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Background: Data on the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) and its components in medical staff working at the Semnan University of Medical Sciences are limited. Objectives: The present study investigated the prevalence of SBS and its related factors in the medical staff in Semnan, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 300 medical staff in Kausar Hospital in Semnan, Iran, in 2020. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain information about SBS and indoor air quality. In order to measure environmental factors, random sampling was taken from different parts of the hospital, including building inspection, dust samples, and indoor and outdoor air measurements. The condition of physical factors, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation, was checked using relevant devices. The NIOSH 0800 method was used to measure the biological status of the working spaces in terms of fungal and bacterial contamination. Data analyses were performed using SPSS 26. Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.23 ± 5.34 years, of whom 81% were women. The prevalence of SBS was 65%, with the highest prevalence in the emergency ward (18%), followed by internal (16%), intensive care unit (13%), and cardiac care unit (12%). Sleep disorder (65%), tiredness (59%), feeling heavy (47%), headache (46%) and stress (45%) were the most common components of the SBS. There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of harmful environmental factors, including noise, static electricity, unpleasant smell, and infection, and the prevalence of SBS (all P-values < 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence of SBS in hospital employees, re-engineering the hospital environment and improving the air quality and ventilation systems may be useful in preventing SBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilot, randomized, single‐blinded controlled clinical trial Trigger point (s) (TrPs) in thenar muscles could be a cause of narrowing of carpal tunnel in manual laborers with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Effects of dry needling (DN) on the treatment of muscle tension have been reported, but no research has been done on the effect of DN on thenar tight muscles on reducing CTS symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of DN of thenar muscles TrPs in the treatment of mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome Thirty manual laborers with mild-to-moderate CTS and the presence of TrP(s) in thenar muscles were randomized to DN group (n = 15) and control group (waiting list) (n = 15). The DN group received 2 sessions of DN of thenar muscles TrP(s), with a 48-h interval. The control group received no treatment. Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores were the primary outcome, while secondary outcomes included electrophysiological domains, pinch and grip strength. Outcome measures were obtained at baseline, 48 hours, and 2 weeks after treatment (follow-up). Two-way analysis of variance (2 groups × 3 times) was used to compare within- and between-group differences. Bonferroni post hoc test was used to find any significant differences in the main effect for group, time, or interaction (group time) A baseline assessment revealed no intergroup differences in all evaluated parameters (P >.05). Compared to the control group, the DN group had a statistically significant improvement in pinch and grip strength, median SDL, and BCTQ score after 2 weeks (P <.05). There were no between-group differences in the assessment of motor electrophysiologic and SNCV findings (P >.05) Dry needling of thenar TrP(s) is effective in short-term improvement of function in manual laborers with mild-to-moderate CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common forms of peripheral neuropathies due to median nerve compression. Occupational factors, such as repetitive hand motions are believed to be associated with this condition. OBJECTIVE: This clinical trial assessed the effect of Kinesio taping (KT) of hand flexor muscles on the management of mild to moderate CTS in Iranian manual laborers. METHODS: Thirty manual laborers with mild to moderate CTS participated in this clinical trial. They were assigned to an intervention or a control group. The treatment consisted of a 2-week KT followed by a 4-week follow-up. The control group received sham KT without tension applied. Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores, pinch and grip force tests, and electrophysiological examination of the median nerve were performed for each participant at baseline, 24 to 48 hours, and two to four weeks of follow-up. The statistical analysis of variance was performed (2 groups × 5 times) for all participants, comparing differences in the data within and between the two groups. RESULTS: The baseline assessment revealed no inter-group differences in the clinical outcomes (P > 0.05). Comparisons of the changes in the electro-physiological and functional variables indicated significantly greater improvement in the KT group than in the sham counterpart (P < 0.05). No statically significant improvement was evident by the electrodiagnostic criteria in the sham-KT group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: KT is an effective, safe, reliable, and conservative therapeutic choice for the management of patients with CTS. The treatment does not restrict the daily activities of patients nor has it any side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational respiratory diseases are the most prevalent occurring work-related diseases that contribute to global health concerns. The present study aimed to assess pulmonary function among detergent powder factory workers. In a cross-sectional study, 305 employees working at a detergent powder company in Semnan, Iran were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, health- and job-related information were recorded using a checklist. Subsequently, spirometer was used at baseline, before and after shift-working for recording respiratory ailments and pulmonary function tests (PFT). According to the results, the mean percentage of all spirometric indices significantly reduced after shift-work including forced vital capacity (FVC) (P < 0.01), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (P < 0.01), FEV1/FVC ratio (P = 0.038), peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P = 0.13) and forced expiratory flow at 25 and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF (25–75)) (P < 0.01). Although the mean percentage of FEV1 significantly improved upon wearing the protective mask (P = 0.014). Moreover, FVC and FEV1 indices were significantly less in smoking workers than in non-smoking participants (P = 0.005 and P = 0.003, respectively). This study revealed that using effective preventive measures should be tightly performed to promote health conditions. However, despite the occupational health programs for preventing and reducing work-related respiratory diseases, these can be considered as a serious threat for detergent powder factory workers that need to apply more control strategies and health assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]