Search results

1

The role of cognitive schemata in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder: results of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies

100%

Dudek B., Szymczak W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2011

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vol. 24

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issue 1

29-35

EN

Objective: There are two theories (by Horowitz and by Foa) which attempt at explaining the process of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development by information dissonance. The purpose of the present study was to verify these theories via cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Materials and Methods: The study based on a cross-sectional design was performed on a representative group of Polish firefighters. The study using a longitudinal protocol was conducted among police officers. The level of PTSD was assessed using the Questionnaire for PTSD Measurement (K-PTSD). The sense of coherence (SOC) was measured with the Polish adaptation of the Orientation to Life Questionnaire by A. Antonovsky. Results: In the cross-sectional study, the correlation coefficients between K-PTSD and SOC were –0.35 (p < 0.001) in the group of firefighters and –0.47 (p < 0.001) in that of police officers. In the longitudinal study, the relationship between SOC and PTSD symptoms appeared to be curvilinear and had the U-letter shape. Therefore, we used ANOVA for statistical analysis. Unfortunately, the F(2.31) = 1.900 and p > 0.05 indicated that the tendency we observed was not statistically significant. Conclusions: We would like to propose two possible explanations for the difference in the relationships between SOC and PTSD symptoms obtained in the studies employing the cross-sectional and the longitudinal protocols.

2

Czynniki ryzyka chorób układu krążenia (CVD) a stres życiowy i zawodowy u policjantów

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Czaja-Mitura I., Merecz-Kot D., Szymczak W., Bortkiewicz A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2013

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vol. 64

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issue 3

335-348

EN

Background: Several studies have shown an association between work-related stress and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, only a few studies concerned the police. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the general and work-related stress, and the functioning of the circulatory system in the police staff. Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 126 policemen (aged 37.8±7.3 years), with average employment duration of 14.4±7 years. The study comprised the assessment of health status based on the medical examination and medical history of identified diseases, cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms, dietary habits, physical activity, intake of drugs, data on the family history, determinations of serum total cholesterol, HDL and LDL fractions, triglycerides, and fasting glycemia. The stress level was assessed using the Questionnaire for the Subjective Assessment of Work and Perceived Stress Scale. Results: On medical examination hypertension was found in 36% of the people under study. Chest discomfort was reported by 60% of the subjects. Average body mass index (BMI), serum cholesterol and LDL were elevated (22.7±4.1, 222.6±41.7 mg/dl and 142.7±39.7 mg/dl, respectively). Mean triglyceride, HDL fraction and fasting glucose levels were normal in the whole group. The levels of general and occupational stress were 34.9±4.8 and 128.0±33.3, respectively, being higher than in other occupational groups. In the group with the highest level of stress, there were significantly more people with circulatory problems (81%), drinking strong alcohol at least once a week (27%), working in a 3-shift system (40.5%) and working overtime (44%). Conclusions: The results show that the police are a group at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to work-related stress. Med Pr 2013;64(3):335–348

PL

Wprowadzenie: W wielu badaniach wykazano związek między stresem związanym z pracą a czynnikami ryzyka chorób układu krążenia. Tylko nieliczne z nich dotyczyły policjantów. Cel pracy: Celem pracy była ocena związku między stresem ogólnym i zawodowym a funkcjonowaniem układu krążenia u policjantów. Grupa badana: Badania przeprowadzono u 126 policjantów w wieku 37,8±7,3 lat, o średnim stażu pracy: 14,4±7 lat. Metody: Badanie obejmowało: ocenę stanu zdrowia na podstawie badania lekarskiego i wywiadu dotyczącego stwierdzonych chorób, czynników ryzyka i dolegliwości ze strony układu krążenia, nawyków żywieniowych, aktywności fizycznej, używek oraz wywiadu rodzinnego, badania stężenia cholesterolu całkowitego, frakcji HDL (high density lipoprotein - lipoproteina wysokiej gęstości) i LDL (low density lipoprotein - lipoproteina niskiej gęstości), trójglicerydów i glikemii na czczo. Poziom stresu oceniano z zastosowaniem „Kwestionariusza do subiektywnej oceny pracy” i Skali Spostrzeganego Stresu. Wyniki: Nadciśnienie tętnicze w badaniu lekarskim stwierdzono u 36% osób. Dolegliwości w klatce piersiowej zgłaszało 60% osób. Średni wskaźnik masy ciała (body mass index - BMI), stężenie cholesterolu i frakcji LDL było podwyższone (odpowiednio: 22,7±4,1; 222,6±41,7 mg/dl i 142,7±39,7 mg/dl). Średnie stężenie triglicerydów, frakcji HDL i glukozy na czczo w całej grupie było w normie. Poziom stresu ogólnego i zawodowego był wyższy niż w innych grupach zawodowych (wynosił odpowiednio: 34,9±4,8 i 128,0±33,3). W grupie o najwyższym poziomie stresu istotnie więcej było osób z dolegliwościami ze strony układu krążenia (81%), spożywających mocny alkohol co najmniej raz w tygodniu (27%), pracujących w systemie 3-zmianowym (40,5%) i w godzinach nadliczbowych (44%). Wnioski: Wyniki badania wskazują, że policjanci są grupą o wysokim ryzyku sercowo-naczyniowym związanym ze stresem zawodowym. Med. Pr. 2013;64(3):335–348

