{"title":"Impact of Corrective Exercise Training on Work-Related Neck and Shoulder Musculoskeletal Disorders and Quality of Life in Manufacturing Workers.","authors":"Azin Taghipour, Sara Eyni, Mohsen Khalili","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_242_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_242_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), especially in the neck and shoulder, are common among manufacturing workers and negatively affect quality of life (QoL) and productivity.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To assess the effectiveness of an 8-week corrective exercise program in reducing neck and shoulder WMSDs and improving QoL in industrial workers.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>A quasi-experimental study was conducted at a cable and wire factory in Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>Forty male workers with WMSDs were assigned to either an intervention (n = 20) or a control (n = 20) group. The intervention group participated in supervised corrective exercises based on the Movement Direction Control model, three times per week for eight weeks. Outcomes were measured using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36).</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) for musculoskeletal disorders and QoL dimensions were used. All analyses were performed using SPSS v22 (International Business Machines Cooperation (IBM)) with a significance level set at <i>P</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The intervention group showed significant improvement in neck and shoulder pain severity and QoL dimensions. ANCOVA and MANCOVA indicated statistically significant group differences (<i>P</i> < 0.001), with large effect sizes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Corrective exercise training appears effective in reducing neck and shoulder WMSDs and enhancing QoL among manufacturing workers. Integration of such programs into workplace health strategies is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"245-249"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660944/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185064","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":"The Continued Growth in the Number of Workers Potentially Exposed to Silica Dust in India - A Recent Estimate.","authors":"Adithya Pradyumna","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_278_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_278_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Using the Periodic Labour Force Survey data, we estimate the number of workers potentially exposed to silica dust in India and its distribution in various industries and occupations. We also indicate the gaps in our knowledge on the risk of developing silicosis, the burden of silicosis in the population, and the role of the occupational health community in documenting and addressing this challenge.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"205-208"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660942/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184908","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":"A Study on Work-Related Injuries and Its Association with Sleep Quality and Other Related Factors Among Firefighters in the District of Kollam, Kerala.","authors":"Bitty M George, Monalisha Sahu, Sujith Surendran","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_425_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_425_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Firefighters perform high-risk, physically demanding duties with irregular hours and disrupted sleep, increasing injury risk. This study assessed the burden of work-related injuries and their association with sleep quality among firefighters in Kollam, Kerala.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to November 2025 among 106 firefighters from all 11 Fire and Rescue stations, selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2021 and JAMOVI 2.5.4.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Among 106 male firefighters (median age 39; IQR 37-43), 76.4% were married, 62.3% graduates, and 70.8% upper socioeconomic class. Alcohol use (29.2%), and smoking (17%) were reported; all used personal protective equipment (PPE) and 66% had normal body mass index (BMI). Participants worked ≥72 hours weekly with daily physical training. Weekly hazardous exposure was reported by 41.5% and related health problems by 53.8%. Work-related injuries occurred in 39.6%, mostly mild (61.9%) and limb-related (50%), commonly during fire and rescue operations, with fatigue as the leading contributor (40.5%). Poor sleep quality (55.7%) showed a significant association with injury (<i>P</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Work-related injuries are common among firefighters and are strongly associated with poor sleep quality. Optimizing duty schedules, strengthening workplace safety, and promoting sleep health may help reduce injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"229-234"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660946/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185038","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}
May Nguyen The, Tam Nguyen Van, Trang Nguyen Thi, Duc Nguyen Hoang Viet, Chi Tran Thi Quynh
{"title":"Respiratory Diseases and Associated Factors among Seafood Processing Workers in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"May Nguyen The, Tam Nguyen Van, Trang Nguyen Thi, Duc Nguyen Hoang Viet, Chi Tran Thi Quynh","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_78_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_78_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Seafood processing workers are exposed to bioaerosols, seafood proteins, and chemical agents in cold and humid environments, increasing the risk of occupational respiratory diseases.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to determine the prevalence of respiratory diseases and associated factors among seafood processing workers in Vietnam.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 among 576 workers directly involved in seafood processing lines at three enterprises. Data were collected through structured interviews, specialist clinical examinations (otorhinolaryngology and respiratory), and workplace assessments of temperature and humidity. Respiratory diseases were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases-10 criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of at least one respiratory disease was 43.2%. Upper respiratory tract diseases were most common, including allergic rhinitis (27.1%), chronic pharyngitis (12.7%), and chronic laryngotracheitis (8.2%). Lower respiratory tract diseases included asthma (4.7%), bronchitis (3.8%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.2%). Independent associated factors were female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.62), work experience ≥11 years (AOR = 1.51-1.58), frequent overtime (AOR = 1.72), smoking (AOR = 2.12), inconsistent mask use (AOR = 1.60), and cold, humid workplaces (AOR = 1.63).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Respiratory diseases impose a considerable occupational health burden among seafood processing workers in Vietnam. Preventive measures should focus on improving the workplace microclimate, strengthening personal protective equipment compliance, and integrating smoking cessation into occupational health programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"250-255"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184664","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":"Splenic Silicosis Accompanying Chronic Complicated Silicosis: A Rare Systemic Manifestation of Silica Exposure - A Case Report.","authors":"Yusuf Samir Hasanli, Nalan Ogan","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_278_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_278_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Silicosis is an occupational pulmonary disease caused by prolonged inhalation of crystalline silica particles. Although it predominantly affects thoracic structures, extrapulmonary or systemic manifestations are rare. We report a 60-year-old male who worked as a grinder in a quartz mill for 7 years and presented with advanced dyspnea and chronic cough. Imaging revealed bilateral progressive massive fibrosis and radiodense nodules in the spleen. Splenic involvement, also known as splenic silicosis, is an exceptionally rare entity and was detected incidentally during radiological evaluation. This case highlights the potential for systemic dissemination of silica particles and contributes to the limited literature on extrapulmonary silicosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"270-273"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660941/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184785","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":"Stress and Decision-Making among Civil Aviation Pilots in India: Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility.","authors":"Kimberly Long Holt","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_233_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_233_26","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"275-276"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660938/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184766","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}
