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PubMedDate not supplied

[Anemia in workers exposed to lead: update on differential diagnosis].

Occupational lead exposure can cause anemia at blood lead levels >50 microg/dl, as high as rarely occurs in industrialized countries nowadays. Whereas other forms of anemia are fairly probable to be found in lead exposed workers, especially in areas highly endemicfor extraoccupational anemias, such as beta thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. The etiology of anemias has to be correctly defined in order to assess suitable therapeutical approaches and medicolegal consequences. The objective of this study is to verify in male lead exposed workers whether an accurate evaluation of hemocromocytometric parameters and of usual biological indices of lead exposure and effect on heme can differentiate the most common forms of anemia in Southern Italy. 68 workers occupationally exposed to low to moderate lead doses were studied and 59 workers of an alimentary plant have been taken as control group. On venous blood samples collected from these workers a complete hemocromocytometric test was performed and blood lead and erythrocytic zincoprotoporphyrin were determined. Anemia (Hb <l3 g/dl) was detected in six lead exposed workers and in a nonexposed worker. The reasoned evaluation of laboratory parameters led to identify among lead exposed workers four subjects with high probability of beta-thalassemic trait and two with lead poisoning anemia. Moreover a diagnostic algorithm was developed based on literature that seems to be able to discriminate lead poisoning from other causes of anemia in lead exposed workers in this study.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Latex sensitisation in healthcare workers in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological data on latex sensitisation among Asian healthcare workers is lacking. The aim of the study is to determine the rate of latex sensitisation in our healthcare workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 313 healthcare workers, of which 46.6% were operating theatre staff and 53.4% were non-operating theatre staff. Seventy-one administrative staff served as controls. All participants answered a self-administered questionnaire relating to latex exposure and glove-related symptoms. Latex sensitisation was determined by skin prick testing to latex and latex-specific IgE detection. RESULTS: The prevalence of latex sensitisation among healthcare workers was 9.6%, with no difference between operating theatre and nonoperating theatre staff. Glove-related symptoms were reported in 13.7% of all healthcare workers, of which 22.9% were sensitised to latex. Only 26.7% of latex-sensitised healthcare workers had glove-related symptoms while the rest were asymptomatic. The most common symptoms were itch and hand eczema but the most important discriminating symptom was contact urticaria. Personal history of atopy was more common in sensitised healthcare workers (40.0%) compared to non-sensitised workers (31.8%). Only 1 out of 9 (11.2%) symptomatic latex-sensitised subjects had sought previous medical attention for the problem. CONCLUSIONS: Latex sensitisation among healthcare workers in Singapore should be considered a significant occupational health risk, as it is in the West. Increased screening and awareness of this problem is essential to identify those at risk.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Prevention and control of tuberculosis in migrant farm workers. Recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis.