3

Wpływ stresu i intensywności rozmów przez telefon komórkowy na stan zdrowia i dolegliwości subiektywne pracowników sieci GSM

81%

Szyjkowska A., Gadzicka E., Szymczak W., Bortkiewicz A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2017

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vol. 68

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issue 5

617-628

EN

Background There are no available data on the health consequences that may result from the synergistic effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and stress. Understanding the mechanisms of the simultaneous exposure will make it possible to develop procedures to minimize adverse health effects in professionals using mobile phones. Material and Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted in 600 randomly selected people to obtain data on their health status and the prevalence of subjective symptoms related to the mobile phones using. Among them, there were 208 GSM Network employees, to whom the Perceived Stress Scale and Assessment of Stress at Work Questionnaire were sent. Eighty-nine completed questionnaires were returned (response rate – 42.8%). Results The mean age of respondents was 30.3 years (standard deviation (SD) = 7.7), time of occupational use of mobile phone – 4.1 years (SD = 1.7), the level of occupational stress – 95.3 (SD = 19.1). A significant percentage of people (62.8%) complained of the frequent difficulties in coping with problems of everyday life, and 57.4% had a fairly frequent problems with managing their own affairs. Significant differences in the life stress were detected between groups with different time of phone use (p = 0.03), and in occupational stress level, significant differences were noted between the 2 groups differing in the length of the conversation (p = 0.05). The risk of headache, associated (odds ratio (OR) = 4.2, p = 0.008) or not associated (OR = 2.97, p = 0.04) with calls on mobile phone, adjusted for stress, was significantly higher in people speaking via mobile more than 60 min/day than in those talking less. Conclusions The study indicates that both stressors acting at the same time (EMF from cell phone and stress) adversely affect the well-being of workers and increase the risk of subjective symptoms. Med Pr 2017;68(5):617–628

PL

Wstęp Dotąd nie opublikowano danych dotyczących skutków zdrowotnych, jakie mogą być efektem synergistycznego działania pól elektromagnetycznych (PEM) i stresu. Poznanie mechanizmów ich jednoczesnego działania pozwoli na przygotowanie odpowiednich procedur, które zminimalizują niekorzystne skutki zdrowotne występujące u osób zawodowo używających telefonów komórkowych. Materiał i metody U 600 losowo wybranych osób przeprowadzono badanie ankietowe dotyczące stanu zdrowia i częstości występowania dolegliwości subiektywnych związanych z korzystaniem z telefonów komórkowych. Wśród respondentów było 208 pracowników sieci GSM, do których skierowano ankietę dotyczącą oceny poziomu stresu ogólnego (Skala Spostrzeganego Stresu) oraz Kwestionariusz do Subiektywnej Oceny Pracy. Otrzymano 89 wypełnionych kwestionariuszy (odsetek zwrotu: 42,8%). Wyniki Średni wiek badanych wynosił 30,3 roku (odchylenie standardowe (standard deviation – SD) = 7,7), ich średni staż pracy z telefonem komórkowym – 4,1 roku (SD = 1,7), a poziom stresu zawodowego (według przyjętych norm) – 95,3 (SD = 19,1). Oceniając stres życiowy, najwięcej osób (62,8%) skarżyło się na częste problemy z uporaniem się z kłopotami dnia codziennego, a 57,4% miało dość częste problemy z pokierowaniem własnymi sprawami. W ocenie stresu życiowego istotnie różniły się osoby o różnym stażu pracy z telefonem komórkowym (p = 0,03), a w ocenie stresu zawodowego osoby prowadzące przez niego rozmowy o różnej długości (p = 0,05). Ryzyko bólów głowy zarówno kojarzonych (iloraz szans (odds ratio – OR) = 4,2, p = 0,008), jak i niekojarzonych (OR = 2,97, p = 0,04) z rozmowami przez telefon komórkowy – po uwzględnieniu wpływu stresu – było istotnie wyższe u osób rozmawiających przez telefon ponad 60 min dziennie niż u osób rozmawiających krócej. Wnioski Przeprowadzone badania wskazują, że oba stresory działające jednocześnie (PEM telefonu komórkowego oraz stres zawodowy i ogólny) niekorzystnie wpływają na samopoczucie pracowników i zwiększają ryzyko występowania dolegliwości subiektywnych. Med. Pr. 2017;68(5):617–628

4

Reakcja układu krążenia na stres i pole elektromagnetyczne emitowane przez telefony komórkowe – 24-godzinne monitorowanie EKG i ciśnienia tętniczego

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Szyjkowska A., Gadzicka E., Szymczak W., Bortkiewicz A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2019