Nathiya Shanmugam, V S Mitthrashree, Preethi Umanath, A T Sathiya Vinotha, Divya S Malathi
{"title":"Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis and Dental Caries in Relation to Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water among Residents of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Nathiya Shanmugam, V S Mitthrashree, Preethi Umanath, A T Sathiya Vinotha, Divya S Malathi","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_120_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_120_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fluoride, while protective against dental caries at optimal levels, can cause fluorosis at higher concentrations. Limited data on fluoride levels and related dental health issues in Coimbatore necessitated this study.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The present study aimed to estimate fluoride concentrations in drinking water and the prevalence of dental caries and fluorosis in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Fluoride concentration was assessed in 100 randomly selected drinking water sources across five zones of Coimbatore using the color comparator technique. A total of 933 residents were examined for dental caries (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index) and fluorosis (Dean's Fluorosis Index).</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis: </strong>Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp., USA). Descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation test was used and <i>P</i> < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Corporation-supplied water was the main drinking source in Coimbatore. The mean fluoride concentration was 0.48 parts per million (ppm). Dental caries prevalence was 65%, while dental fluorosis was observed in 4% of the population.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Suboptimal fluoride levels in drinking water may contribute to the high prevalence of dental caries. Water fluoridation is recommended to improve oral health in Coimbatore.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 3","pages":"215-219"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13660939/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184674","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}
Dheeraj Kattula, Stephen Amarjeet Jiwanmall, Ravi Sunil, Deepthi Kattula
{"title":"Attribution of Pilot Error in Air Crashes: Psychiatric, Ethical, and Systemic Considerations.","authors":"Dheeraj Kattula, Stephen Amarjeet Jiwanmall, Ravi Sunil, Deepthi Kattula","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_254_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_254_25","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 2","pages":"194-195"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411547/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621891","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}
Prachi D Sondankar, Khyati Kalra, Mayavati N Nannaware, Parvinder S Chawla
{"title":"Assessment of Health and Wellness Practices among the Working Women in Western India.","authors":"Prachi D Sondankar, Khyati Kalra, Mayavati N Nannaware, Parvinder S Chawla","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_208_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_208_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>In India, women bear a multitude of obligations, including caring for dependents, raising children, and managing the home, all while compromising their own health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that women are experiencing higher levels of stress.</p><p><strong>Aims and objectives: </strong>(1) To assess health- and wellness-related practices among working women in India. (2) To determine demographic and work-related factors associated with wellness among the working women.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>It was an online cross-sectional study conducted by investigators at a tertiary care hospital.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>Snowball sampling method was used in the study to get the responses from the participants. Total 441 responses were received, which were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Descriptive statistics was calculated based on the type of data. The Chi-square test of significance was used to show the association.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the participant was 39.61 years with standard deviation ± 7.89 years. Most of the participants were married, had higher education, and belonged to a nuclear family. They were working in different occupational sectors. Though the majority, i.e., 70.75% of the women, had good health and wellness score, a notable portion of women showed poor score, which had significant association with younger age and long job hours.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings indicate that younger age and long working hours are associated with poor scores. While a majority of women in this study report good health scores and satisfactory work-life balance, the significant percentage experiencing poor scores highlights critical areas for improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 2","pages":"143-149"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411562/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621957","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}
V H Yatheesha, Shanivaram K Reddy, Hareesh Angothu, Mysore N Vranda, Kanmani T Raju, Srikanth Pallerla
{"title":"Mental Health Professionals' Perspectives on Reasonable Accommodation at Workplace for Persons with Severe Mental Disorders.","authors":"V H Yatheesha, Shanivaram K Reddy, Hareesh Angothu, Mysore N Vranda, Kanmani T Raju, Srikanth Pallerla","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_290_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_290_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Reasonable accommodation for persons with severe mental disorders is a critical aspect in ensuring their successful employment and integration into society. Providing reasonable accommodations is essential in employing individuals with cognitive disabilities.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The current study used a qualitative approach to understand the perspectives of mental health professionals (MHPs) on the construct of reasonable accommodation at the workplace for persons with severe mental disorders (PwSMD). Applying a purposive sampling technique, twelve MHPs were selected to participate in this study. All interviews were audio recorded, and session notes were added to the existing data and later transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven themes emerged such as Interview and Selection Phase, Work Schedule Modification, Modification in Breaks and Leaves, Work Nature Modification, Work Environment Modification, Empathy and Warmth during Supervision, Multi Stakeholder Collaborations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MHPs with expertise in understanding SMDs and their impact on individuals' lives play a vital role in shaping and advocating for effective RA practices. However, providing RA for PwSMD is a multifaceted issue that involves legal, social, and individual considerations. It is essential to understand the facilitating factors, legal provisions, and employer perspectives to ensure the successful employment of individuals with mental disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 2","pages":"104-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411833/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148620895","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}