Farm workers are approximately six times more likely to develop tuberculosis (TB) than the general population of employed adults. These recommendations are presented to assist health-care providers serving migrant and seasonal farm workers. The following services, listed by priority, that should be available for migrant and seasonal farm workers and their family members are: a) detection and diagnosis of those with current symptoms of active TB; b) appropriate treatment and monitoring for those who have current disease; c) contact investigation and appropriate preventive therapy for those exposed to infectious persons; d) screening and appropriate preventive therapy for asymptomatically infected workers who may be immunosuppressed, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; e) screening and appropriate preventive therapy for children of migrant and seasonal farm workers; and f) widespread tuberculin test screening for workers and families with preventive therapy prescribed, as appropriate. Health-care providers should immediately perform appropriate diagnostic studies for persons with a productive, prolonged cough, or other symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis. Health departments should be immediately notified when TB is suspected or diagnosed to enable examination of contacts and initiation of other health department diagnostic, preventive, or patient management services. Workers and family members with uncomplicated pulmonary TB should be treated with a regimen that includes isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol (or streptomycin). Drug-resistant TB is an important consideration since it requires altered treatment regimes and because higher rates of resistance have been found in ethnic and social groups comprising much of the migrant farm worker-force. Patients should be monitored carefully for compliance, treatment response, and toxicity. Ideally, patients should be placed on directly observed therapy given by a well-trained, outreach worker from the same cultural/language background as the patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Comparison on urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations between coke oven workers and non-occupational exposed individuals].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) concentrations between coke oven workers and non-occupational exposed individuals and to investigate the possible impact factors. METHODS: Spot end-of-shift urine samples were collected in 265 coke oven workers and spot morning urine samples in 226 non-occupational exposed individuals. External exposure levels and possible confounding factors were assessed by environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) monitoring and uniform questionnaire, and the urinary 1-OHP concentrations determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were used to compare the different urinary 1-OHP levels between different research populations and to explore the effects of several factors such as external exposure levels, smoking habits, alcohol consumptions, age and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: The urinary 1-OHP concentrations in coke oven workers were significantly higher than those in non-occupational exposed individuals (13.49, 6.56, 1.38 and 0.35 micromol/mol creatinine for topside workers, side-oven workers, bottom side workers and references, respectively, P < 0.001; the same trends for the percentage of the level over 2.3 micromol/mol creatinine: 94.81%, 84.73%, 35.09% and 0.88%, P < 0.001). The control individuals who smoked over 20 cigarettes per day possessed higher urinary 1-OHP concentrations than the non-smokers (adjusted geometric mean: 0.47 and 0.31 micromol/mol creatinine, respectively, P < 0.05). Alcohol drinking references possessed lower urinary 1-OHP levels than the non-drinkers (adjusted geometric mean: 0.33 and 0.47 micromol/mol creatinine, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Coke oven workers should be exposed to a high level of urinary 1-OHP, especially for topside workers and side-oven workers. Background urinary 1-OHP levels in non-occupational exposed individuals should be related to smoking habits and alcohol consumptions.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed2005

Risk assessment of silicosis and lung cancer among construction workers exposed to respirable quartz.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of the silicosis and cancer risk among construction workers. METHODS: In 1998, 1335 of 4173 invited construction workers with expected high cumulative exposure to quartz were studied for early signs of silicosis. In 2002 the study was repeated for 96 persons. Exposure measurements were performed among 34 construction workers. Silicosis risk was assessed by converting study results to the whole group of construction workers and by risk analysis based on exposure data combined with documented exposure response relations. Excess risk for cancer was also calculated from available exposure measures. RESULTS: The initial study among construction workers revealed a prevalence of 0.8% of workers with rounded opacities on chest X-rays. The follow-up showed a much higher percentage (12%) of persons with rounded opacities on X-rays. The results were confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography. It was estimated that roughly 9% of the population initially studied (N = 1335) would have been observed with rounded opacities at follow-up. On the basis of the exposure data, a lifetime risk of silicosis above 5% is expected for workers exposed to levels above the occupational exposure limits. An excess lifetime risk for lung cancer is expected when workers are exposed to quartz levels above the occupational exposure limit. Due to the scarcity of exposure data, an estimation of the size of the group at risk is not yet possible. CONCLUSIONS: All available data indicate that construction workers exposed to quartz levels above occupational exposure limits are clearly at elevated risk of silicosis and other respiratory diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Stress and mental health of farmer-workers].

OBJECTIVE: To study the farmer-workers'stress, their mental health and the effect of stress on mental health. METHODS: The Stressors Scale and SCL-90 were used for the test in a sample of 500 farmer-workers. RESULTS: The primary mental stressors of the farmer-workers were economic burden, protection of their rights and interests and working condition & load. There was difference in the degree of stress among the age groups and the groups of the degree of education. Farmer-workers under 29 years old experienced the most mental stress, those between 30 years old and 39 years old experienced less, and those above 40 years old experienced the least mental stress. In the Interpersonal Relationship Stress Scale, the scores of those with senior middle school education or above were higher than those with junior middle school education or even illiterate. But the scores in all other stress scale and the total stress scores were different: the scores of those illiterate and those with senior middle school education or above, were higher than those with junior middle school education or lower. The mental health status of the farmer-workers was lower than the norm. The farmer-workers with at least one positive symptom factor accounted for 12.30% with the detectable rate of the factors of SCL-90 ranging from 1.9% to 6.5%. Most stressors could predict the mental health of the farmer-workers positively and remarkably. CONCLUSION: Some farmer-workers have mental disorders. Mental stress plays an important role in the mental health of the farmer-workers.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[The prevalence of occupational asthma in auto and furniture dye workers in downtown Elazig].

