Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-16 (of 16 Records) |
Query Trace: Tak S[original query] |
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Health-care-associated bloodstream and urinary tract infections in a network of hospitals in India: a multicentre, hospital-based, prospective surveillance study
Mathur P , Malpiedi P , Walia K , Srikantiah P , Gupta S , Lohiya A , Chakrabarti A , Ray P , Biswal M , Taneja N , Rupali P , Balaji V , Rodrigues C , Lakshmi Nag V , Tak V , Venkatesh V , Mukhopadhyay C , Deotale V , Padmaja K , Wattal C , Bhattacharya S , Karuna T , Behera B , Singh S , Nath R , Ray R , Baveja S , Fomda BA , Sulochana Devi K , Das P , Khandelwal N , Verma P , Bhattacharyya P , Gaind R , Kapoor L , Gupta N , Sharma A , VanderEnde D , Siromany V , Laserson K , Guleria R . Lancet Glob Health 2022 10 (9) e1317-e1325 BACKGROUND: Health-care-associated infections (HAIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality globally, including in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Networks of hospitals implementing standardised HAI surveillance can provide valuable data on HAI burden, and identify and monitor HAI prevention gaps. Hospitals in many LMICs use HAI case definitions developed for higher-resourced settings, which require human resources and laboratory and imaging tests that are often not available. METHODS: A network of 26 tertiary-level hospitals in India was created to implement HAI surveillance and prevention activities. Existing HAI case definitions were modified to facilitate standardised, resource-appropriate surveillance across hospitals. Hospitals identified health-care-associated bloodstream infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) and reported clinical and microbiological data to the network for analysis. FINDINGS: 26 network hospitals reported 2622 health-care-associated bloodstream infections and 737 health-care-associated UTIs from 89 intensive care units (ICUs) between May 1, 2017, and Oct 31, 2018. Central line-associated bloodstream infection rates were highest in neonatal ICUs (>20 per 1000 central line days). Catheter-associated UTI rates were highest in paediatric medical ICUs (4·5 per 1000 urinary catheter days). Klebsiella spp (24·8%) were the most frequent organism in bloodstream infections and Candida spp (29·4%) in UTIs. Carbapenem resistance was common in Gram-negative infections, occurring in 72% of bloodstream infections and 76% of UTIs caused by Klebsiella spp, 77% of bloodstream infections and 76% of UTIs caused by Acinetobacter spp, and 64% of bloodstream infections and 72% of UTIs caused by Pseudomonas spp. INTERPRETATION: The first standardised HAI surveillance network in India has succeeded in implementing locally adapted and context-appropriate protocols consistently across hospitals and has been able to identify a large number of HAIs. Network data show high HAI and antimicrobial resistance rates in tertiary hospitals, showing the importance of implementing multimodal HAI prevention and antimicrobial resistance containment strategies. FUNDING: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cooperative agreement with All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. TRANSLATION: For the Hindi translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section. |
Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among agricultural workers in the United States: an analysis of the National Health Interview Survey, 2004-2008
Lee SJ , Tak S , Alterman T , Calvert GM . J Agromedicine 2014 19 (3) 268-80 Ergonomic risks from agricultural tasks can compromise musculoskeletal health of workers. This study estimated prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in a sample representing almost 2 million US agricultural industry workers. This study used National Health Interview Survey data from 2004 to 2008. Weighted prevalence was calculated by demographic and employment factors. Prevalence ratios were calculated using generalized linear models with the Poisson distribution assumption. Prevalence rates of low back and neck pain in the previous 3 months were 24.3% and 10.5%, respectively, among agricultural workers. Monthly prevalence of joint pain was 17.0% for hips/knees, 9.8% for shoulders, 9.5% for wrists/hands, 5.4% for elbows, and 4.7% for ankles/toes. Agricultural workers had a significantly higher prevalence of shoulder pain than all other industry workers (prevalence ratios [PR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.61). This study provides detailed national estimates of musculoskeletal symptom prevalence to understand the burden and the need for intervention among agricultural workers. |
Prevalence of hearing loss in the United States by industry
Masterson EA , Tak S , Themann CL , Wall DK , Groenewold MR , Deddens JA , Calvert GM . Am J Ind Med 2012 56 (6) 670-81 BACKGROUND: Twenty-two million workers are exposed to hazardous noise in the United States. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among U.S. industries. METHODS: We examined 2000-2008 audiograms for male and female workers ages 18-65, who had higher occupational noise exposures than the general population. Prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for hearing loss were estimated and compared across industries. RESULTS: In our sample, 18% of workers had hearing loss. When compared with the Couriers and Messengers industry sub-sector, workers employed in Mining (PR = 1.65, CI = 1.57-1.73), Wood Product Manufacturing (PR = 1.65, CL = 1.61-1.70), Construction of Buildings (PR = 1.52, CI = 1.45-1.59), and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (PR = 1.59, CL = 1.51-1.68) had higher risks for hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Workers in the Mining, Manufacturing, and Construction industries need better engineering controls for noise and stronger hearing conservation strategies. More hearing loss research is also needed within traditional "low-risk" industries like Real Estate. (Am. J. Ind. Med. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) |
