Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and related factors among nurses - Journal of the Turkish-German Gynecological Association

Background: Little is known about the role of occupational-related physical activity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Aims: This study aimed to assess the association between different types of physical activity (work-related, transport-related, home-time and leisure-time) and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a sample of Iranian workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to November 2018 among 415 workers of a rubber factory in Tehran province. Physical activity levels of the participants were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Blood sample were analysed for cardiovascular disease risk factors (fasting blood sugar >= 100 mg/ dL, triglycerides >= 150 mg/dL, total cholesterol >= 200 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure >= 130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure >= 85 mmHg and waist circumference >= 102 cm). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were also measured, as was body mass index (BMI). Results: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease differed significantly according to type of physical activity. Fasting blood sugar >= 100 mg/dL and BMI >= 25 kg/m(2) had a significant negative association with overall physical activity level (P < 0.0001). In a logistic regression analysis, leisure-time physical activity had a significant negative correlation with all risk factors for cardiovascular disease after adjusting for age and smoking. Conclusion: Leisure-time physical activity has a more important role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors than other types of activity, including work-related physical activity.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the relationship between occupational stress and the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress among the employees of an automobile manufacturing factory in Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of employees in the automobile manufacturing industry. OSIPOW occupational stress and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) questionnaires were used to collect data. Results: In our survey, 4565 employees with a mean age of 42.59 ± 4.45 years were evaluated. All the participants had some degree of job stress, 33.3% were in low-stress group and 66.7% were in high-stress group. White collar workers had higher job stress compared to blue collar workers. The prevalence of the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was 22.6%, 24%, and 29.3%, respectively. The participants with high job stress reported higher symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress [OR=3.40, CI 95% (2.83-4.10)], [OR=2.35, CI 95% (1.99-2.78)], [OR=2.26, CI 95% (1.94-2.63)]. In linear regression analysis, being white collar, having higher work experience, exposure to noise and stressors in the workplace, and having symptoms of depression are recognized as the factors that might be involved in creating occupational stress. Conclusion: This research provides further support regarding the negative effects of the psychosocial hazards of the work environment on the mental health of the workers which was evaluated by measuring depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. There is a need to manage employee’s occupational stress to maintain the general health of human resources, as well as mental health.

Automobile spray painting is considered a high-risk occupation for respiratory diseases. The present survey aimed to assess the effects of automobile paint vapors on spirometric parameters among workers of a painting workshop in a large automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 820 workers of an automobile manufacturing plant, including 431 spray painters (case group) and 389 assembly line workers (control group). Spirometry was conducted for all participants under standard conditions, according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Practice Guidelines. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and forced expiratory flow at 25% and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25-75) were reported. Painters with more than ten years of work experience had significantly lower predicted values of FEV1/FVC (P= 0.005), FEV1 (P=0.008), and FEF25-75 (P=0.003), compared to the control group. Also, painters who were exposed to solvent-based paints were not significantly different from those exposed to water-based paints in terms of spirometric parameters (P>0.05). The results indicated the impact of automobile spray painting on the spirometric parameters. A slight decrease in the mean values of these parameters calls for attention to occupational safety, regular medical examinations, and effective measures.