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Biomedical subjects

W O Phoon

Publications and source records attributed to W O Phoon.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

History of blood transfusion, tattooing, acupuncture and risk of hepatitis B surface antigenaemia among Chinese men in Singapore.

To determine whether a history of blood transfusion, tattooing, and acupuncture is associated with an increased risk of hepatitis B surface antigenaemia, a study of 6,328 Chinese men between 35 and 65 years of age was undertaken in Singapore. The age-adjusted odds ratios were 1.44 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.83) for blood transfusion, 1.14 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.63) for tattooing, and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.11) for acupuncture. Using no history of any of the three percutaneous procedures as reference, the age-adjusted odds ratio for blood transfusion only was 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.84, and for blood transfusion plus tattooing was 2.59, 95% CI: 1.18, 5.70. The proportion of HBsAg positive cases attributable to blood transfusion and tattooing, as measured by the population attributable risk, are 4.1 and 0.7 per cent, respectively.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed1987

Shiftwork and work injuries in an iron and steel mill.

A study on work injuries that occurred over a five-year period was conducted in an iron and steel mill employing over 1000 workers. Of all the 921 injuries which required more than one day's sick leave, over 40% (383 cases) happened during the morning shift (0700-1500 hours), 210 cases occurred in the afternoon shift (1500-2300 hours) and only 150 cases were reported during the night shift. There were two injury peaks throughout the day, one at mid-morning (between 0900 and 1000 hours) and the other towards the mid-afternoon (1400-1500 hours). It was observed that hand injuries were more common during the morning and afternoon shifts and foot injuries normally occurred at night. 'Fall' was one of the main causes of accidents at night, whereas 'struck by' heavy objects and 'burn' were more common during the day. Although there were more accidents during the morning and afternoon shifts, work injuries which occurred at night generally required a longer duration of sick leave. This suggests that accidents which happened at night were more serious. It is believed that the work habits, shift systems and work environment have a substantial influence on these accidents.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1987

A study on the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among Chinese adult males in Singapore.

A study was conducted in Singapore on 8829 Chinese men aged 35 years or more to determine whether the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity is associated with the source from which the subjects were recruited, or with occupation as an indicator of socioeconomic status. The HBsAg prevalence rates were significantly different (p less than 0.0001) among the five source groups: 8.3% in healthy blood donors, 7.8 in other healthy subjects, 9.2 in non-hepatic outpatients, 10.3 in hospital non-hepatic patients who were not gravely ill, and 11.2 in hospital non-hepatic patients who were gravely ill. After statistical adjustment by multiple logistic regression for age and occupation, the odds ratio (using 'other healthy subjects' as the reference group) ranged from 0.98 (95% CL = 0.65-1.47) for healthy blood donors to 1.42 (95% CL = 0.95-2.12) for hospital non-hepatic patients who were gravely ill. The HBsAg prevalence rates were also significantly different (p less than 0.0001) among occupations: 8.5% in professional, technical and administrative personnel, 9.7 in clerical, sales and services personnel, 10.3 in agricultural and factory workers and unskilled labourers, and 10.5 among the unemployed and retired. After statistical adjustment for age and source groups, the odds ratio (using professional, technical and administrative subjects as the reference group) ranged from 1.07 (95% CL = 0.99-1.17) for the unemployed and retired subjects, to 1.19 (95% CL = 0.93-1.53) for agricultural and factory workers and unskilled labourers.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Stomach cancer incidence in a cohort of fishermen in Singapore.

A retrospective cohort study of 279 Chinese fishermen in Singapore was undertaken to examine the possibility of an elevated incidence of stomach cancer. The fishermen as a group had a greater than twofold excess in stomach cancer relative to Chinese men of similar age and over the same calendar years in Singapore, but the difference was not statistically significant. On further examination it was revealed that the four stomach cancer cases were observed among the subgroup of divers. The standardized incidence ratio for the divers was 4.3, which was significantly greater than unity. There was no evidence of an increased risk for cancer of any other site (lung, nasopharynx and liver) in this cohort. Dietary factors are suggested as a possible explanation for the observation of an increased risk for stomach cancer among fishermen, but larger studies are required to test this hypothesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Electrocardiographic findings in 204 residents of homes for the aged.

Electrocardiograms from 204 subjects aged 60 and above, residing in homes for the aged, were analysed. 13% had evidence of cardiovascular disease. 55% of the electrocardiograms showed at least one abnormality. At least 10% of electrocardiograms showed left atrial hypertrophy, first degree atrioventricular block, right bundle branch block, pathologic Q waves, ST-T abnormalities, or prolonged QT interval. Findings predictive of cardiovascular disease were left ventricular hypertrophy patterns and ST-T abnormalities, or prolonged QT interval. Findings predictive of cardiovascular disease were left ventricular hypertrophy patterns and ST-T abnormalities. Increase of age from 60 to 100 years was associated with prolongation of PR and QT intervals, but shortening of the RR interval.

Aged↗