Promoting and protecting worker health and safety in the republic of Korea agricultural sector
Calvert GM , Lee K , Roh S , Davis KG , Tak S . J Agromedicine 2012 17 (3) 326-37 With the exception of agriculture, all other Republic of Korea industrial sectors have comprehensive systems in place for workplace surveillance (i.e., disease, injury, and exposure), research, and targeted interventions. However, because few statistics are available on the occupational health and safety conditions in the Republic of Korea agricultural sector, there is little information to guide interventions to prevent hazardous agricultural exposures. The scant information that is currently available suggests that agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries in the Republic of Korea. Building on information obtained at the International Symposium on Development of Prevention Strategies for Agricultural Health and Safety held in Suwon, Republic of Korea, in 2005, and embellished with examples of surveillance, research, and intervention activities conducted in the United States and elsewhere, this article provides guidance to promote and protect the health of Korean agricultural workers. This information can also guide other countries to reduce agricultural hazards. |
Occupational noise exposure assessment using O*NET and its application to a study of hearing loss in the US general population
Choi YH , Hu H , Tak S , Mukherjee B , Park SK . Occup Environ Med 2012 69 (3) 176-83 OBJECTIVES: Although occupational noise is a well known risk factor for hearing loss, little epidemiological evidence has been reported on its association with hearing loss in the general population, in part, because of the difficulty in exposure assessment. This study introduced a quantitative occupational noise exposure assessment tool using the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) database and evaluated its applicability for epidemiological research using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004. METHODS: The O*NET noise exposure data were assessed by questionnaires across numerous occupations, asking the frequency of exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable (with five possible responses from 'never' to 'every day'). Means of the O*NET noise scores were computed to correspond to NHANES occupational categories and assigned to 3828 adults aged 20-69 years, who participated in the 1999-2004 NHANES. Pure-tone averages (PTA) of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz were computed, and hearing loss was defined as a PTA >25 dB in either ear. Linear and logistic regression models with either continuous or quintiles of the O*NET noise scores were fitted on log-transformed PTA and binary hearing loss, respectively. RESULTS: Noise scores ranged from 1.80 to 4.37 with mean+/-SE of 3.06+/-0.02. After controlling for potential confounders, the highest (vs lowest) noise score quintile had a 22.5% (95% CI 11.0% to 35.2%) increase in PTA, and there was a linear dose-dependent trend across the quintiles of noise scores (p trend<0.0001). The adjusted OR for hearing loss comparing the highest with the lowest noise score quintiles was 2.1 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.6). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the O*NET noise score is a useful tool for examining occupational noise-induced health effects in the general population in the absence of actual occupational noise exposure assessment data. |
Lung cancer risk among construction workers in California, 1988-2007
Calvert GM , Luckhaupt S , Lee SJ , Cress R , Schumacher P , Shen R , Tak S , Deapen D . Am J Ind Med 2012 55 (5) 412-22 BACKGROUND: Although lung cancer risks can vary by race/ethnicity and by construction occupation, these risks have not been examined extensively. METHODS: This study analyzed 110,937 lung cancer cases identified from the California Cancer Registry between 1988 and 2007. Mean age at diagnosis, proportion diagnosed at an advanced stage, and proportion with 3-year survival were calculated for lung cancer cases employed in the construction industry. Case-control methodology was also used to assess the risk of lung cancer. Morbidity odds ratios (MORs) were estimated by conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Construction workers were found to have a significantly elevated risk for all lung cancer combined (MOR = 1.57) and for each lung cancer histologic subtype examined. All construction occupations, except managers/engineers and supervisors, had a significantly elevated risk for all lung cancer combined. Roofers and welders had the highest risks for total lung cancer and for each of the histologic subtypes. Construction workers in each of the four race/ethnicity groups also had significantly increased lung cancer risks. Compared to non-construction workers, construction workers were diagnosed at an earlier age, at a more advanced stage, and had significantly lower 3-year survival, though differences were modest. CONCLUSION: These findings justify additional reductions in carcinogenic exposures in construction, and increased support for smoking cessation programs at construction sites. (Am. J. Ind. Med. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) |
Influenza vaccination coverage among US nursing home nursing assistants: the role of working conditions