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vol. 70

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issue 4

411-424

EN

Background Experimental studies have shown cardiovascular effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by mobile phones (e.g., prolonged QTc interval and abnormal blood pressure [BP] values). Also, stress may have an impact on the cardiovascular function. However, there are practically no data regarding the joint effect of exposure to stress and EMF, with both factors pertaining, e.g., to employees of mobile network operators. Material and Methods Out of 208 subjects who had taken part in survey research, 55 workers agreed to undergo resting ECG, 24-h ECG and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Their health condition, occupational and life-stress levels and EMF exposure were also assessed. Results Among the workers using mobile phones for more than 60 min daily, the systolic BP values in office measurement and at night-time in ABPM were significantly higher than among the workers spending less time talking on mobile phones (p = 0.04 and p = 0.036, respectively). The workers with the highest level of occupational stress showed significantly higher systolic 24-h BP (p = 0.007) and at day-time (p = 0.002), both during work (p = 0.010) and after work (p = 0.005), and higher diastolic BP values at day-time (p = 0.028). Cardiovascular response was strongly gender-related: males showed more BP abnormalities while females displayed more impairments in ECG records. The heart rate from 24 h was significantly correlated with the level of occupational stress, after adjusting for gender, life-stress and EMF. Conclusions The findings obtained thus far have indicated the need to conduct in-depth studies on the impact of stress and EMF emitted by mobile phones on the health effects, in order to clarify the observed gender-related differences in cardiovascular response to the combined exposure to stress and EMF. Med Pr. 2019;70(4):411–24

PL

Wstęp W badaniach eksperymentalnych zaobserwowano wpływ korzystania z telefonu komórkowego na pracę serca, m.in. wydłużenie odstępu QTc oraz zmiany w wartościach ciśnienia tętniczego. Także stres może wywoływać zmiany w układzie krążenia. Brak jednak badań uwzględniających jednoczesne oddziaływanie stresu i pola elektromagnetycznego (PEM). Oba czynniki dotyczą m.in. pracowników sieci komórkowych. Materiał i metody Spośród 208 badanych we wcześniejszych etapach metodą ankietową 55 osób wyraziło zgodę na udział w dalszych badaniach [EKG spoczynkowe, 24-godzinna rejestracja EKG i ciśnienia tętniczego (ambulatory blood pressure monitoring − ABPM)]. Oceniono u nich także stan zdrowia, poziom stresu zawodowego i ogólnego oraz ekspozycję na PEM. Wyniki W przypadku osób rozmawiających przez telefon komórkowy ponad 60 min dziennie ciśnienie skurczowe w pomiarze jednorazowym i ciśnienie skurczowe z nocy w badaniu ABPM były istotnie wyższe niż u rozmawiających krócej (odpowiednio, p = 0,04 i p = 0,036). Badani, u których stwierdzono najwyższy poziom stresu zawodowego, charakteryzowali się istotnie wyższym ciśnieniem skurczowym w okresie doby (p = 0,007) i dnia (p = 0,002), zarówno w pracy (p = 0,010), jak i po niej (p = 0,005), oraz wyższym ciśnieniem rozkurczowym w okresie dnia (p = 0,028). Reakcja układu krążenia była istotnie zależna od płci. U mężczyzn dominowały zaburzenia ciśnienia tętniczego, a u kobiet – zaburzenia przewodzenia w EKG. Częstość skurczów serca w okresie doby z uwzględnieniem wpływu płci, stresu ogólnego i PEM była istotnie skorelowana z poziomem stresu zawodowego. Wnioski Uzyskane dotychczas wyniki wskazują na potrzebę dalszych badań w celu wyjaśnienia przyczyn różnej u kobiet i mężczyzn odpowiedzi układu krążenia na działanie stresu i PEM emitowanego przez telefony komórkowe. Med. Pr. 2019;70(4):411–424

5

Mobile phone use and risk for intracranial tumors and salivary gland tumors – A meta-analysis

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Bortkiewicz A., Gadzicka E., Szymczak W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2017

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vol. 30

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issue 1

27-43

EN

Results of epidemiological studies on the association between use of mobile phone and brain cancer are ambiguous, as well as the results of 5 meta-analysis studies published to date. Since the last meta-analysis (2009), new case-control studies have been published, which theoretically could affect the conclusions on this relationship. Therefore, we decided to perform a new meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic review of multiple electronic data bases for relevant publications. The inclusion criteria were: original papers, case-control studies, published till the end of March 2014, measures of association (point estimates as odds ratio and confidence interval of the effect measured), data on individual exposure. Twenty four studies (26 846 cases, 50 013 controls) were included into the meta-analysis. A significantly higher risk of an intracranial tumor (all types) was noted for the period of mobile phone use over 10 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.324, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.028–1.704), and for the ipsilateral location (OR = 1.249, 95% CI: 1.022–1.526). The results support the hypothesis that long-term use of mobile phone increases risk of intracranial tumors, especially in the case of ipsilateral exposure. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(1):27–43

6

The risk of subjective symptoms in mobile phone users in Poland – An epidemiological study