Occupational asthma (OA) is characterized by reversible airway obstruction and/or bronchial hyperresponsiveness occurred after exposition to dust, vapor, gas or smoke which are present in the workplace. We aimed to determine the frequency of OA in auto and furniture dye workers in our city center. One-hundred-forty-two workers in Elazig Central Industrial Centre (86 auto, 56 furniture dyes) were included in the study. The workers were questioned with "Turkish Thorax Association Occupational and Environmental Pulmonary Diseases Evaluation Form", and physical examination and pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed. Follow of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and reversibility tests were performed to patients who had complaints or abnormality in PFT. The workers who had reversibility and positive daily PEFR variability were taken away from work and PEFR variables were followed. The workers had no symptoms when they were taken away from work and daily PEFR were below than 20%, accepted as OA. Twenty-one workers of 22 workers who have abnormal questionnaire, symptoms and abnormality in PFT, accepted daily PEFR measurements. Daily PEFR variability and reversibility test were positive in 5 (3.52%) workers who were accepted as OA. We detected the prevalence of OA, an important worker health problem, was 3.52% in auto and furniture dyes in industrial centre of our city. We think that the prevalence of OA can be determined with detailed history, serial PEFR follow and using PFT, in the absence of specific bronchial provocative tests. Thus, it is important to be become conscious about OA the groups who are under risk.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Occupational accidents among immigrant workers in the Fabriano areas].

BACKGROUND: The growing contribution of immigrant workers to the national economy particularly affects the trend of accidents at work. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the trend of work accidents in the Local Health Area No. 6 - Fabriano (Marche Region), during the period 2000-2003; to define the frequency for each job sector, age, gender, type of work, severity, month, day and week and time of day; to calculate the incidence rate for each year taken into consideration. METHODS: The sources of information used were: 1) The "New Informative Flows" database set up by Italian National Institute of Insurance for Occupational Injury (INAIL), Italian Superior Institute for Work Prevention and Safety (ISPESL) and Regional Governments, and the "EPIWORK software", for the total number of occupational accidents among immigrant workers. 2) The local Jobs and Training Centre of Fabriano. We used three different correction indexes to evaluate the number of hired workers so as to estimate the rate of accident incidence among immigrant workers. RESULTS: The total number of occupational accidents reached its peak in 2001 as a result of the rise in the number of employed people. After this date, the trend started to reverse and in 2002 an increase in the number of employed people--although smaller compared to the previous year--was accompanied by a reduction in the overall number of accidents, a reduction that became even more evident in 2003. Occupational accidents among immigrant workers gradually rose and peaked in 2002. The sectors with high rates of accidents were the mechanical engineering and metallurgic sectors and the construction industry. Accidents occurred mainly among young people (18 to 34years old). As for gender, there was a marked prevalence of men (83.3%) over women (16.7%). Most accidents had a prognosis of 8 to 30 days. The number ofoccupational accidents with a prognosis of 8 to 30 days fell progressively for workers in general but gradually rose for immigrant workers with a peak in 2001. The overall number of occupational accidents that caused permanent invalidity fell by 52.3% for the workforce in general, and by 25% among immigrant workers. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that immigrant workers employed in the Fabriano area had a higher risk of accidents at work.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1978

[Social psychiatry of migrant workers (author's transl)].