Groenewold M , Baron S , Tak S , Allred N . J Am Med Dir Assoc 2012 13 (1) 85 e17-23 OBJECTIVES: To estimate influenza vaccination coverage among nursing assistants (NAs) working in US nursing homes, and to identify demographic and occupational predictors of vaccination status among NAs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional analysis of data on 2873 NAs from the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey. Multivariable-adjusted vaccination coverage (prevalence) ratios for demographic and occupational characteristics were calculated using Poisson regression. MEASUREMENTS: Outcome variable was NAs' influenza vaccination status, yes or no, based on the question, "During the past 12 months, did you receive a flu shot?" RESULTS: Coverage for all NAs working in US nursing homes was estimated to be 37.1%. NAs 45 or older were more likely to be vaccinated than younger NAs (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.41). Significant negative associations with vaccination status were found for NAs who were non-Hispanic blacks (PR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.97), disagreed that they were respected/rewarded for their work (PR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.71-1.00), worked at for-profit facilities (PR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72-0.95), and reported receiving fewer than 7 of 15 nonwage job benefits (PR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.67-0.90). CONCLUSION: Influenza coverage among nursing home NAs appears to be similar to nationally reported coverage estimates among health care providers in the United States in general. In addition to individual characteristics, occupational characteristics reflective of working conditions are associated with vaccination status among NAs, suggesting that further research into these types of associations may be useful in identifying which institutions may benefit from outreach efforts and types of interventions to increase vaccination coverage. |
Excess risk of head and chest colds among teachers and other school workers
Tak S , Groenewold M , Alterman T , Park RM , Calvert GM . J Sch Health 2011 81 (9) 560-565 BACKGROUND: Work-related injuries and illnesses in the educational services sector have not been well studied. This analysis examined whether teachers and other school workers are at higher risk of head/chest cold compared to all other workers in the United States. METHODS: Seven years (1998-2004) of National Health Interview Survey data on currently employed workers were combined to provide a basis for estimating the incidence proportion of head/chest cold. RESULTS: The adjusted odds ratio for head/chest cold was significantly elevated for teachers and other workers employed at schools compared to all other workers. When examined by month, an excess of increased head/chest cold risk during the school year suggested that a portion of head/chest cold among teachers and other school workers is attributable to their workplace, perhaps due to close contact with students at school. CONCLUSION: Head/chest cold, a surrogate for acute respiratory infection, was more common among school workers during the school year and less common during July than for all other workers in the United States. Targeted training for school workers and students may be beneficial to reduce work-related exposure to viruses and bacteria that infect the respiratory system. |
Physical ergonomic hazards in highway tunnel construction: overview from the Construction Occupational Health Program
Tak S , Buchholz B , Punnett L , Moir S , Paquet V , Fulmer S , Marucci-Wellman H , Wegman D . Appl Ergon 2011 42 (5) 665-71 This report provides an overview of physical ergonomic exposures in highway construction work across trades and major operations. For each operation, the observational method "PATH" (Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling) was used to estimate the percentage of time that workers spent in specific tasks and with exposure to awkward postures and load handling. The observations were carried out on 73 different days, typically for about 4 h per day, covering 120 construction workers in 5 different trades: laborers, carpenters, ironworkers, plasterers, and tilers. Non-neutral trunk postures (forward or sideways flexion or twisting) were frequently observed, representing over 40% of observations for all trades except laborers (28%). Kneeling and squatting were common in all operations, especially tiling and underground utility relocation work. Handling loads was frequent, especially for plasterers and tilers, with a range of load weights but most often under 15 pounds. The results of this study provide quantitative evidence that workers in highway tunnel construction operations are exposed to ergonomic factors known to present significant health hazards. Numerous opportunities exist for the development and implementation of ergonomic interventions to protect the health and safety of construction workers. |
Characterization of lead in US workplaces using data from OSHA's Integrated Management Information System