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Szyjkowska A., Gadzicka E., Szymczak W., Bortkiewicz A.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2014

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vol. 27

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issue 2

293-303

EN

Objectives: To assess the type and incidence of subjective symptoms related to the use of mobile phones in Polish users. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 2005 using a questionnaire survey. Although it has been quite a long time, up to now, no such data have been published for Poland. The questionnaire consisted of 53 questions concerning sex, age, education, general health, characteristics of a mobile phone (hand-held, loud-speaking unit) as well as the habits associated with its use (frequency and duration of calls, text messages, etc.) and complaints associated with using a mobile phone. Results: As many as 1800 questionnaires were sent. The response was obtained from 587 subjects aged 32.6±11.3 (48.9% women, 51.1% men); the age did not differ significantly between men and women. The subjects owned a cell phone for an average of 3 years. Majority of the respondents used the phone intensively, i.e. daily (74%) or almost daily (20%). Headaches were reported significantly more often by the people who talked frequently and long in comparison with other users (63.2% of the subjects, p = 0.0029), just like the symptoms of fatigue (45%, p = 0.013). Also, the feeling of warmth around the ear and directly to the auricle was reported significantly more frequently by the intensive mobile phone users, compared with other mobile phone users (47.3%, p = 0.00004 vs. 44.6%, p = 0.00063, respectively). Most symptoms appeared during or immediately after a call and disappeared within 2 h after the call. Continuous headache, persisting for longer than 6 h since the end of a call, was reported by 26% of the subjects. Conclusions: Our results show that the mobile phone users may experience subjective symptoms, the intensity of which depends on the intensity of use of mobile phones.

7

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in radio and TV broadcasting stations workers

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Bortkiewicz A., Gadzicka E., Szymczak W., Zmyślony M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2012

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vol. 25

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issue 4

446-455

EN

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the mechanism of cardiovascular impairments in workers exposed to UHF-VHF radio frequency electromagnetic fi elds (EMF). Materials and Methods: Heart rate variability (HRV) was analysed using 512 normal heart beats registered at rest. The analysis concerned time-domain (STD R-R) and frequencydomain (VLF, LF, HF) parameters of HRV. Fifty nine workers (group I) with low-level and 12 workers (group II) with highlevel exposure were examined. The mean age of the subjects was 47±9 years and 41±14 years, and mean exposure duration 19.1±8.8 years and 13±4 years, in groups I and II, respectively. The groups were divided according to: $\text{E}_\text{max}$, $\text{E}_\text{dose}$, $\text{E}_\text{mean}$ for frequencies UHF, VHF and UHF+VHF: The control group consisted of 42 non-exposed subjects, aged 49±8 years. Statistical analysis comprised one-way analysis of variance, covariance analysis and logistic regression models. Results: In the exposed groups, the heart rate was higher than in the control one. Standard deviation of R-R intervals (STD R-R) was found to be signifi cantly (p = 0.0285) lower in group I (42.5±24.7 ms) compared to the control group (62.9±53.5 ms). The risk of lowered STD R-R was signifi cantly increased (OR = 2.37, p = 0.023) in group II. Both exposed groups presented signifi cantly higher VLF and LF values than the control group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.0025, respectively). The EMF-exposed groups were characterised by the dominance of the sympathetic system (LF/HF 1.3±0.35). Conclusions: The results indicate that exposure to radiofrequency EMF may affect the neurovegetative regulation.

8

Changes in tympanic temperature during the exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phone

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Bortkiewicz A., Gadzicka E., Szymczak W., Zmyślony M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2012

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vol. 25

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issue 2

145-150

EN

Objective: Mobile phones generate microwave radiation which is absorbed by exposed tissue and converted into heat. It may cause detrimental health effects. The aim of the experiment was to check if exposure to EMF emitted by mobile phone influenced the tympanic temperature. Material and Methods: Human volunteer study was performed on ten healthy young men, aged 22.1±4.7 years, examined three times: 1. on a day with 2×60 min of no exposure (sham day), 2. on a day with continuous, 60 min exposure and 60 min of no exposure, 3. on a day with intermittent exposure (4×15 min “on” and 4×15 min “off”). Exposure was generated by mobile phone (frequency 900 MHz, SAR 1.23 W/kg). The study was double-blind, performed under controlled conditions (at 24°C and 70% humidity). The tympanic temperature (Tty) was monitored every 10 sec by a thermistor probe placed close to the aural canal membrane in the ear opposite the one in contact with mobile phone (contralateral position). Multivariate repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to calculate the results. Results: The mean Tty in the whole group during continuous exposure was significantly higher than during sham exposure (p = 0.0001). During intermittent exposure the temperature was lower than during sham day (difference was up to 0.11°C). Within an hour after continuous exposure, Tty was higher by 0.03°C and after intermittent exposure Tty was lower by 0.18°C in comparison with sham day. Two hours after exposure Tty was significantly lower (p = 0.0001) than after sham exposure (0.06°C and 0.26°C respectively). The trends in Tty during experiment differed significantly in relation to exposure conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this analysis indicate that the physiological response to EMF exposure from mobile phone was mostly related to type of exposure (continuous or intermittent).

