Background: Several health conditions are associated with cement dust exposure; obstructive and restrictive lung disorders are the most common consequences. The aims of this study were to assess the pulmonary function of cement factory workers and to determine the distribution of respiratory consequences resulting from dust inhalation. Methods: A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was undertaken from December 2019 to March 2020. A total of 97 (response rate, 92.4%) nonsmoking male cement workers were recruited and compared with 97 apparently healthy volunteers. A spirometer was used to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1), and their ratio (FEV 1 /FVC). The measured parameters were interpreted according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines. Results: Significant reductions were observed in pulmonary function parameters of cement factory workers compared to controls (FVC 4.03 vs. 4.65 L in controls; FEV 1 3.06 vs. 3.95 L in controls; p < 0.001 for both comparisons). A significant variation was observed in the prevalence of spirometric patterns between the two participating groups. Ninety (92.8%) controls had normal respiratory function with no defects, compared with only 25 (25.8%) of the cement workers. Restriction was the most common respiratory problem, with a greater prevalence in the cement workers (44 [45.4%]) compared to six (6.2%) controls. Conclusions: Cement factory workers showed decreased lung function and abnormal spirometric patterns which we attribute to dust inhalation. These workers should have periodic medical examinations and regular rotations through different factory departments to minimize the pulmonary hazards of cement dust.
Background: Cement industry workers are at high risk due to the dust emitted at various steps of its production. Pulmonary damage is the most important hazard. This work aimed to evaluate lung function and oxidative stress parameters of the workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 97 workers in four cement factories was conducted from December/2019 to March/2020. Data collection was performed by spirometry test and measuring oxidative stress parameters. Results: There were significant differences in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) between workers in milling and packaging departments. Negative correlations were found between oxidative stress and spirometric parameters. Conclusions: Prolonged occupational exposure to cement dust could worsen the pulmonary function. Working in milling department is associated with a pronounced effect on oxidative stress. Higher oxidative stress parameters were associated with lower pulmonary function.
Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a serious chronic medical condition. It is considered one of the most common illnesses worldwide. PUD has its own impact on the patients’ quality of life (QOL). Objectives: This study aimed to assess the QOL in patients with peptic ulcer disease in Mosul city, Iraq. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 385 patients in a public general hospital and 5 local pharmacies in Mosul city during the period from 10th May to 5th August 2021. Data collection was performed using a face-validated SF-12v2 questionnaire assessing the patients’ physical, mental, and overall health. All the data were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. Results: Overall, only 8.6% of the participants reported that their general health is poor. The majority (40.8% and 38.4%) stated that peptic ulcer disease has no or little impact on their moderate daily physical activity. Significant differences were found in the physical, mental and overall QOL scores with socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Quality of life assessment indicated that there are some negative impacts in the patients’ daily life caused either by the patients’ environmental aspects or peptic ulcer related symptoms.
Controlling the pandemic is primarily achieved through vaccination against COVID-19. Although various COVID-19 vaccines are used worldwide, little is known about their safety and side effects. As a result, the objectives of this research are to identify the shortterm side effects of the different COVID-19 vaccines used in Iraq. Furthermore, exploring the association between experienced side effects and the brand of vaccine received. The current study evaluated the shortterm side effects of Pfizer, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines among healthcare workers in Iraq. The study used a questionnaire that consisted of dedicated sections to collect demographic data, the brand of COVID-19 vaccine received, the short-term side effects, and the willingness to receive a third booster dose. Regarding the post-vaccination side effects, the studied COVID-19 vaccines showed a comparable range of side effects, such as headaches, fever, muscle pain, joint pain, malaise, tenderness, redness, as well as pain at the site of vaccination. However, the Pfizer vaccine showed a higher incidence of pain and tenderness at the site of injection and fever compared to AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, respectively. On the other hand, the Sinopharm vaccine was associated with a higher occurrence of headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and malaise in comparison to the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, respectively. In summary, the short-term side effects of the three vaccines were comparable; however, the AstraZeneca vaccine was associated with a lower risk of side effects.
Objectives COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the entire world and one of its impacts was the increased level of stress and anxiety, especially among healthcare workers. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the quality of life (QoL) and sleep quality of healthcare workers in Iraq. Methods This study assessed the QoL and sleep quality by using World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), respectively. The questionnaires were administered through an online cross-sectional survey targeted at workers in medical fields in Iraq from 1st to 20th of August 2021. Key findings Three hundred healthcare workers participated, and females constituted 75.3%. The two questionnaires had very good internal consistency. The highest scoring domain was social relationships, followed by physical health. A significant difference was found in the mean scores of psychological health domain between males and females, with higher scores observed in males. The mean of the total ISI score was 11.58 ± 6.88 with a range between 0 and 27. Severe insomnia was observed in only 9.7% of the participants. A significant negative correlation (r = −0.118) was found between age and ISI scores of the participants. Significant differences were found between males and females with higher ISI mean scores observed among males. Conclusions The QoL and sleep pattern can be affected by COVID-19 infection with the psychological aspect of QoL being the most affected and some degrees of insomnia being observed in many participants.
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