Henn SA , Sussell AL , Li J , Shire JD , Alarcon WA , Tak S . Am J Ind Med 2011 54 (5) 356-65 BACKGROUND: Lead hazards continue to be encountered in the workplace. OSHA's Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) is the largest available database containing sampling results in US workplaces. METHODS: Personal airborne lead sampling results in IMIS were extracted for years 1979-2008. Descriptive analyses, geographical mapping, and regression modeling of results were performed. RESULTS: Seventy-nine percent of lead samples were in the manufacturing sector. Lead sample results were highest in the construction sector (median = 0.03 mg/m(3) ). NORA sector, year, OSHA region, number of employees at the worksite, federal/state OSHA plan, unionization, advance notification, and presence of an employee representative were statistically associated with having a lead sample result exceed the PEL. CONCLUSIONS: Lead concentrations within construction have been higher than any other industry. Lead hazards have been most prevalent in the north and northeastern US. IMIS data can be useful as a surveillance tool and for targeting prevention efforts toward hazardous industries. Am. J. Ind. Med. (c) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
Racial and ethnic disparities in work-related injuries and socio-economic resources among nursing assistants employed in US nursing homes
Tak S , Alterman T , Baron S , Calvert GM . Am J Ind Med 2010 53 (10) 951-9 BACKGROUND: We aimed to estimate the proportion of nursing assistants (NAs) in the US with work-related injuries and insufficient socio-economic resources by race/ethnicity. METHODS: Data from the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey (NNAS), a nationally representative sample survey of NAs employed in United States nursing homes, were analyzed accounting for the complex survey design. RESULTS: Among 2,880 participants, 44% reported "scratch, open wounds, or cuts" followed by "back injuries" (17%), "black eyes or other types of bruising" (16%), and "human bites" (12%). When compared to non-Hispanic white NAs, the adjusted rate ratio (RR) for wound/cut was 0.74 for non-Hispanic black NAs (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.85). RRs for black eyes/bruises were 0.18 for non-Hispanic black NAs (95% CI: 0.12-0.26), and 0.55 for Hispanic NAs (95% CI: 0.37-0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Minority racial and ethnic groups were less likely to report having experienced injuries compared with non-Hispanic white NAs. Future research should focus on identifying preventable risk factors, such as differences by race and ethnicity in the nature of NA jobs and the extent of their engagement in assisting patients with activities of daily living. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:951-959, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
Workplace assaults on nursing assistants in US nursing homes: a multilevel analysis
Tak S , Sweeney MH , Alterman T , Baron S , Calvert GM . Am J Public Health 2010 100 (10) 1938-45 OBJECTIVES: We examined risk factors for injuries to nursing assistants from assaults by nursing home residents at both the individual and the organizational level. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey that were linked to facility information from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey by use of multilevel modeling that accounted for the complex survey design effect. RESULTS: Thirty-four percent of nursing assistants surveyed reported experiencing physical injuries from residents' aggression in the previous year. Mandatory overtime (odds ratio [OR]=1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.22, 2.24) and not having enough time to assist residents with their activities of daily living (OR=1.49; 95% CI=1.25, 1.78) were strongly associated with experiencing injuries from assaults. Nursing assistants employed in nursing homes with Alzheimer care units were more likely to experience such injuries, including being bitten by residents. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing mandatory overtime and having a less demanding workload may reduce the risk of workplace violence. In particular, prevention activities should be targeted at those nursing homes that care for cognitively impaired patients. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print August 19, 2010: e1-e8. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2009.185421). |
The estimated national burden of physical ergonomic hazards among US workers
Tak S , Calvert GM . Am J Ind Med 2010 54 (5) 395-404 PURPOSE: To estimate the national burden of physical ergonomic hazards among working adults in the US. METHODS: We estimated the population prevalence of and the total number of workers who are exposed to physical ergonomic hazards, such as vibration, working in cramped space, kneeling, body bending or twisting, climbing, and repetitive motions using Occupational Information Network (O*NET) data and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stratified by occupation title. RESULTS: Repetitive motion was the most prevalent of all ergonomic hazards (27% of US workers are estimated to be exposed continually). Bending or twisting of the body more than half their time at work was also common, involving over 32 million US workers (25% of US workforce). Kneeling, crouching, stooping, or crawling was another ergonomic hazard that 14 million US workers perform more than half their time at work. Almost 4 million workers climb ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc. for more than half their time at work. We estimate that over 13 million workers (10% of US workforce) were exposed to cramped workspace that requires getting into awkward positions every day. Finally, about 3.5 million workers (2.7% of US workforce) were estimated to be exposed to whole body vibration every day. CONCLUSION: A large portion of the US work force is exposed to ergonomic hazards known to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The occupations with the highest prevalence of each ergonomic hazard may be deserving of prompt efforts toward prevention of MSDs. Am. J. Ind. Med. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