9

Cardiovascular changes in workers exposed to fine particulate dust

61%

Bortkiewicz A., Gadzicka E., Stroszejn-Mrowca G., Szyjkowska A., Szymczak W., Koszada-Włodarczyk W., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2014

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vol. 27

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issue 1

78-92

EN

Objectives: Epidemiological studies provide evidence that airborne particulate matter may contribute to the increased incidence and mortality rates due to pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Only some of them address the problem of occupational exposure to particulate air pollution. The aim of our study was to assess cardiovascular reaction and autonomic regulation in workers exposed to fine particles. Materials and Methods: All workers had medical examination, resting ECG with heart rate variability analysis (HRV), 24-h ECG, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) performed. The subjects were 20 male workers (mean age: 32.14.0 year) of a ceramic ware factory exposed to the dust and 20 workers who were not exposed (mean age: 39.4±7.8 year). The period of employment under exposure amounted to 5.6±2.1 year. Dust exposure was measured using individual dosimeters. Results: The geometric mean total dust concentration was 44±1.5 mg/m³ and the FPD (fine particulate dust) concentration amounted to 11.5±1.6 mg/m³. No abnormalities were noted in the resting ECG in both groups, in 24-h ECG 2 subjects, both from exposed and control groups, had ventricular heart rhythm and repolarization disturbances. Blood pressure in ABPM, both systolic as well as diastolic, was normal and did not differ between the groups. Resting heart rate in the exposed group was significantly lower (p = 0.038) than in the control group. In the exposed group STD R-R from short-term records was significantly higher (p = 0.01). Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis showed that the low frequency power spectrum (LF) did not differ in the exposed and the control group, while high frequency (HF) was significantly higher in the exposed group. LF/HF ratio was significantly lower in the exposed in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: Although we did not reveal significant abnormalities in ECG as well as in ABPM in the exposed group, it seems that neurovegetative disturbances (parasympathetic predominance) may serve as an early indicator of fine particulate dust effect on cardiovascular system.

10

Subjective complaints of people living near mobile phone base stations in Poland

61%

Bortkiewicz A., Gadzicka E., Szyjkowska A., Politański P., Mamrot P., Szymczak W., Zmyślony M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2012

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vol. 25

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issue 1

31-40

EN

Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the health conditions and subjective symptoms of the inhabitants living in the base stations vicinity and to analyse the relationship between the complaints and level of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Materials and Methods: Our study was performed in housing estates located in five regions of Łódź. The electric field measurements were performed in the buildings located closest to the azimuth of the antennas. Respondents were selected by trained interviewers using an uniform procedure. The number of the households to be examined was set at a minimum of 420. The questionnaire contained: demographic data, occupational and environmental exposure to EMF, health condition, subjective complaints. Results were adjusted for confounders (age, gender, EMF at the workplace and EMF emitted by household equipment) using multiple regression model. Results: 181 men and 319 women from 500 households were examined. Electric field above 0.8 V/m was recorded in 12% of flats. There was no significant correlation between electric field strength and the distance of examined flats from the base stations. To make possible comparison with relevant literature, we analysed also the frequency of the reported symptoms vs. the distance. Headache was declared by 57% people, most frequently (36.4%) living 100–150 m away from the base station compared to people living at longer distances (p = 0.013). 24.4% subjects, mostly living at a distance above 150 m, declared impaired memory. Difference was statistically significant in comparison with people living at other distances (p = 0.004). Conclusions: The explanation why we did not find any correlation between the electric field strength and frequency of subjective symptoms but found a correlation between subjective symptoms and distance from base station needs further studies. Maybe new metrics of exposure assessment should be adopted for this purpose.

11

Zapobieganie chorobom układu krążenia – program profilaktyczny wdrożony w wybranym przedsiębiorstwie

61%

Siedlecka J., Gadzicka E., Szyjkowska A., Siedlecki P., Szymczak W., Makowiec-Dąbrowska T., Bortkiewicz A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2017

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vol. 68

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issue 6

757-769

EN

Background In Poland cardiovascular diseases (CVD), classified as work-related diseases, are responsible for 25% of disability and cause 50% of all deaths, including 26.9% of deaths in people aged under 65 years. The aim of the study was to analyze employee expectations regarding CVD- oriented prophylactic activities in the selected enterprise. Material and Methods A questionnaire, developed for this study, consists of: socio-demographic data, job characteristics, occupational factors, and questions about the respondents’ expectations concerning the prevention program. The study group comprised 407 multi-profile company employees aged (mean) 46.7 years (standard deviation (SD) = 9.1), including 330 men (81.1%), mean age = 46.9 (SD = 9.2) and 77 women (18.9%), mean age = 45.9 (SD = 8.2) The study was performed using the method of auditorium survey. Results Employees declared the need for actions related to physical activity: use of gym, swimming pool, tennis (56.5%), smoking habits – education sessions on quitting smoking (24.6%). A few people were interested in activities related to healthy diet. According to the majority of the study group, the scope of preventive examinations should be expanded. Based on our own findings and literature data CVD- -oriented preventive program, addressed to the analyzed enterprise was prepared. The program will be presented in another paper. Conclusions The results showed significant quantitative and qualitative differences in the classic and occupational CVD risk factors between men and women, as well as in preferences for participation in prevention programs. Therefore, gender differences should be taken into account when planning prevention programs. Med Pr 2017;68(6):757–769