A review of literature about psychic illness in migrant workers (with special reference to the situation in Europe) is presented, including the problems of incidence and prevalence, course of the illness, typical syndromes and treatment. Results concerning incidence and prevalence of psychic disease in migrant workers are contradictory and partly--for methodological reasons--of questionable quality. It cannot be take for granted, that migrant workers suffer more often from psychiatric disturbances than either of the two possible control groups: the populations of the emigration or immigration countries respectively. There are two high risk periods for migrants: shortly after the migration and after a longer period in the guest country. Differences between the migrant's culture and that of the immigration context (language, mythical beliefs, illness behavior) influence the manifestations of psychiatric syndromes. The following syndromes are typical for migrant workers: paranoid reactions, hypochondric-depressive syndromes, psychosomatic conditions and sexual neurosis. Special attention requests the treatment of migrant workers with psychiatric problems; the aspects of psychotherapy, accompanying social measures and the return as therapeutic measure are discussed. In the second part, a general frame of reference for the sociological analysis of the problem of migrant workers is presented. Reasons for the mass immigration of foreign workers to the industrialized countries of central Europe were the demand of labor force and the large gap in socio-economic development between the countries. In the immigration context, the foreign workers find themselves in the lowest social strata and numerous problems accumulate there. Empirical evidence for different sociological explanations of mental illnes of migrant workers ist presented: hypotheses of social selection vs. social causation (low socio-economic status, goal-striving-stress, culture-shock theory, theory of culture change and isolation hypothesis).

Adjustment Disorders↗
PubMed1986

[Changes in the peripheral blood of workers engaged in ethylbenzene-styrene and synthetic rubber and latex manufacture].

A total of 67 workers were examined from the production of "Ethyl benzene-styrene" and 184 workers from the production of "Synthetic rubber and latex", as well as a control group of 59 employees. The workers from the first production are exposed to the effect of styrene, ethyl benzene and toluene. The concentrations of the substances surpass MAC, with several times, at the majority of the working places. The workers with a length of service over 10 years predominate. The workers from the second production are exposed to the combined effect of styrene and divinyl, their concentrations fluctuating from 2 to 8 times over MAC. The workers with a length of service over 10 years are 71.7%. The deviations, established in the hematological indices studied are compared with the results from a study on the workers from those productions of 6 years ago. Dynamics in the changes was established among the workers from the production of "Synthetic rubber and latex", associated with the duration of occupational exposure to styrene and divinyl. In case of a shorter length of service, the deviations are functional (reduction of peroxidase activity in granulocytes), increase of hemoglobin and hematocrit, associated with the adaptive reaction of organism. Pronounced anemic syndrome was established in a considerable number (24 workers) after an exposure of 10 years as well as lymphocytosis (35 subjects) and leukopenia (9 subjects).

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1984

The prevalence of warts on the hands of workers in a New Zealand slaughterhouse.

Ninety-nine adult male meat workers and 55 similar textile workers were questioned about their current and past experience of hand warts, their contact with affected family members and non-workplace exposure to animals. Period prevalence rates for workers who slaughtered cattle (72%) and pigs (60%)--were significantly higher than those for other meat industry workers (27%) and textile workers (22%). Beef and pig slaughtermen employed for more than five years had a significantly higher period prevalence rate than other meat workers and textile workers. There were no differences between prevalence rates of warts in children and other family members of affected and unaffected meat workers. There was an inverse relationship between the prevalence of hand warts and non-workplace exposure to cats and dogs. Very few meat workers had time off work due to hand warts. The data support the hypothesis that the work environment of beef and pig slaughtermen enhances the prevalence of hand warts.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed1978

[Dietary pattern of workers employed in a 3-shift system].