Work schedules and health behavior outcomes at a large manufacturer
Bushnell PT , Colombi A , Caruso CC , Tak S . Ind Health 2010 48 (4) 395-405 There is evidence that work schedules may influence rates of unhealthy behaviors, suggesting that addressing work schedule challenges may improve health. Health Risk Assessment (HRA) survey responses were collected during 2000-2008 in a multinational chemical and coatings manufacturer. Responses of 26,442 were sufficiently complete for analysis. Rates of smoking, lack of exercise, moderate to high alcohol use, obesity (BMI >= 30), and short sleep duration were compared by work schedule type (day, night, or rotating shift) and daily work hours (8, 10, or 12 h). Prevalence rate ratios (RRs) were calculated, adjusting for age group, sex, marital/living status, job tenure, and occupational group. The reference group was 8-h day shift employees. Overall prevalence rates were: sleep duration of 6 h or less per night 47%, smoking 17.3%, no exercise 22.0%, BMI >= 30 28.3%, and moderate to heavy alcohol consumption 22.2%. Statistically significant RRs include the following: Short sleep duration: 10 h rotating shift (RR=1.6), 12 h day and 12 h rotating shifts (RR=1.3); Smoking: 12 It day and rotating shifts (RR=1.6), 10 and 12 h night and 8 h rotating shift (RR=1.4); No exercise: 8, 10, and 12 h rotating shifts (RR=1.2 to 1.3), 12 h day schedules (RR=1.3). Obesity (BMI >= 30): 8 and 10 h night shifts (RR=1.3 and 1.4, respectively). |
The prevalence of short sleep duration by industry and occupation in the National Health Interview Survey
Luckhaupt SE , Tak SW , Calvert GM . Sleep 2010 33 (2) 149-59 STUDY OBJECTIVES: To explore whether employment in industries likely to have non-standard work schedules (e.g., manufacturing and service) and occupations with long work-weeks (e.g., managerial/ professional, sales, and transportation) is associated with an increased risk of short sleep duration. DESIGN: Cross-sectional epidemiologic survey. SETTING: Household-based face-to-face survey of civilian, non-institutionalized US residents. PARTICIPANTS: Sample adults interviewed for the National Health Interview Survey in 1985 or 1990 (N = 74,734) or between 2004 and 2007 (N = 110,422). Most analyses focused on civilian employed workers interviewed between 2004 and 2007 (N = 66,099). INTERVENTIONS: N/A MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The weighted prevalence of self-reported short sleep duration, defined as ≤6 h per day, among civilian employed workers from 2004-2007 was 29.9%. Among industry categories, the prevalence of short sleep duration was greatest for management of companies and enterprises (40.5%), followed by transportation/warehousing (37.1%) and manufacturing (34.8%). Occupational categories with the highest prevalence included production occupations in the transportation/warehousing industry, and installation, maintenance, and repair occupations in both the transportation/warehousing industry and the manufacturing industry. In the combined sample from 1985 and 1990, 24.2% of workers reported short sleep duration; the prevalence of short sleep duration was significantly lower during this earlier time period compared to 2004-2007 for 7 of 8 industrial sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported short sleep duration among US workers varies by industry and occupation, and has increased over the past two decades. These findings suggest the need for further exploration of the relationship between work and sleep, and development of targeted interventions for specific industry/occupation groups. |
Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 40-2009. A 29-year-old man with fever and respiratory failure
Uyeki TM , Sharma A , Branda JA . N Engl J Med 2009 361 (26) 2558-69 Dr. Wilson Tak-Yu Kwong (Medicine): A 29-year-old man was admitted in July 2009 to the critical care unit of this hospital because of fever and respiratory failure. | The patient had been well until 9 days earlier, when a nonproductive cough and myalgias in his legs developed. One week before admission, he had a temperature of 39.4°C, associated with headache. During the next week, sore throat and nasal congestion developed, the cough became productive of clear sputum, and he noted mild chest pain under his ribs during inspiration. Four days before admission, he was seen at the emergency department of another hospital. He did not have neck pain or photophobia. He reported finding a tick on his scalp 1 month earlier. On examination, he appeared in mild distress. The temperature was 38.2°C and the pulse 106 beats per minute; the remainder of the examination was normal. A rapid test of a specimen from a buccal swab was negative for influenza A and B antigens, and no parasites were seen on a peripheral-blood smear; other test results are shown in Table 1. Acetaminophen, ketorolac, and ceftriaxone were administered, and normal saline was infused. Doxycycline was prescribed, and he was discharged. | The patient returned the next afternoon because of persistent fever, cough, myalgias, low back pain, and new scrotal pain. The temperature was 39.0°C, and the other vital signs were normal. There were rhonchi in the left lower lung field, and the remainder of the examination was normal. A test for Lyme disease, sent the day before, was negative. Other test results are shown in Table 1. A chest radiograph showed incomplete segmental consolidation of the apical posterior segment of the right upper lobe and right hilar prominence, features suggestive of pneumonia and lymphadenopathy, respectively. Levofloxacin was prescribed, and he was sent home. |
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