Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Assessment of Diffusing Capacity of Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) <i>in Silica</i>-Exposed Workers.","authors":"Shafeena Basheer, Chaina Ram Choudhary, Ashok Kuwal, Lokesh Kumar Gupta, Smruthi Valsalan, Vishram Kumawat, K M Althaf","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_359_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_359_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diagnosis of lung diseases associated with silica exposure typically relies on a history of occupational silica dust exposure and chest X-ray. Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is a pulmonary function test that measures the lungs' ability to transfer gas from inspired air to the bloodstream.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To analyses the role of DLCO in the early detection of lung function impairment in asymptomatic or symptomatic workers exposed to silica dust for 5 years or more.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>An observational study conducted in a tertiary care center of Rajasthan.</p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>A total of 50 silica-exposed workers without a history of Tuberculosis and other pneumoconiosis were enrolled based on inclusion criteria. Each participant underwent a detailed clinical history, physical examination, chest X-ray, hemoglobin, spirometry, and DLCO.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Pearson and Spearman tests were used for correlation. Categorical data were compared by the Chi-square test, and medians were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. A <i>P</i> value less than 0.05 was considered significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study population had a median age of 44 years, and 90% were male. The median duration of silica exposure was 15.5 years, and the majority were stone-cutters. DLCO and spirometry detected abnormalities in 72% and 52% of the study population, respectively. Notably, more than half (66.6%) of the participants with normal spirometry had impaired DLCO, recommending the addition of DLCO in the surveillance of silica-exposed workers. A significant correlation was observed between the duration of silica exposure and the severity of impairment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DLCO can detect lung function impairment in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic silica-exposed workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"209-214"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Respiratory Morbidity among Jute Mill Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Selected Jute Mill of West Bengal 2024-2025.","authors":"Arindam Chatterjee, Monalisha Sahu, Akash Dasgupta, Priyanka Roy, Rohit Dalmia","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_424_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_424_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Jute mill workers are chronically exposed to organic dust containing plant fibers, endotoxins, and microbial contaminants, increasing their risk of respiratory morbidity. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of both symptomatic and spirometry-confirmed respiratory morbidity among 125 randomly selected workers in a jute mill in Howrah, West Bengal, between September 2024 and February 2025. Data on sociodemographic profile, occupational exposure, tobacco use, respiratory symptoms, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use were collected through structured interviews. Spirometry was performed using recorders and medicare systems (RMS) Helios 401 according to standardized guidelines. Nearly half of the workers (47.2%) reported at least one chronic respiratory symptom. Spirometry detected respiratory morbidity in 26.4% workers, predominantly restrictive (13.6%), followed by obstructive (8.8%) and mixed patterns (4.0%). Regular PPE use was reported by only 6.4% of workers. Multivariable logistic regression showed increasing age to be the only independent predictor of spirometry-confirmed morbidity (AOR 5.36; 95% CI 1.56-18.51). These findings highlight a substantial burden of occupational respiratory morbidity among jute mill workers and underscore the need for improved dust control, consistent PPE use, and periodic respiratory health surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"263-265"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660943/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Fungal Contamination in Used Masks of HealthCare Workers-Implication for Better Mask Hygiene Practices in Hospital Settings.","authors":"Geethu Mathew, Shantala Gowda Basawarajappa, Santu Ghosh, K Akshaya, Debasis Chattergie, Deepthi Ramamurthy, N Thara, Avinash Gaikwad, Panjakumar Karunamoorthy, Ashwini Lonimath, Nileena Suresh, Manikandan Srinivasan, Ravichandran Beerappa, T R Harsha, R Ambica","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_31_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_31_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Face masks are essential components of personal protective equipment widely used in infection control. However, improper use can expose patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) to opportunistic infections.