PL

Wstęp Choroby układu krążenia (ChUK), zaliczane do chorób związanych z pracą, są przyczyną 25% niezdolności do pracy i 50% wszystkich zgonów w Polsce, w tym 26,9% zgonów osób przed 65. rokiem życia. Założeniem pracy była analiza oczekiwań pracowników wybranego przedsiębiorstwa odnośnie do działań profilaktycznych ukierunkowanych na ChUK w zależności od płci. Materiał i metody Na potrzeby badania przygotowano ankietę obejmującą dane socjodemograficzne, charakterystykę pracy, czynniki środowiska pracy i pytania dotyczące oczekiwań respondentów odnośnie do planowanego programu profilaktycznego. Grupę badaną stanowiło losowo dobranych 407 pracowników wieloprofilowego przedsiębiorstwa. Średnia wieku badanych wynosiła 46,7 roku (odchylenie standardowe (standard deviation – SD) = 9,1) – 330 mężczyzn (81,1%) o średniej wieku = 46,9 roku (SD = 9,2) i 77 kobiet (18,9%) o średniej wieku = 45,9 roku (SD = 8,2). Badania przeprowadzono z zastosowaniem ankiety audytoryjnej. Wyniki Potrzebę działań w zakresie aktywności fizycznej (korzystanie z siłowni, basenu, sali gimnastycznej, kortu tenisowego) zgłosiło 56,5% badanych, a w zakresie walki z nałogiem palenia (sesje edukacyjne dotyczące zaprzestania palenia) – 24,6%. Niewielki odsetek osób był zainteresowany działaniami dotyczącymi zdrowego żywienia. Według większości badanych zakres badań profilaktycznych powinien być rozszerzony. Na podstawie niniejszych badań i danych z piśmiennictwa przygotowano program profilaktyczny przeznaczony dla przedsiębiorstwa, w którym przeprowadzono badania. Program i wyniki jego ewaluacji będą przedstawione w kolejnej publikacji. Wnioski Na podstawie uzyskanych wyników wykazano istotne ilościowe i jakościowe różnice dotyczące pozazawodowych i zawodowych czynników ryzyka ChUK między grupą kobiet a mężczyzn oraz preferencji dotyczących udziału w programach profilaktycznych. Wyniki wskazują, że przy planowaniu programów profilaktycznych należy uwzględniać różnice wynikające z płci. Med. Pr. 2017;68(6):757–769

12

Objawy i zespoły neurologiczne u kierowców pojazdów komunikacji miejskiej

52%

Sińczuk-Walczak H., Siedlecka J., Szymczak W., Gadzicka E., Walczak A., Kowalczyk G., Dania M., Bortkiewicz A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2015

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vol. 66

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issue 3

333-341

EN

Background The way the municipal transport drivers perform their job contributes to varied burdens linked with the body posture at work, stress, shift work, vibration, noise and exposure to chemical agents. The aim of the study was to assess the condition of the nervous system (NS) in municipal transport drivers. Material and Methods The study covered 42 men, aged 43.4 years (standard deviation (SD): 8.3), employed as bus drivers in the municipal transport enterprise. The duration of employment was 11.8 years on average (SD: 8.6). The condition of the nervous system was assessed on the basis of clinical neurological examinations. Results Chronic lumbosacral syndrome was found in 54.8% of the subjects. A significant relationship between the incidence of lumbosacral syndrome and the duration of employment (p = 0.032) was observed; significantly higher in drivers employed for 11–15 years (90.9%) in comparison to the remaining groups. Nervous system functional disorders were niejedcharacterized by the increased emotional irritability (47.6%), sleep disorders manifested by excessive sleepiness (33.3%) or insomnia (28.6%) and headaches (3%), mostly tension headaches. Excessive daytime sleepiness was significantly age-dependent (p = 0.038). Conclusions The evidenced NS disorders indicate the need to undertake preventive measures tailored for the occupational group of bus drivers. Med Pr 2015;66(3):333–341

