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Biomedical subjects

W O Phoon

Publications and source records attributed to W O Phoon.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Medical audit.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Delivery of Health Care↗
PubMed1984

An epidemiological study of lung functions and hearing acuity in Singapore firemen.

This study was conducted on 506 firemen in Singapore. Interviews, pulmonary function tests and audiometry were conducted. With regard to pulmonary function, the results showed that forced vital capacity (FVC) increased up to the age of 25-30 years for both Chinese and Malays. Both FVC and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0) increased with standing height over the whole age range studied. The mean values of FVC and FEV1.0 were higher in Chinese. It was also found that the FEV1 of the subjects in the study showed a greater decline in rate with age than other workers studied by the authors previously. The hearing threshold of 83 fire fighters showed a prominent upward shift of 6-8 KHz at ages 20-30. This upward shift was more pronounced in the right ear. The implications of the findings are discussed and a comparison with results of other similar studies in other countries is made.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

A study of work injuries in eight Asian countries.

This study is based on a survey conducted in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand on occupational injuries during the years 1975-1980. The number of work accidents have risen rapidly during this period in all of the 8 countries studied. In the case of Thailand, the total number of work injuries increased four fold from 1975-1978, whereas, in Singapore it has almost doubled in 6 years. The number of permanent disablement nearly trebled in Korea, and the Philippines for the year 1967-1980. The largest percentage of accidents are lost-time injuries in all of the 8 countries. Thailand had a three fold increase in lost-time injuries whilst in Hong Kong the figure doubled. Six out of the 8 countries indicated that the building construction industry had the largest number of fatal accidents, followed by the manufacturing industry.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1982

The development of and recent trends in occupational health in Singapore.

Occupational health in Singapore developed largely over the past 10-15 years. The rapid progress in general awareness, personnel, services, education and research, is described. The role of Singapore as a regional centre for education, consultancy service and research is increasing. The development and functions of government agencies, the University, statutory boards and voluntary organizations are discussed. Common occupational diseases include pneumoconiosis, metal poisoning, occupational dermatitis, noise-induced deafness and psychological disturbances. Evidence suggests gross under-reporting of these conditions. About 150 research papers concerning occupational health in Singapore have been published so far. There can be little doubt that the importance of the discipline will gather even greater momentum in Singapore in the future.

Humans↗
PubMed1982

Lead exposure patterns and parameters for monitoring lead absorption among workers in Singapore.

A study was carried out among 1414 workers in 14 industries in Singapore to determine the extent of their exposure to lead and their lead absorption. High-level exposure situations found included secondary lead smelting, followed by mixing of lead salt stabilizers and lead storage battery manufacture. Other exposure situations included those relating to lead welding, print shop, wire splicing, leaded paint manufacture, fire-fighting and soldering. Early cases of lead absorption could not be detected by clinical signs alone. Other parameters such as blood lead and delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase had to be used. There was good correlation between a rise in blood lead and a fall in delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase levels.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1979

A socio-epidemiologic survey of veneral diseases among national servicemen attending a VD hospital in Singapore.

Between September 22 and October 29, 1976, a socio-epidemiologic survey of venereal diseases (VD) was carried out at a hospital for VD and skin diseases in Singapore. The study subjects comprised 401 national servicemen from the Singapore Armed Forces who were selected by periodic stratified random sampling from among army patients at the hospital. These subjects were divided into two groups, one consisting of those suffering solely from venereal diseases and the other from non-venereal skin diseases only. Studies were made to compare the personal characteristics, educational and social backgrounds and sexual behavior between these two groups. On the basis of the results, a profile of a soldier likely to contract venereal diseases was made. The study showed that soldiers have inadequate knowledge of venereal diseases. Suggestions are made to improve education as to venereal diseases and to reduce risk of infection in the armed forces.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

A preliminary study of the health of a populaltion staying in apartments of varying sizes in Singapore.

A study was made of the health of 438 households living in high-rise flats in three public housing estates in Singapore. These households were selected by serial sampling from a total sample of 594 households; 156 (26%) were non-respondents. The study used personal interviews to collect data. Respondents questioned directly indicated a low but positive effect of high-rise living conditions on their physical health. The perceived health status of most of these flat dwellers remained unchanged after moving into their present accomodation. The major findings with regard to mental health were: (a) worry and anxiety were associated with the socio-economic status of the respondents; (b) the recreational activities of the respondents were related to their socio-economic status, although the majority spent most of their spare time at home; (c) living conditions in flats tended to affect the patterns of social contacts of the residents with their extended families and primary groups. Three factors (income, education and ethnic group) affected the social behaviour of the respondents with regard to health: (a) the preference for, and selection of, the first source of medical treatment varied for the different soci-economic and ethnic groups; (b) self-medication was associated with ethnic group; (c) the level of education affected the decision on when to receive antenatal care.

Anxiety↗
PubMed1976

Application of ergonomic principles in the factories of a developing country.

Several examples of the need for the application of sound ergonomic principles in Singapore factories are presented. Emphasis is laid on the necessity to consider local habits and customs in the devising of ergonomic solutions to occupational health problems. Examples are given concerning vehicle cabin design, difficulties due to climate differences in applying personal protective equipment or in building design, inadequate displays warning dangers, and health consequences of technical improvements, safety measures, or measures to achieve greater efficiency. Sometimes ergonomic practices may promote productivity but be prejudicial to health. In rapidly-changing and cosmopolitan Singapore, ergonomic principles are vital to all facets of manufacturing processes and the transportation and distribution of goods, but ergonomic practice can be complicated by several factors as indicated by such examples.

Accidents, Occupational↗