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the extent of fungal contamination in masks worn by HCWs and the contributing factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, 400 HCWs from various clinical settings (wards, intensive care units (ICUs), emergency rooms, and outpatient department (OPD)) from hospitals in an Indian city were assessed for fungal contamination in used masks along with the working environment. The fungal contaminations were studied and identified using standard microbial techniques. A predesigned questionnaire was adapted to record personal mask hygiene, work patterns, and demographic profiles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most HCWs were females, 267 (66.8%), with a mean age of 30.8 ± 9.6 years. Fungal contamination was detected in 56% of the mask samples, with colony counts ranging from 1 to 100 per mask. The most common fungal species identified in masks (>90%) was <i>Aspergillus</i>, followed by <i>Fusarium</i> and <i>Rhizopus</i>, which correlated with those identified in the working environment. Multivariate quasi-Poisson regression analysis showed a significant association between the fungal colony count in the mask and variables like the duration of mask usage (RR (relative risk) = 1.06, 1.04-1.08, <i>P</i> < 0.001), the clinical setting (RR = 1.64, 1.06-2.48, <i>P</i> = 0.023), and disinfecting hands after touching the mask (RR = 0.55, 0.32-0.88, <i>P</i> = 0.017).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present study highlights the significance of HCWs adhering to stringent mask hygiene protocols and targeted interventions to mitigate fungal contamination in indoor hospital settings that pose health risks to healthcare personnel and immunocompromised patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"256-262"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660934/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating Asthenopia and Binocular Vision Parameters in Diamond Polishing Workers, The Mumbai Eye Disease Study (MEDiS) 3.","authors":"Maneck Nicholson, Jeslin Jose, Harshali Aldar, Snehal Gawade, Sanket Dokfode, Srinivas Marmamula, Taraprasad Das","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_57_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_57_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Investigate the prevalence of asthenopia and binocular vision abnormalities (BVA) among diamond polishers in Mumbai, India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The data was collected from eye screening in people working in one of the diamond industries in Mumbai, India. This retrospective cross-sectional study included only diamond polishers aged 18-35 with uncorrected 20/20 distance vision and N6 near vision. Others working in the diamond industry were excluded. Comprehensive eye screening included measuring Snellen acuity, refraction, and binocular vision tests. A CISS (Convergence Insufficiency Symptoms Survey) questionnaire was administered to assess binocular vision parameters and asthenopia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the screening cohort of 1,093 diamond industry screened workers, 66 people engaged in polishing were included in the study. The prevalence of BVA was 77.3%; stereo acuity abnormalities were the most common (63.6%), followed by accommodative insufficiency (43.9%). No significant association was found between CISS scores with age, work hours, or experience, although 10.6% of participants had CISS scores above 21. Age was significantly correlated with the near point of accommodation (<i>P</i> < 0.001), and older participants (26-35 years) exhibited higher fusional vergence abnormalities though not statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of binocular vision abnormalities among diamond polishers underscores the need for targeted interventions to reduce visual fatigue and improve working conditions in this high-demand occupation. Further studies are required to suggest corrective measures to enhance eye health and work productivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"224-228"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660947/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Innovative Questionnaire for Assessing Occupational Exposure to Airborne Chemical Pollutants: Development and Validation.","authors":"Mahdi Jamshidi-Rastani, Mohammad J Jafari, Jamal Biganeh, Farid Zayeri, Somayeh Hosseini, Mohammad Ataei","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_332_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_332_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Industrial workers are often exposed to various chemical agents, making awareness of their exposure crucial for disease prevention and health improvement. Consequently, a low-cost and efficient method in this area would be highly beneficial.</p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>In the first stage, factors affecting exposure were extracted from scientific sources and be completed by interviewing experts (initial questionnaire). Then, the questionnaire standardization process (validity and reliability evaluation), face validity, content and structure were checked step by step and in necessary cases. In all these steps, some questions were deleted, some changed, and finally 105 questions remained which entered the next stage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the phase of face validity and quantitative content, respectively, questions with content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI), less than 0.51 and 0.71 (32 questions) were deleted and some questions (19 questions) were corrected. The 115-question questionnaire entered the construct validity phase, and finally 105 questions remained. The result of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test for the designed questionnaire was equal to 0.805. For Bartlett's sphericity test, the value of 21547 = 6 was obtained with <i>P</i> > 0.001. For exploratory factor analysis, seven main characteristics dimensions (process, pollutant, workplace, pollutant source, operator, technical engineering, and organizational-management) were extracted. A cutoff point of 0.4 was considered for varimax rotation on 115 items included in the exploratory factor analysis. The total interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.777 for reliability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In the present study, a questionnaire was prepared and validated, which collects all information and objective and nonobjective factors affecting the airborne chemical exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"235-244"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response