Ilaria Capitanelli

Work-related stress as a cardiovascular risk factor in police officers: a systematic review of evidence

PurposeSeveral studies suggest that work-related stress in police officers may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. A systematic review of studies is, however, still lacking.MethodAccording to PRISMA statement, a systematic search of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cinahl and PsychInfo electronic databases was undertaken. Studies published in English between 1/1/2000 and 31/12/2016 were included. A studies quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS).ResultsThe preliminary search retrieved 752 records. After selection, 16 studies (total population 17,698) were retrieved. The average quality of studies was low. Exposure to stress in cross-sectional studies was inconstantly associated with hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and impaired glucose metabolism. In addition, there was a prevalence of positive studies showing an association between stress and cardiovascular disease morbidity. Studies of higher quality, such as longitudinal studies on large sample size, were more supportive of a significant positive association between stress and cardiovascular risk factors. Results were, however, often conflicting and inconsistent with regard to definitions and measurement of stress, features of individual study design, study conduct, and conclusions drawn.ConclusionsA sound precautionary principle would be to adopt worksite health promotion programs designed to implement stress management strategies in this category of workers.

Occupational chemical exposure and diabetes mellitus risk

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases that may originate from an interaction between genetic and lifestyle risk factors. However, the possible role of occupational chemical exposures in the disease development and progression remains unclear. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between occupational exposure to specific chemical substances or industrial activities and DM morbidity and mortality outcomes. Although some positive findings may support the diabetogenic role of certain pesticides and dioxins in different workplaces, the variable conditions of exposure, the lack of quantitative environmental or biological monitoring data and the different outcomes evaluated do not allow defining a specific exposure-disease causality. Therefore, further epidemiological studies will be necessary to adequately assess modes of action for different substances, dose–response relationships as well as individual susceptibility factors potentially affecting the exposure-disease continuum. Overall, this appears important to adequately assess, communicate and manage risks in occupational chemical exposure settings with the aim to protect workers and build healthier job conditions for diabetic employees.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Farmers: A Systematic Review

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant public health problem but it is unclear whether agricultural work causes an increased risk of disease. The aim of this review was to study COPD risk among farmers and analyze occupational exposures in agricultural workplaces. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify epidemiological studies investigating COPD prevalence in farmers. Results: In the 14 studies reviewed, COPD prevalence ranged from 3% to 68% due to different characteristics of study population, working activities, case definition/diagnosis. Livestock farmers were at higher risk and significant associations were observed for exposure to organic dusts, endotoxins, mites, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. Conclusions: Farming work was associated with greater risk of developing COPD. However, considering the several variables that may influence the disease prevalence in farmers, we suggest the adoption of a standardized research strategy.

Workplace health promotion programs in different areas of Europe

Background Aging of the workforce challenges European countries. Keeping aged workers healthy and productive, through health promotion, is a key goal of European labour policy. The aim of the present study was to collect experiences of workplace health promotion for older workers (WHPOW) conducted in 10 representative countries of Central Europe, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Methods A literature review of activities of WHPOW was conducted through a comprehensive search of major scientific databases and on the website of the major European Agencies on worker health promotion. The search was restricted to papers published in English from 2000 to 2015. Companies were asked for additional documentation about WHPOW programmes in a survey conducted with SurveyMonkey. Results A total of 756 initiatives regarding WHPOW were identified. 134 of these were guidelines, regulations, or review studies. The remaining 622 activities were intervention studies performed or promoted in the workplace and targeted at older workers or at the aging of the workforce. Most of the programs were carried out in Central Europe (295, 47.4%), less in East Europe (193, 31.0%) and in Mediterranean countries (134, 21.6%). Conclusion Our study shows that there are only a limited number of WHPOW actions throughout the 10 selected European Countries. While in Central Europe widespread interest in issues of aging workforce has resulted in national policies to encourage WHPO, not all the countries of Eastern Europe are equally well equipped. Lastly, in Southern Europe health promotion activities are largely inadequate compared to needs.

Workplace health promotion programs for older workers in Italy

BACKGROUND Italy is the European country with the highest number of citizens over the age of sixty. In recent years, the unsustainability of the social security system has forced the Italian government to raise the retirement age and reduce the chances of early exit, thus sharply increasing the age of the workforce. Consequently, a significant proportion of older workers are currently obliged to do jobs that were designed for young people. Systematic health promotion intervention for older workers is therefore essential. OBJECTIVES The European Pro Health 65+ project aims at selecting and validating best practices for successful/active aging. In this context we set out to review workplace health promotion projects carried out in Italy. METHODS To ascertain examples of workplace health promotion for older workers (WHPOW), we carried out a review of the scientific and grey literature together with a survey of companies. RESULTS We detected 102 WHPOW research studies conducted in conjunction with supranational organizations, public institutions, companies, social partners, NGOs and educational institutions. The main objectives of the WHPOW were to improve the work environment, the qualifications of older workers and attitudes towards the elderly, and, in many cases, also to improve work organization. CONCLUSIONS The best way to promote effective WHPOW interventions is by disseminating awareness of best practices and correct methods of analysis. Our study suggests ways of enhancing WHPOW at both a national and European level.

1620d Worksite health promotion programs for ageing workforce in europe. the experience of prohealth65

Introduction The proportion of older workers has increased substantially in European countries. The study project ProHealth65+, funded by EU-CHAFEA, collected experiences of workplace health promotion for older workers (WHPOW) conducted in 10 representative countries of Central Europe, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Methods Research studies of WHPOW conducted from 2000, 1 st January, to 2015, 31 December, were identified through a comprehensive literature review and a search on the website of the major European Agencies on worker health promotion. Researchers and companies were asked for additional documentation about WHPOW programmes in a survey conducted with Survey Monkey. Results A total of 622 intervention studies performed or promoted in the workplace and targeted at older workers or at the ageing of the workforce were identified. Most of the programs were carried out in Central Europe (295, 47.4%), less in East Europe (193, 31.0%) and in Mediterranean countries (134, 21.6%). Discussion Our study shows that there are only a limited number of WHPOW actions throughout the 10 selected European Countries. While in Central Europe widespread interest in issues of ageing workforce has resulted in national policies to encourage WHPOW, not all the countries of Eastern Europe are equally well equipped. Lastly, in Southern Europe health promotion activities are largely inadequate compared to needs.