was observed in the intervention group, particularly in the upper back and lower back. Consultations with health professionals for upper and lower back pain (NMQ-E) decreased significantly in the intervention group. Symptoms in the past 7 days showed a significant decrease in the intervention group, especially for the upper back, lower back, and hips/thighs, with no significant change in the control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The integrated approach of ergonomic training and exercise programs has the potential to alleviate musculoskeletal discomfort among supermarket cashiers. These interventions may prove an effective strategy for enhancing the well-being of workers in physically demanding retail environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"255-265"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11937115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143582236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}