Background: Women constitute a large proportion of the workforce in today's world. Hazardous working environment conditions for these women pose threat to their reproductive health. Despite efforts to address maternal health in Tanzania, the impact of occupational risks during pregnancy remains unclear. We assessed whether maternal occupation during pregnancy is associated with adverse Foetal outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 self-referred post-delivery women at a referral Hospital in Tanzania. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and maternal occupational characteristics was assessed through the use of a pre-tested questionnaire. Questions on physical demanding work and prolonged standing were obtained from the standardized Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. To assess occupational exposure to chemicals, job titles and task descriptions were linked to a job-exposure-matrix, an expert judgment on exposure to chemicals at the workplace. Information relating to obstetric characteristics and pregnancy outcomes was obtained from the medical files and clinic cards. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Odds ratios > 1 was considered risk while Odds ratios < 1 was considered protective and P value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The mean age was 28.0 ± 6.3. Out of 400 post-delivery women studied, 174 (43.5%) were engaged in various occupations. Agriculture (22.4%) was the most prevalent occupation followed by tailoring (19.0%). Relative to the referent group of other occupations, agriculture workers, had higher adjusted odds ratios of congenital malformation (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI; 1.6-12.8)preterm babies (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI; 1.3-7.9), low birth weight (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI; 1.4-8.4) and low Apgar score (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI; 1.3-9.5). Food vendors: low birth weight (AOR = 8.6, 95% CI; 2.7-24.8) and low Apgar score (AOR = 13.5, 95% CI; 4.5-39.4).

Conclusion: Understanding occupational characteristics and their relation to adverse Foetal outcomes is important to formulate appropriate strategies to promote and protect maternal and infant health at work.

Background: Female physicians are more likely to experience burnout and less likely to hold leadership positions. Effective interventions are needed to support women physicians in the workforce.

Objective: To determine if a shared learning, social-based leadership development program will impact burnout and career trajectory for female physicians.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: Multispecialty healthcare system and state medical society members.

Participants: Burnout and Engagement surveys were emailed to 5000 physicians within the Baylor Scott & White Health System (BSWH). The external control group consisted of 516 female physicians within the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and not associated with BSWH. Internal controls included both male (670) and female physicians (240) who did not participate in the program.

Intervention: The Women Leaders in Medicine (WLiM) program included twice-annual in person summits and support programs throughout the 2-year study period.

Measurements: The Maslach Burnout Index (MBI) was utilized to evaluate burnout. Surveys were conducted at three separate points and included interest in leadership, intent to retain current employment, and open comments.

Results: Participants in WLiM had decreased frequency of high emotional exhaustion (mean 2.9 decreased to 2.5), decreased occurrence of high depersonalization (mean 1.6 decreased to 1.3), and improved levels of personal accomplishment (mean 4.7 improved to 5.1) and leadership aspiration (mean 7.4 to 7.8). Intention to stay went from 4.0 to 4.1.

Conclusions: Burnout can be improved, and leadership aspirations fostered with a group leadership development in a cohort of female physicians.

Background: Exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) can occur during occupational activities and leading lung cancer. MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important part in carcinogenesis. Whether Cr(VI) exposure causes cancer-related miRNA changes is yet uncharacterized.

Methods: This study included 89 Cr(VI) exposed workers and 47 controls. MiRNAs were extracted from plasma followed by library preparations, miRNA sequencing, and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) analysis. To understand the underlying biological functions, we used bioinformatics approaches, and qPCR was performed to validate the expression of potential target genes.

Results: A total of 2100 miRNAs were detected. In the exposed workers, 59 DEMs were identified: 21 up-regulated and 38 down-regulated. Target genes for both up- and down-regulated DEMs were significantly enriched in: miRNAs in cancer, small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Protein-protein interactions showed a high number of interactions, in which CCNE2, CDK4 and E2F1 were predicted as hub genes, and the messenger RNA expression of those genes was significantly higher in the exposed workers compared with controls.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that low-to-moderate Cr(VI) exposure results in differential expression of lung-cancer-related miRNAs and associated target genes. Further studies are needed to validate our findings and clarify whether these changes predict cancer risk.