PL

Wstęp Sposób wykonywania pracy przez kierowców transportu publicznego powoduje obciążenia związane z wymuszoną pozycją ciała, stresem, zmianowością pracy, wibracją, hałasem i narażeniem na czynniki chemiczne. Celem podjętych badań było rozpoznanie stanu układu nerwowego (UN) kierowców komunikacji miejskiej. Materiał i metody Badaniami objęto 42 mężczyzn w średnim wieku: 43,4 roku (odchylenie standardowe (standard deviation – SD): 8,3), zatrudnionych w miejskim przedsiębiorstwie komunikacyjnym na stanowiskach kierowców autobusów. Okres zatrudnienia badanych wynosił średnio 11,8 lat (SD: 8,6). Ocenę stanu UN przeprowadzono na podstawie klinicznego badania neurologicznego. Wyniki W obrazie klinicznym dominował przewlekły zespół korzeniowy lędźwiowo-krzyżowy, stwierdzony u 54,8% badanych. Wykazano istotną zależność między częstością występowania zespołów lędźwiowo-krzyżowych a stażem pracy w charakterze kierowcy (p = 0,032). Istotnie większa zależność dotyczyła kierowców ze stażem zatrudnienia 11–15 lat (90,9%) w porównaniu z pozostałymi grupami wiekowymi. Zaburzenia czynnościowe UN charakteryzowały się stanami wzmożonej pobudliwości emocjonalnej (47,6%), zaburzeniami snu objawiającymi się nadmierną sennością (33,3%) lub bezsennością (28,6%) oraz bólami głowy (31%) z przewagą bólów głowy typu napięciowego. Objawy nadmiernej senności w ciągu dnia w istotny sposób (p = 0,038) zależały od wieku badanych. Wnioski Stwierdzone zaburzenia w układzie nerwowym wskazują na potrzebę podjęcia profilaktycznych działań specyficznych dla grupy zawodowej kierowców autobusów. Med. Pr. 2015;66(3):333–341

13

Health risk to medical personnel of surgical smoke produced during laparoscopic surgery

52%

Dobrogowski M., Wesolowski W., Kucharska M., Paduszyńska K., Dworzyńska A., Szymczak W., Sapota A., Pomorski L.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 5

831-840

EN

Objectives During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the removal of the gall bladder, pyrolysis occurs in the peritoneal cavity. Chemical substances which are formed during this process escape into the operating room through trocars in the form of surgical smoke. The aim of this study was to identify and quantitatively measure a number of selected chemical substances found in surgical smoke and to assess the risk they carry to medical personnel. Material and Methods The study was performed at the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Provincial Specialist Hospital in Zgierz between 2011 and 2013. Air samples were collected in the operating room during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results A complete qualitative and quantitative analysis of the air samples showed a number of chemical substances present, such as aldehydes, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, ozone, dioxins and others. Conclusions The concentrations of these substances were much lower than the hygienic standards allowed by the European Union Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC). The calculated risk of developing cancer as a result of exposure to surgical smoke during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is negligible. Yet it should be kept in mind that repeated exposure to a cocktail of these substances increases the possibility of developing adverse effects. Many of these compounds are toxic, and may possibly be carcinogenic, mutagenic or genotoxic. Therefore, it is necessary to remove surgical smoke from the operating room in order to protect medical personnel.

14

Czynniki obciążające w pracy nauczycieli a zmęczenie

42%

Makowiec-Dąbrowska T., Gadzicka E., Siedlecka J., Dania M., Merecz-Kot D., Viebig P., Jóźwiak Z., Szyjkowska A., Kosobudzki M., Szymczak W., Bortkiewicz A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2021

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vol. 72

|

issue 3

283-303

EN

Teachers are a occupational group in which, due to the type and specificity of work, it can be expected that the feeling of fatigue will be very intense. However, there has been little research into this problem. The aim of the research was to assess the level of fatigue after work and chronic fatigue in teachers, and to determine whether and to what extent it depends on occupational and non-occupational loads.Material and MethodsThe stratified sampling model was used to select the sample, where the layers were the type of school and its location (size of a town/city). All teachers from selected schools were invited to participate. Overall, 650 questionnaires were distributed and 403 teachers returned completed questionnaires. Fatigue after work was assessed on the basis of answers to the following question: “Do you feel tired after work?” and chronic fatigue using the Fatigue Assessment Scale. A special questionnaire was developed to assess other factors that might affect the level of fatigue. The Subjective Stress Assessment at Work Questionnaire, Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, a part of the Questionnaire of Professional Loads of the Teacher and a list of additional factors disturbing the work were used.ResultsThe study involved 70 men aged 35–63 years and 333 women (24–64 years). The groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean age. The level of fatigue, regardless of gender, was mostly influenced by time pressure, rush, mismanagement of the pace of work to individual abilities, increasing workload, an excess of responsible tasks, a lack of support from superiors, a low prestige of the profession, a lack of pedagogical successes, a sense of the lack of meaning in work, and the negative impact of work on family life, as well as non-occupational loads and insufficient rest.ConclusionsThe conducted study allowed for determining the profile and frequency of occupational and non-occupational factors affecting the level of fatigue in teachers. Med Pr. 2021;72(3):283–303

