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Health Effects of Occupational and Environmental Exposure

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 20936

Special Issue Editors

Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
Interests: exposure pesticides; endocrine diysruptors; occupational health; exposure biomarkers; toxicology; public health
Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
Interests: occupational health; occupational epidemiology; occupational nursing; exposure biomarkers; toxicology; public health; pesticides

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the furthest reaches of human history, human beings have had to carry out a series of activities for their survival, many of them in the presence of significant risks to their safety and health. The evolution of work has seen the reduction of a large number of risks in the workplace and the appearance of new and emerging risks, which must be identified, evaluated, and controlled.

The health effects caused by occupational exposure are a cause for concern throughout the world, so it is important to analyze the relationships between work and health, identifying the risk factors that may cause disorders or damage to work health.

The study of the safety conditions and use of individual protective equipment (IPE), the exposure to biological and chemical agents chemical agents, as well as the repetitiveness and intensity of the tasks to be carried out (effort and postural risk, mental health, etc.), in order to achieve optimal worker welfare, are current issues and are of great interest at the public and occupational health levels. Studying the impacts of these risk factors could lead to a better understanding of the adverse effects on the health of the population as well as their medium and long term consequences.

We invite colleagues from all health disciplines to submit articles using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches. The submitted articles should focus on presenting new contributions on the health effects of occupational and environmental exposures and on interventions to improve the health of professionals.

We thank you for considering this invitation and are available for any inquiries.