A society risks experiencing inadequate educational services from higher education institutions if severe shortages of lecturers persist. Addressing such a critical social issue necessitates prioritizing lecturer satisfaction, as it is intrinsically linked to lecturer retention, reduced turnover rates, institutional cohesion, lecturer well-being, professional teaching development, and enhanced research and publication outcomes. The study aims to investigate the spillover effects of work-family conflict on job-related consequences, specifically stress and burnout, which subsequently shape work attitudes such as lecturer satisfaction, with occupational experience examined as a moderating variable. Data were collected from 450 Thai lecturers through a survey questionnaire, and a path analysis technique was employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that work-family conflict significantly influenced lecturer stress, which, in turn, was a key predictor of burnout. Additionally, burnout was found to significantly impact lecturer satisfaction, whereas stress did not directly influence satisfaction making burnout act as the mediator between stress and satisfaction. Furthermore, occupational experience moderated the relationship between burnout and lecturer satisfaction, highlighting its critical role in mitigating the adverse effects of burnout on overall work attitudes.

This study aimed to explore the combined impacts of occupational noise and dust on hearing and extra-auditory functions and identify associated risk factors via machine learning techniques. Data from 14,145 workers (627 with occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL)) at Hebei Medical Examination Center (2017-2023) were analyzed. Workers with combined exposure and without specific contraindications or other hearing impairment causes were included. Demographic and clinical data were gathered. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests examined variables, and multivariate logistic regression determined ONIHL risk factors. Machine learning algorithms like Logistic Regression and Random Forest were developed, optimized, and evaluated. Results showed significant differences in gender, exposure, blood pressure, smoking, etc. between ONIHL and non-ONIHL groups. Male gender, combined exposure, diastolic blood pressure elevation, smoking, fasting blood glucose elevation, and age were positive predictors, while systolic blood pressure elevation was negative. The logistic model had the highest predictive ability (ROC = 0.714). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant positive correlation in specific subgroups. In summary, combined exposure increased ONIHL risk and affected health. Machine learning effectively predicted ONIHL, but the study had limitations and needed further research.

Background: Technostress is defined as a psychological state associated with the increased usage of advanced computer technologies on a daily basis. It is also defined as an anxiety feeling or mental strain due to excessive exposure or involvement with technologies.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the level of technostress associated with burnout and fatigue among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the state hospitals of Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to November 2023 among HCWs working in the 15-state hospitals in Malaysia. A standardized questionnaire was distributed among the HCWs in the state hospitals in Malaysia. The questionnaire contains information on socio-demography and topic-specific scales on technostress, burnout and fatigue.

Results: A total of 1620 HCWs were included in the analysis, of which 244 (15%) have high level of technostress, 1089 (67%) have moderate technostress, and 287 (18%) have low technostress. Burnout, and fatigue were significantly associated with technostress. HCWs with moderate burnout were less likely to have high technostress compared to those with high burnout (B = -0.993, 95% CI; 0.231 - 0.594; p < 0.001). Those with moderate fatigue were less likely to have high technostress (B = -3.844, 95% CI; 0.003 - 0.162; p < 0.001) compared to those with high fatigue.

Conclusions: This study found that majority of the HCWs have moderate level of technostress. Technostress has become more common after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 drastically altered working conditions and made remote work using information and communication technologies (ICT) a necessity rather than a luxury. Mitigation measures and programs that include psychological support for individuals who are struggling with the technostress and burnout are needed to overcome this issue.

This research focused on examining the occurrence of heavy metals, including Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Hg, Pb, and V, within the dust and scalp hair of individuals working at gas stations within Erbil province, as well as residents living in rural areas of Hawraman, away from polluted sources. The measurements of metals were performed in a laboratory environment utilizing an XRF device, including the Thermo Scientific Genius 9000 model. The findings revealed significantly higher concentrations of heavy metals in dust particles and hair samples collected from gas station workers compared to those from clean rural areas. The values derived from the Geo-accumulation index (I_GEO) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) suggest that pollution from gas stations ranged from uncontaminated to moderate, reaching severe levels. Specifically, the PLI at gas stations reached an elevated level of 7.02, decreasing to 0.49 in rural areas. A strong connection has been identified between the concentrations of metallic elements in the dust particles and worker's hair samples. Workers with over 22 years of experience had higher metal levels in their hair, while those aged 20-30 had lower levels than those over 55.

Introduction: Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) has been associated with both silicosis and lung cancer, but no systematic review (SR) specifically focused on exposure-response relationships has been published for these diseases.

Methods: We conducted this SR in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed searches, supplemented with Web of Science and Google Scholar searches, identified 1,007 potentially relevant articles. After applying selection criteria and removing duplicates, 65 publications were reviewed and evaluated, 20 of which presented at least semi-quantitative exposure-response results for lung cancer (n = 12) and/or silicosis (n = 10).