PL

Nauczyciele są grupą zawodową, w której ze względu na rodzaj pracy i specyfikę obciążeń można spodziewać się występowania nasilonego zmęczenia. Jednak niewiele badań dotyczy tego problemu. Celem niniejszych była ocena poziomu zmęczenia po pracy i zmęczenia przewlekłego u nauczycieli oraz ustalenie, czy i w jakim stopniu są one zależne od obciążeń zawodowych i pozazawodowych.Materiał i metodyW doborze grupy zastosowano model losowania warstwowego, gdzie warstwami były szkoły (szkoła podstawowa, gimnazjum, liceum, technikum, szkoła zawodowa, szkoła specjalna) i ich lokalizacja (miasto wojewódzkie, miasto >5 tys. mieszkańców, miasto ≤5 tys. mieszkańców, wieś). Do udziału w badaniu zaproszono wszystkich nauczycieli zatrudnionych w wylosowanych placówkach. Rozdano 650 ankiet – kompletne ankiety zwróciło 403 nauczycieli. Oceniano zmęczenie po pracy na podstawie odpowiedzi na pytanie „Czy odczuwa Pani/Pan zmęczenie po pracy?” i zmęczenie przewlekłe z zastosowaniem Skali oceny zmęczenia (Fatigue Assessment Scale – FAS). Do oceny innych czynników, które mogą wpływać na poziom zmęczenia, opracowana została specjalna ankieta. Zastosowano Kwestionariusz do subiektywnej oceny stresu w pracy oraz kwestionariusz Cohena Skala spostrzeganego stresu (Perceived Stress Scale – PSS) do oceny stresu ogólnego. Ponadto zastosowano listę obciążeń zawodowych pedagoga na podstawie Kwestionariusza obciążeń zawodowych pedagoga oraz listę dodatkowych czynników przeszkadzających w pracy nauczycieli.WynikiW badaniu udział wzięło 70 mężczyzn w wieku 35–63 lat i 333 kobiety (24–64 lata). Średnia wieku kobiet i mężczyzn nie różniła się istotnie. Na poziom zmęczenia nauczycieli, bez względu na płeć, w największym stopniu wpływały cechy pracy decydujące o jej stresogenności (presja czasu, pośpiech, niedostosowanie tempa pracy do indywidualnych możliwości, wzrastające stale obciążenie, nadmiar odpowiedzialnych zadań, brak wsparcia przełożonych, niski prestiż zawodu, brak sukcesów pedagogicznych mimo wysiłku wkładanego w nauczanie, poczucie braku sensu pracy oraz negatywny wpływ pracy na życie rodzinne) oraz obciążenia pozazawodowe i niewystarczający wypoczynek.WnioskiPrzeprowadzone badanie pozwoliło określić profil i częstość występowania czynników zawodowych i pozazawodowych, które kształtują poziom zmęczenia u nauczycieli. Med. Pr. 2021;72(3):283–303

15

Analysis of bus drivers reaction to simulated traffic collision situations – eye-tracking studies

42%

Bortkiewicz A., Gadzicka E., Siedlecka J., Kosobudzki M., Dania M., Szymczak W., Jóźwiak Z., Szyjkowska A., Viebig P., Pas-Wyroślak A., Makowiec-Dąbrowska T., Kapitaniak B., Hickman J. S.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2018

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vol. 32

|

issue 2

161-174

EN

Objectives The aim of the study was to establish whether the driver’s visual strategy may influence a driver’s behavior to avoid a crash in a high-risk situation. Any published papers on drivers’ visual strategies just before a crash were not found. Material and Methods Tests were performed using a high-tech driving bus simulator. Participants comprised 45 men drivers, aged 43.5±7.9 years old, seniority as a bus driver of 13.3±8.6 years. The tests were preceded by medical examinations: general, neurological and ophthalmological. Each participant drove the same city route for approximately 40 min (entire route – ER). In the final phase, a collision situation was simulated (a phantom car blocked the participant’s right of way). Driver’s visual strategy was analyzed using the FaceLab device with 2 cameras during ER and just before collision. The field-of-view covered by camera 1 was divided into 8 regions, by camera 2 into 10 regions. The distribution of gazes in regions was a criterion of visual strategy. Results Thirty-five drivers completed the simulated driving test, 14 escaped the collision, 21 crashed. These groups differed only in resting systolic blood pressure before the test. The analysis of covariance, after adjusting to this factor, indicated that during the ER visual strategy recorded by camera 1 did not differ between groups, in camera 2 the drivers in the crash group fixed their gaze more frequently (p = 0.049) in region 3 (close part of the road in front of the windshield). Just before the collision drivers who escaped the collision fixed their gaze significantly more often in region 6 (left side of the road) in camera 1 and in region 6 (in front of the windshield,) and region 10 (right side) in camera 2. Conclusions The visual strategy has an impact on the road safety. The analysis of visual strategies may be a useful tool for the training of drivers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(2):161–74

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Objawy i zespoły neurologiczne u kierowców pojazdów komunikacji miejskiej

Health risk to medical personnel of surgical smoke produced during laparoscopic surgery

Czynniki obciążające w pracy nauczycieli a zmęczenie

Analysis of bus drivers reaction to simulated traffic collision situations – eye-tracking studies