Prof. Dr. Raquel Alarcón
Prof. Dr. Maria del Mar Requena Mullor
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 1137 KiB  
Article
Association of Gulf War Illness with Characteristics in Deployed vs. Non-Deployed Gulf War Era Veterans in the Cooperative Studies Program 2006/Million Veteran Program 029 Cohort: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
by Linh M. Duong, Alice B. S. Nono Djotsa, Jacqueline Vahey, Lea Steele, Rachel Quaden, Kelly M. Harrington, Sarah T. Ahmed, Renato Polimanti, Elani Streja, John Michael Gaziano, John Concato, Hongyu Zhao, Krishnan Radhakrishnan, Elizabeth R. Hauser, Drew A. Helmer, Mihaela Aslan and Elizabeth J. Gifford
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 258; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20010258 - 24 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1939
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI), a chronic multisymptom illness with a complex and uncertain etiology and pathophysiology, is highly prevalent among veterans deployed to the 1990–1991 GW. We examined how GWI phenotypes varied by demographic and military characteristics among GW-era veterans. Data were from [...] Read more.
Gulf War Illness (GWI), a chronic multisymptom illness with a complex and uncertain etiology and pathophysiology, is highly prevalent among veterans deployed to the 1990–1991 GW. We examined how GWI phenotypes varied by demographic and military characteristics among GW-era veterans. Data were from the VA’s Cooperative Studies Program 2006/Million Veteran Program (MVP) 029 cohort, Genomics of GWI. From June 2018 to March 2019, 109,976 MVP enrollees (out of a total of over 676,000) were contacted to participate in the 1990–1991 GW-era Survey. Of 109,976 eligible participants, 45,169 (41.1%) responded to the 2018–2019 survey, 35,902 respondents met study inclusion criteria, 13,107 deployed to the GW theater. GWI phenotypes were derived from Kansas (KS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) GWI definitions: (a) KS Symptoms (KS Sym+), (b) KS GWI (met symptom criteria and without exclusionary health conditions) [KS GWI: Sym+/Dx−], (c) CDC GWI and (d) CDC GWI Severe. The prevalence of each phenotype was 67.1% KS Sym+, 21.5% KS Sym+/Dx−, 81.1% CDC GWI, and 18.6% CDC GWI severe. These findings affirm the persistent presence of GWI among GW veterans providing a foundation for further exploration of biological and environmental underpinnings of this condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Occupational and Environmental Exposure)
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10 pages, 361 KiB  
Article
Influence of Social Determinants of Health on COVID-19 Infection in Socially Vulnerable Groups
by Wladimir Morante-García, Rosa María Zapata-Boluda, Jessica García-González, Pedro Campuzano-Cuadrado, Cristobal Calvillo and Raquel Alarcón-Rodríguez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1294; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031294 - 24 Jan 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3490
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy and health, especially for the most vulnerable social groups. The social determinants of health are one of the most relevant risks for becoming infected with COVID-19, due to the health [...] Read more.
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy and health, especially for the most vulnerable social groups. The social determinants of health are one of the most relevant risks for becoming infected with COVID-19, due to the health consequences for those who are exposed to it. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of social determinants in health on COVID-19 infection in vulnerable social groups. A transversal epidemiological study was carried out on 746 individuals in vulnerable situations living in conditions of extreme poverty in disadvantaged areas in the province of Almeria (southeast of Spain). Social determinants of health such access to drinking water (p < 0.001) and economic income (p = 0.04) influenced the infection of COVID-19. A binary logistic regression model showed that the significant predictors of COVID-19 infection were the lack of economic income and inaccessible drinking water. The government and social health services must be aware of this problem in order to play an active role in searching for solutions and implementing public health prevention measures to eliminate social inequalities in health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Occupational and Environmental Exposure)
11 pages, 3031 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Hygiene Indicators When Using Gloves by Transport Workers in Russia during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Elena Belova, Ekaterina Shashina, Yury Zhernov, Nadezhda Zabroda, Vitaly Sukhov, Olga Gruzdeva, Tatyana Khodykina, Evgenia Laponova, Valentina Makarova, Anton Simanovsky, Anastasia Zhukova, Tatiana Isiutina-Fedotkova, Denis Shcherbakov and Oleg Mitrokhin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1198; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031198 - 21 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1833
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak represents a global public health emergency. National governments have gradually introduced restrictive measures. Using respiratory protective equipment (face masks) and gloves was essential practice without specific infection control measures or guidelines. This study aimed to assess hygiene indicators when using [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 outbreak represents a global public health emergency. National governments have gradually introduced restrictive measures. Using respiratory protective equipment (face masks) and gloves was essential practice without specific infection control measures or guidelines. This study aimed to assess hygiene indicators when using gloves by transport workers in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic and to develop integral indicators and recommendations for wearing gloves for workers for whom this is a mandatory requirement. For this purpose, 1103 transport workers were surveyed using a questionnaire. We investigated the hygiene aspects of gloves and evaluated the bacterial contamination of the contact side of the gloves based on the wash results. We assessed the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, the duration of the work shift, the frequency of use of types of gloves, skin manifestations, the degree of comfort, and bacterial growth. We carried out the ranking according to comfort, the absence of adverse dermatological reactions when wearing gloves, and bacterial contamination of the inner surface of the gloves. It has been identified that it is necessary to use a comprehensive assessment of gloves to create a register of protective equipment, taking into account the frequency with which it was worn, the severity of the skin condition, comfort, and bacterial contamination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Occupational and Environmental Exposure)