to Letter to Editor: Biomechanical Analysis of Lower Limb in Bharatanatyam Dance Using Musculoskeletal Modeling.","authors":"Annamma Varghese, Mayuri Gad, Dhvani Shah, Nandini Krishna, Rohan Kothurkar, Ramesh Lekurwale, Atul Bhaskar, John Rose","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_316_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_316_26","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"277-278"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660936/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational-Health Nursing as a Prospect for Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"T K Abins, Ravi Gaur, Nagma Sheenam, Ujwal Velugulati, Arindam Gosh","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_64_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_64_26","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"279-280"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660937/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Surface Inclinations and Carrying Aid Types on Postural Stability During Posterior Load Carriage in Rural Agricultural Tasks.","authors":"T K Abins, Nagma Sheenam, Hariom Udainia, Ravi Gaur","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_92_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_92_26","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"274"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660945/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational Hazards Among Fishing Community in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.","authors":"Kasina R Sireesha, Bindiganavale R Shamanna, Pitla SriKrishna","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_352_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_352_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fishing is a hazardous occupation that exposes workers to physical strain, injuries, and psychological stress. Fishing is a major livelihood activity in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh; however, limited studies have explored the occupational hazards and occupational health issues faced by fisherfolk in this region. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and types of occupational hazards, assess occupational health issues, and suggest ergonomic measures among fisherfolk in the erstwhile East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 fisherfolk (107 males and 53 females) selected using a random walk sampling approach. Data were collected using a prestructured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and the Chi-square test was applied to assess gender differences. Physical hazards were the most prevalent among both fishermen (93.4%, 95% CI: 86.9-97.3) and fisherwomen (86.7%, 95% CI: 74.6-94.5), followed by ergonomic hazards (77.5%, 95% CI: 68.4-85.1 and 64.1%, 95% CI: 49.8-76.9, respectively), while chemical hazards were the least reported in both groups. Fishermen more frequently reported prolonged sun exposure (74.8%) and heavy lifting (69.1%), whereas fisherwomen commonly reported poor sanitation and hygiene facilities (88.0%). Repetitive tasks associated with musculoskeletal pain were reported by 72.8% of fishermen and 64.2% of fisherwomen. Significant gender differences were observed for heavy lifting (69.1% in fishermen vs. 20.8% in fisherwomen; χ² = 33.3, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Fisherfolk face high occupational risks, highlighting the need to strengthen awareness, ergonomic interventions, and policy support to improve the well-being of this community.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"266-269"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exercise, Stress, Sleep, Job Satisfaction, and Burnout Among Indian Doctors: A Nationwide Occupational Health Study of 4,400 Physicians.","authors":"Sai S D Pydi","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_375_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_375_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Physician burnout is an occupational hazard driven by workload, fatigue, and poor recovery. Exercise and sleep enhance resilience, yet Indian data integrating behavioral and workplace factors are scarce.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To examine how exercise, workload, stress, sleep quality, and job satisfaction interact to predict burnout among Indian doctors.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>Nationwide cross-sectional, web-based survey conducted from January to June 2025.</p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>Four thousand and four hundred doctors (880 each from orthopedics, general surgery, anesthesiology, psychiatry, and internal medicine) were surveyed with equal gender and public-private distribution. A validated 24-item questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.86) assessed exercise, stress, sleep quality, job satisfaction, and burnout.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>SPSS 27.0; Chi-square, ANOVA, Pearson r, and multivariate regression (VIF <2).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Regular exercise was reported by 78.2%. Orthopedic surgeons were most active (90%), psychiatrists least (68%). Burnout correlated positively with stress (r = 0.61) and workload (r = 0.29), and negatively with exercise (r = -0.36), sleep (r = -0.43), and satisfaction (r = -0.48). Moderate exercise (30-60 min/day) provided optimal sleep improvement and burnout reduction, with diminishing gains beyond 60 min. Job satisfaction buffered 38% of the exercise's effect on burnout.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Exercise, sleep, and satisfaction independently protect against burnout, while excessive work and stress increase vulnerability. Balanced lifestyle and institutional wellness policies may improve occupational health and sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"220-223"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}