The studies were performed among 105 workers aged 19 to 30 years, working in a 3-shift-system for at least one year. A questionnaire method of examination was used. Each worker was asked about his usual frequency of meals, sleep time and life routine while working on different shifts, as well as about the consumption of food in the last 24 hours. Usually, regardless of the period of working shift, workers consumed few number 57 meals. Meals during the working time were eaten mostly by morning-shift workers and very rarely by night-shift workers. Comparing calorific values of the meals consumed prior to the working hours at different time of shift work it has been shown that the meals consumed before night shift had the highest values, whereas the meals consumed prior to the morning shift had the lowest values. Generally, the meals consumed by shift workers did not vary and involved a large percentage of meat products, and fats, and too little percentage of vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy products. The food consumed by the workers under examinination contained mainly fats, protein and relatively little carbohydrates and ascorbic acid. Most of the workers preferred morning shift although sleep time was longest in case of afternoon shift. Complaints typical of the night shift included great fatigue and sleepiness. The sleep time was the shortest in case of this shift and sometimes it hardly amounted to 3 hours per day. The obtained results may be used for an elaboration of the lines of most suitably arranged meals schedule for shift and night workers.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Tuberculosis in health care workers at a hospital with an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate reports of tuberculosis in health care workers employed at a hospital with an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. DESIGN: Case series of tuberculosis in health care workers, January 1, 1989, through May 31, 1992. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of M tuberculosis isolates. Longitudinal analysis of cumulative tuberculin skin test surveillance data. Assessment of infection control. The patients consisted of 361 health care workers who had either serial tuberculin skin tests or tuberculosis. RESULTS: Six health care workers, the largest number linked to one multidrug-resistant tuberculosis outbreak, had disease due to M tuberculosis that matched the outbreak strain from hospitalized patients. The two who were seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus died, one of tuberculous meningitis and the other of multiple causes including tuberculosis. The estimated risk of a skin test conversion was positively associated with time and increased by a factor of 8.3 (1979 to 1992). In 1992 the annual risk for workers in the lowest exposure occupational group was 2.4%. In comparison, nurses and housekeepers had relative risks of 8.0 (95% confidence interval, 3.2 to 20.3) and 9.4 (95% confidence interval, 2.7 to 32.3), respectively. Laboratory workers had a relative risk of 4.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 15.5). Tuberculosis admissions increased, but the hospital had inadequate ventilation to isolate tuberculosis patients effectively. There were lapses in infection control practices. CONCLUSIONS: Health care workers who were exposed during a hospital outbreak of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis had occupationally acquired active disease. The human immunodeficiency virus-infected health care workers with tuberculosis had severe disease and died. The risk of skin test conversion increased during the study period, and higher exposure occupations had elevated risk. Effective infection control is essential to prevent the transmission of tuberculosis to health care workers.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1994

Byssinosis and tuberculosis among textile mill workers in Bahar Dar, Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1991 on 433 workers of a cotton mill in Bahar Dar, northern Ethiopia. The study consisted of symptom evaluation using a standardized questionnaire, lung function tests, chest x-ray, and measurement of dust concentration in the various work areas. A hundred non-exposed hospital workers were included as control group. The overall prevalence of byssinosis among the exposed subjects was 45.5%, being highest among carding (57.9%) and ring frame workers (57.1%). Lower prevalences were found in weavers (36.7%) and those working in the preparatory unit (32.1%). Chronic bronchitis occurred in 48.8% of workers in the carding section, and in none of the control group. Bronchial asthma occurred in 11.5% of workers in the carding and ring frame sections, and in 28.6% of the workers in the waste section. Twelve per cent of the control group had bronchial asthma. Tuberculosis was prevalent in 5.3% of the mill workers and in 2.1% of the control group. Ventilatory capacity (FEV1 and FVC) was significantly reduced in the exposed workers (p < 0.05). The study revealed that the prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory disorders was extremely high among the cotton mill workers. In view of the above findings preventive measures deserve a high priority.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Respiratory function in rubber-processing workers].