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17 pages, 375 KiB  
Article
The Experiences of Nurses and Physicians Caring for COVID-19 Patients: Findings from an Exploratory Phenomenological Study in a High Case-Load Country
by Moawiah Khatatbeh, Fadwa Alhalaiqa, Aws Khasawneh, Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi, Haitham Khatatbeh, Sameera Alhassoun and Omar Al Omari
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179002 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5978
Abstract
Various changes have affected health services delivery in response to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this may exhibit unprecedented effects on healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to explore the lived experience of physicians and nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 [...] Read more.
Various changes have affected health services delivery in response to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this may exhibit unprecedented effects on healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to explore the lived experience of physicians and nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in Jordan. An interpretative phenomenology approach was used, and sampling was purposively performed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using an online meeting platform (Zoom®). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed. The data were obtained from 26 physicians and nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. The mean age of the participants was 29.41 years (SD = 2.72). Six main themes and 17 subthemes were identified: (i) emotional reactions; (ii) preparation; (iii) source of support; (iv) extreme workload; (v) occupational challenges, and (vi) work-related concerns. The results showed that nurses and physicians caring for COVID-19 patients in Jordan were experiencing mental and emotional distress and were practicing under inadequate work conditions. This distress could be multifactorial with personal, organizational, or cultural origins. Our findings may guide policymakers to consider the potential factors that significantly affect working environment in healthcare settings, the physical and mental wellbeing of HCWs, and the required professional training that can help in enhancing resilience and coping strategies amidst crises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Occupational and Environmental Exposure)
11 pages, 344 KiB  
Article
The Prevalence and Predictors of Hypertension and the Metabolic Syndrome in Police Personnel
by James D. Yates, Jeffrey W. F. Aldous, Daniel P. Bailey, Angel M. Chater, Andrew C. S. Mitchell and Joanna C. Richards
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6728; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18136728 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2691
Abstract
Hypertension and metabolic syndrome (METSYN) are reportedly high in police forces. This may contribute to health deterioration and absenteeism in police personnel. Police forces comprise of staff in ‘operational’ and ‘non-operational’ job types but it is not known if job type is associated [...] Read more.
Hypertension and metabolic syndrome (METSYN) are reportedly high in police forces. This may contribute to health deterioration and absenteeism in police personnel. Police forces comprise of staff in ‘operational’ and ‘non-operational’ job types but it is not known if job type is associated to hypertension and METSYN prevalence. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of hypertension and METSYN, the factors associated with the risk of hypertension and METSYN, and compare physiological, psychological, and behavioural factors between operational and non-operational police personnel. Cross-sectional data was collected from 77 operational and 60 non-operational police workers. Hypertension and METSYN were prevalent in 60.5% and 20% of operational and 60.0% and 13.6% of non-operational police personnel, respectively (p > 0.05). Operational job type, moderate organisational stress (compared with low stress) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with lower odds of hypertension, whereas increasing body mass index was associated with increased odds of hypertension (p < 0.05). None of the independent variables were significantly associated with the odds of METSYN. Operational police had several increased cardiometabolic risk markers compared with non-operational police. Given the high prevalence of hypertension and METSYN in operational and non-operational personnel, occupational health interventions are needed for the police and could be informed by the findings of this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Occupational and Environmental Exposure)
8 pages, 326 KiB  
Article
Incidence and Related Factors of Infidelity among Medical Doctors and Nurses
by Sara Guerrero, Gracia Castro-Luna, Rosa Zapata Boluda, Aida Freites, Rafael García and Tesifón Parrón-Carreño
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5575; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18115575 - 23 May 2021
Viewed by 4001
Abstract
Although there is a large body of research addressing infidelity, no study, to our knowledge, has specifically addressed infidelity in doctors and nurses and the correlation with work hours, schedule and other variables. This research aimed to know the incidence of and factors [...] Read more.
Although there is a large body of research addressing infidelity, no study, to our knowledge, has specifically addressed infidelity in doctors and nurses and the correlation with work hours, schedule and other variables. This research aimed to know the incidence of and factors related to infidelity among doctors and nurses. A descriptive study was carried out, studying the association of certain variables. In total, 367 volunteer participants completed an online survey. Of them, 21% either have or have had an unfaithful relationship. The majority (81.7%) were doctors. Men were 4.3 times more unfaithful than women, with these differences being statistically significant (OR = 4.37, p < 0.001). Of the participants involved in an unfaithful relationship within the work area, the majority were men. Likewise, those who reported having had sex in the doctor’s room on duty were also men, with these differences being statistically significant (OR = 12.81, p < 0.01). The night emergency schedule was 60% more frequent in unfaithful people, and these differences were statistically significant (OR = 12.43, p < 0.01). There is a significant rate of infidelity in doctors and nurses. Men are more likely to be unfaithful than women are, and people who work nighttime emergencies are more likely to be unfaithful. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Occupational and Environmental Exposure)
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