Results: Cumulative RCS exposure was most commonly reported. Increasing silicosis risk with increasing cumulative RCS exposure was reported in all studies, with exposure thresholds indicated, but at different cumulative exposures. For most studies defining silicosis as International Labor Organization (ILO) score ≥ 1/0, substantially increased risks were clear at or above 1 mg-/m³-yr. For lung cancer, exposure-response estimates were mixed with 4 studies reporting no statistically significantly increased relative risk of lung cancer at any cumulative RCS exposure. Three studies reported statistically significant increased risks but only for high cumulative RCS exposures. Residual confounding by smoking was not explicitly discussed in most studies. One case-control study presented an exposure-response analysis for silica and lung cancer limited to never-smokers with substantial silica exposure; risk was increased only among those in the highest RCS exposure category. Studies with more detailed smoking information generally reported risks close to background levels except at the highest cumulative RCS exposure categories.

Conclusion: Silicosis risk clearly and consistently was increased above cumulative exposure thresholds of roughly 1 mg/m³-years across most studies. However, for lung cancer, results were heterogeneous with potential residual confounding by smoking complicating interpretation. Results suggest that lung cancer risk may not be increased at cumulative RCS exposures below the reported exposure thresholds for silicosis risk.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common work-related conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system owing to poor ergonomic practices, overexertion, and repetitive motions. Globally, MSDs account for a significant proportion of disabilities due to the physical tasks and demanding nature of jobs. Despite global efforts to reduce occupational hazards, little information is available on MSDs among quarry workers in Gambia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the prevalence of MSDs and their associated factors in quarry workers in Gambia.

Methods: This study adopted an analytical cross-sectional design that was conducted in 2023. A total of 258 quarry workers were selected from 4 quarries in the West Coast Region. Participants were randomly selected and the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was modified and used with additional structured questionnaires. Data were collected using the Kobo Collect App and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Bivariate analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression, Pearson's chi-square test, point-biserial correlation, and Fisher's exact test to identify the association between predictors and outcome variables. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value < 0.05, and the significance was also reported using an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI).

Results: The study revealed a high MSD prevalence of 93% among quarry workers, with the most affected body parts being the lower back (90.3%), shoulders (68.1%), and upper back (61.3%). Significant associations were observed between MSDs and factors such as nationality (p = 0.048), job description (p = 0.047), BMI score (p < 0.001), periodic health examination (p = 0.031), years of experience (p = 0.029), health and safety training (p = 0.044), and lifting or carrying weights (p = 0.044). Quarry workers whose nationality was Gambian had 82.8% (aOR = 0.172; 95% CI = 0.048-0.619) reduced odds of sustaining MSDs when compared to respondents whose nationality was non-Gambian. Increasing years of experience had 15.0% (aOR = 0.850; 95% CI = 0.725-0.997), increase in hours of daily work had 40.3% (aOR = 0.597; 95% CI = 0.386-0.925), and increasing BMI score had 29.9% (aOR = 0.701; 95% CI = 0.584-0.841) reduction in the odds of sustaining MSDs. However, increasing household size among quarry workers had 1.26 (aOR = 1.261; 95% CI = 1.015-1.566) higher odds of sustaining MSDs.

Conclusion: This study underscores a critical public health concern with the high prevalence of MSDs among quarry workers in The Gambia, which is associated with poor ergonomic training and inadequate safety training. Reducing the burden of MSDs in this population requires interventions that focus on better working conditions, ergonomic training, and regular health evaluations.

Background: Over the past several decades, the number of female physicians entering the medical and healthcare workplace has increased. Despite their skills and qualifications, they face several challenges in their career including gender discrimination, work-life balance, sexual harassment, limited career advancement opportunities, and burnout. The purpose of this study is to assess perceived challenges encountered by women physicians in the workplace and identify coping strategies to overcome these challenges and achieve professional success.

Methods: A qualitative research design with an inductive approach was used to collect the data from female physicians' experiences at their workplace between July and December 2023 through a semi-structured one-on-one interview with open-ended questions. Purposive and snowball techniques were used to recruit female physicians working in private and/or public Lebanese hospitals. The interviews were conducted in Arabic, recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data.

Results: A total of 12 women physicians participated in the interviews. The analysis identified three main themes: (1) personal challenges faced by women in medicine, (2) institutional challenges faced by women in medicine, and (3) Solutions for issues faced by women in medicine.

Conclusions: Participants highlighted personal challenges such as work-life balance, and burnout, as well as institutional obstacles like gender discrimination, limited career advancement opportunities, and sexual harassment. By uncovering these barriers this research provides a critical foundation for the development of targeted policies and interventions aimed at fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for women in the medical profession.