Background: Working conditions have a vital role to play in determining health and disability. So, the objective of this study was to assess the work conditions of small slaughterhouses in the Thi-Qar governorate in Iraq.Design and methods: This study is a cross-sectional field survey. A total of twenty-six (26) small slaughterhouses were included as a sample size from the Thi-Qar governorate. The data collection was done by observations of the authors using a questionnaire and specific questions were also directed to the slaughterhouse workers if needed. It was conducted between February and April 2018. The study was planned to demonstrate the current status of small slaughterhouses in terms of water supply facilities, quality of small slaughterhouses building, sanitation practices.Results: All of the small slaughterhouses had a water supply and all they had hot and cold water. Most of the small slaughterhouses had water tanks and put water pipes away from slaughter sites. The proportions ranged from 76.9 to 96.0 for the quality of small slaughterhouses building. With regard to fire safety measures, 96.2% of buildings are supplied with mobile fire extinguishing equipment according to safety and security requirements. Concerning rodent and insects’ control, sixteen (61.5%) of small slaughterhouses use insecticides and pesticides and only six (23.1%) of them use traps for rodents. Most of the small slaughterhouses’ windows (88.5%) were covered with a thin net to prevent the insects from entering.Conclusions: The finding of this study indicated that work conditions of small slaughterhouses were generally adequate in terms of water supply facilities, sanitation practices, ventilation, fire safety measures, and rodents and insects’ control.

The current study was designed to screen and observe dysgraphia in primary schools in Wassit governorate in Iraq. In addition, to identify the presence of any family environment characteristics associated with dysgraphia, a cross-sectional study has been applied during the period from 1st November 2018 to the end of March 2019, which was conducted on 421 students from public and private primary schools which were randomly selected. The lifetime prevalence of students with dysgraphia was 27% in the present study. Most students (53.2%) were equal to or less than 10 years old. In the population sample, dysgraphia prevailed more in boys than girls. Illiteracy was higher for the students who have fathers with dysgraphia (39.3%) as compared to the students who have non- dysgraphia fathers (29.4%). The difference was more significant for the age, gender, and level of education of parents (p<0.05). It was concluded that dysgraphia among primary school students aged 7-12 years occurs at a lifetime prevalence of nearly one-third of them. In our study, it was affirmed that dysgraphia is a problem that most commonly affects males more than females. It is important to note that the difference between the two groups was statistically significant in regard to age, gender, and level of education of parents.

Introduction: Ionizing radiation (IR) is an occupational hazard that can induce many biological effects on exposed health care workers (HCWs). However, the health risks of low dose (below 100mSv) are controversial due to a lack of direct evidence on human. Aim of work: To identify the adverse health effects of exposure to low dose of ionizing radiation on general health status of health care workers at Ain Shams University hospitals. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted including 50 HCWs from different departments of Ain Shams University hospitals: exposed group (exposed to IR for at least I year) (No=25) and matched unexposed control group (No =25). Both groups were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Complete blood count was done for both groups. Recording readings of personal exposure to IR by badge film dosimeter was done after approval from workplace authority. Results: Regarding general health status and wellbeing of workers, most of exposed group had perception of average health status, while most of unexposed group had perception of good health status. Significantly higher sickness absenteeism during the last 6 months was found among the exposed group. A significant adverse health effects, were recorded among exposed compared to control group as hair fall, musculoskeletal pain, pain in upper abdomen, constipation, decreased visual acuity, in addition to be easily agitated. During the last 30 days exposed group had significantly higher frequencies of GIT disturbances and common cold or infections in comparison to unexposed group. Results showed that the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), absolute lymphocyte and monocyte counts were significantly lower while relative basophils % was significantly higher among exposed in comparison to unexposed group (although all parameters were within normal range in both groups). Conclusion and recommendations: Chronic exposure to IR-even in small dose-may lead to significant health complains (adverse health effects) and may affect general health status among exposed group compared to the control one. Personal monitoring for ionizing radiation, periodic medical examination, and increasing level of protection for exposed workers are of utmost importance.

Introduction: Glutaraldehyde (GA) is a broad-spectrum biocidal agent for high level disinfection of heat sensitive equipments. It is widely used in hospitals especially in endoscopy units. Aim of work: This study aimed to identify adverse health effects of GA and to determine the impact of workplace safety measures and work practices on occurrence and severity of such health effects among health care workers (HCWs) at Ain Shams University hospitals. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 160 HCWs from different departments of Ain Shams University hospitals divided into two groups according to exposure to GA, exposed group (No=80) and unexposed group (No =80). Both groups were interviewed using a structured questionnaire in addition to clinical examination and spirometry. An observational checklist was used to evaluate workplace safety measures where GA solution has been used and work practices of the exposed HCWs. Results: Exposed HCWs had a significantly higher frequency of nasal, lower respiratory tract, ocular, skin, headache and other symptoms than unexposed group. They also showed impairment of Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) which was significantly correlated to the years spent in the current occupation and the daily work hours. Regarding workplace safety measures in areas where GA was used, the availability of effective general ventilation system with Air Change per Hour (ACH) > 15, automatic washer and specific area for GA

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