Occupational hazards

-
Recommendation on use of screening. Uncertain recommendation on routine screening of general population regarding occupational exposures. Opportunistic screening may be reasonable, especially in areas where it is known that the population is exposed to occupational hazards. The benefit of questioning individuals during routine health care is uncertain. It appears reasonable to ask about potential occupational hazards when completing an adult s health history . however, this may not lead to effective action. The most rational strategy is one that emphasizes primary prevention and routine monitoring of workplaces.
Workers in high-risk occupations should be screened for relevant immunization status on starting employment. There should be routine surveillance of workplaces to detect and minimize hazards. This ,along with training workers and ensuring that they are properly equipped, should be at the centre of a preventive strategy, with screening only an adjunct. Certain persons may be more vulnerable to hazards than others, for biological or psychosocial reasons . workers exposed to certain risks may need periodic surveillance to permit early detection of adverse effects, followed, where indicated, by reassignment to less hazardous tasks . for further information on occupational health screening, the reader is referred to two previous WHO publications (WHO,1975,1986a).
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are now among the most frequent causes of morbidity and premature mortality in many developing countries. Screening has a limited role in strategies aimed at reducing the risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. The literature on this subject has been carefully revievwed  by th e Canadian and US task forces; the work of the US preventive services task force (USPSTF 1989) is the most recent and involved consultation with key members o fthe Canadian task force. The conclusions of the USPSTF are summarized here , as a point of departure for recommendations focusing on the special need of developing countries.

Given the grater prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in industrialized countries, it is of relivance to policy-makers in developing countries that the USPSTF recommended against routine electrocardiography (ECG), chest X-rays, lipid profile testing (including cholesterol and triglyceride screening ),and auscultation for carotid bruits, as mass screening techniques. They emphasized regular counseling of patients by physicians and other health care providers on ways of reducing cardiovascular risks (stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, diet, exercise) . they recommended routine  screening (by enquiry ) combined with counseling o fall adults aged 19-64 every 1-3 years, and of those aged 65 and over annually, for dietary risks, physical activity, and tobacco , alcohol, and drug use. 

Popular posts from this blog

Screening of children and adults to prevent and control communicable diseases

-
Image
Screening of children and adults to prevent and control communicable diseases This chapter discusses infectious diseases that endanger the health of the individual affected and sometimes others in the community. Because this material is generally relevant for all age groups , it was thought most convenient to present this as a separate chapter. Prevention and control of communicable diseases should be integral components of comprehensive primary health care programmes  for each general age group and should not be organized into separate vertical programmes focused on specific diseases. General comments on screening for communicable diseases In general, in dealing with highly prevalent communicable diseases that are a significant public health problem, the screening of asymptomatic persons will play a limited role and should be primarily an adjunct to other measures. Emphasis should be placed on primary prevention (often requiring environmental measures )and on public educatio
Read more

How do children get pneumonia?

-
Image
  Children can get pneumonia through various means, and the most common cause is infection with bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. The infection typically enters the lungs, causing inflammation of the air sacs and leading to the development of pneumonia. Here are some common ways children can contract pneumonia: Bacterial Infections: Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus can cause bacterial pneumonia. These bacteria can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Viral Infections: Viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu), and adenovirus, are common causes of viral pneumonia. Viruses can be transmitted through respiratory secretions or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Aspiration: Inhaling foreign objects, such as food, liquids, or vomit, can lead to aspiration pneumonia. This is more common in young children who may not have fully developed
Read more

Is the cost of the screening and timely intervention operation warranted,given all the considerations covered in items 1-6 above, in comparison with alternative uses of the resources

-
Will the operation divert resources from other measures that are likely to be more effective? What other ways are there of addressing the problem that do not involve screening ? are these better? Will the screening operation divert health workers attention from more crucial efforts addressing the principal health problems of the population ? will it accomplish little but create the impression among the public that their problems are being dealt with and divert their attention from issues of higher priority ? In order to answer these questions , the costs and benefits of the proposed screening and intervention activities must be weighed against those of alternative strategies, taking into account both direct and indirect, as well as immediate and future , benefits . When planned thoughtfully and implemented in a population-based fashion, screening can provide a rational bases for resource allocation. it can be used to ensure that preventive measures are applied where they will have
Read more