فهرست مطالب آرزو نجفی

Sleep medicine is one of the new and leading branches of medical knowledge. During the past two decades, it has got a special position in the countries' health programs due to the development and identification of more effective diagnostic and management methods, and the identification of the adverse consequences of overlooked sleep disorders on the community's health. It is included in many countries' health programs in industrialized and developed countries such as the United States, South American countries, Australia, Europe, and China.
Sleep disorders with a variety of more than 80 types of diseases constitute complicated, high-risk, and costly diseases that affect the public health system. The prevalence and adverse consequences of these disorders could be reduced by implementing sleep health and appropriate preventive measures. Furthermore, it should be noted that if patients with these disorders are diagnosed correctly and on time, there would be effective management modalities in the world and the country (1). This letter had explained the importance of sleep health and its association with non-communicable diseases, associated consequences, and the urgent need to pay attention to sleep health and sleep disorders in the public health system.

Screening of risk factors for metabolic syndrome among commercial and train drivers that are considered safety sensitive jobs, is an important issue in safety of transportation system. Metabolic syndrome is consisted of disturbed lipid profile and high blood pressure and waist circumference. It can lead to reduced quality of life and higher health associated costs. This study aimed to assess risk factors for metabolic syndrome among train drivers.

this cross-sectional study was conducted among 281 train drivers referred for their annual health examination to occupational medicine clinic of Baharloo hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Demographic charaecteristics of participants were recorded. Blood pressure, body mass index(BMI) and waist circumference of drivers were measured. Participants’ blood sample for Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Triglyceride, High and Low Density lipoprotein were collected. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to NCEP ATP III  criteria.

All of the participants were male. Mean age and BMI was 43±10 and  26.60±3.67, respectively. Fifty three (21%) of participants were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The more frequent risk factor for metabolic syndrome was triglyceride more than 150mg/dl.

Findings revealed almost high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among train drivers. More studies for screening of metabolic syndrome in this group is required because of high sensitive job they have and important issue of fitness to drive.

Asthma is a common respiratory disease that causes occupational disability. Specific occupations may be related to induction or exacerbation of asthma. The objective of present study was descriptive evaluation of occupations in asthmatic patients.

In this cross sectional study, 339 asthmatic patients older than 17 years were evaluated regarding their occupations. One hundred and seventy nine patients had at least one occupation. Their occupations were classified based on Standard Occupational Classification 1991 (SOC-91) and frequency of asthmatic patients was determined for each occupational group.

The most frequent occupation in our asthmatic patients was trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (66 cases, 36. 87%). In this occupational group, the most frequent occupation belonged to taxi driving (13 patients, 7. 2%). After that, sales And service occupations such as hairstylists and barbers, bakers and food service providers were frequent occupations (39 cases, 22. 3%). The less frequent occupations in our asthmatic patients were management occupations (2 cases) and health occupations (one case).

Asthma may be more frequent in some occupations such as trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations and after that sales and service occupations. Evaluation of worsening asthma symptoms in mentioned occupations is recommended.