The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases as well as lung function changes were studied in 409 rubber male workers and 172 nonexposed control male workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves on which forced vital capacity (FVC), one second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of vital capacity were calculated (FEF50, FEF25). A significantly higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms except asthma was found in rubber workers in comparison to the controls. Smokers had significantly higher prevalence of most of the chronic respiratory symptoms than nonsmokers. Rubber workers exposed for more than 10 years had also significantly higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms than those with shorter exposure. A high prevalence of acute symptoms during work shift was recorded in rubber workers. Ventilatory capacity was mostly decreased during work shift, particularly FEF50 and FEF25. All acute reductions were greater in rubber workers exposed for more than 10 years as compared to those with shorter exposure. Alupent inhaled at the end of the work shift significantly improved decreased values. Rubber workers demonstrated significantly lower ventilatory capacity tests with respect to the controls. A large number of rubber workers showed a decrease in lung functions tests less than 70% of the predicted normal values. Our data suggest that rubber workers are exposed to numerous noxious agents which may lead to acute and/or chronic impairment of lung function.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Immunologic reactions in poultry-processing workers].

The relationship between respiratory symptoms and immunological reactions was studied in 57 female workers holding jobs in the poultry food processing industry and in 51 non-exposed female workers. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in exposed than in control workers (P < 0.01) except for occupational asthma. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in exposed workers was highest for chronic cough (49.1%), followed by dyspnoea (43.9%), rhinitis (38.6%), chronic phlegm (31.6%) and chronic bronchitis (26.3%). Occupational asthma was found in 5.3% of exposed workers. Exposed workers with positive skin prick test to poultry food demonstrated a higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms than those with negative skin tests, although the difference was statistically significant only for rhinitis (P < 0.05). The most frequent positive skin reactions were found for poultry food extract (exposed: 66.7%; control: 25.5%; P < 0.05). Increased IgE serum level was found in 19 (33.3%) exposed and in four (7.8%) control workers (P < 0.01). Three exposed workers with occupational asthma demonstrated increased IgE serum level. Our data indicate that occupational exposure to poultry food dust may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and immunological changes in exposed workers.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Disabling injuries to childcare workers in Minnesota, 1985 to 1990. An analysis of potential risk factors.

Injuries to clients in childcare centers have been studied to some degree, but the problem of worker injuries in childcare centers has remained unexplored. To investigate this problem, data were accessed from two sources for the years 1985 to 1990: 1) Minnesota Department of Jobs and Training for data pertinent to the populations of childcare center workers for each year of the study, and the 2) Minnesota Department of Labor for all case files relevant to reported injuries incurred by childcare center workers for each year of the study. Data analyses were conducted of all injuries as well as a subanalysis of back injuries incurred by female workers. The overall injury rate for the 6-year period was 1.08 per 100 workers. Of the 440 childcare worker injury cases, a mean age of 32 years (range, 17 to 72 years) was identified; 50% of all cases were below the age of 29 years. Analysis by subclassifications of childcare workers indicated that cooks had the highest injury rate (3.61 per 100 workers) and the greatest mean number of weeks of temporary total disability (13.2 weeks). According to anatomic site, injuries involving the back accounted for the greatest proportion of the total injuries (34.1%); 49% involved lifting a child. To protect childcare workers adequately, additional policies and regulations will be required, as well as further study in this area. Emphasis in the area of back injury is clearly needed, including education on proper lifting techniques and relevant application of engineering technology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absenteeism↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors: a comparison of rural health and non-health workers.

The present study surveyed the current levels of knowledge and the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of health workers (mostly nurses) with respect to breast cancer and its early detection. In addition, health workers were compared with non-health workers to determine whether the two groups differed with respect to the above variables. The sample comprised 402 women sampled from work sites in a rural community in the Midwest. The results indicated that health workers (n = 96) scored very high on knowledge, had a very positive attitude toward the notion of early detection, and reported strong intentions concerning future participation in a variety of early detection behaviors. Fifty % performed breast self-examinations once a month or more frequently. A stepwise discriminant analysis found that, compared to non-health workers, health workers saw mammography as less dangerous, believed breast cancer to be less common and its causes less controllable, and were less likely to perceive early detection as being beneficial. On the other hand, health workers scored higher than non-health workers on self-efficacy, breast self-examination frequency, and importance of breasts in determining one's self concept. Health workers also rated breast cancer as being more life-threatening and were more likely to believe that the disease was caused by external as opposed to internal factors.

Adult↗