Introduction. Employees of the main occupations of metalworking production are exposed to a complex of harmful production and non-production factors contributing to the formation of bronchopulmonary pathology. The identification of priority factors leading to the development of diseases of the respiratory system is important in order to develop methods of effective prevention of bronchopulmonary diseases in employees of the metalworking industry. Materials and methods. As part of the cross-sectional study, the medical and social aspects and the health status of three hundred metalworking employees were studied. A hygienic assessment of the factors of the working environment and the labour process was carried out. The results of the study were statistically processed using the Statistica 10 software. Results. There was a discrepancy in the number of workers with an established diagnosis of bronchopulmonary disease and the number of workers complaining from the respiratory system and having physical and spirometric disorders. Workers were established to be exposed to a complex of harmful chemicals of hazard classes 1–4, having an irritating, carcinogenic, sharply directed mechanism of action on the human body (classes 2–3.2) and aerosols of predominantly fibrogenic action (class 2). The harmful chemical factor affecting metalworking employees did not have a significant effect on the formation of functional disorders of the respiratory system. The priority risk factor for the development of bronchopulmonary pathology in metalworking employees is the use of tobacco smoking products. Limitations. The study has regional (Saratov region) and occupational (metalworking employees) limitations. Conclusion. The priority risk factor for the development of bronchopulmonary pathology is the use of smoking tobacco products, and the impact of a harmful chemical factor that had an insignificant effect on the formation of functional disorders of the respiratory system of metalworking employees.

Digestive diseases are a very common pathology in children and adolescents. Analysis of risk factors for the development of diseases of the digestive system and prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in students of professional educational organizations are presented in the article. 265 students of vocational education organizations aged 15 to 18 years were examined. The study design was a one-time cross-sectional study (active screening). Standardized formalized maps were used (complaints, medical history, physical examination results, regime and nature of diets, lifestyle and social and economic aspects were studied) to assess frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) – an internationally validated questionnaire for the study of quality of life developed by the Hassle Company (division of Astra) – was used to study gastrointestinal symptoms. Statistical data processing was carried out using «MS Excel 2002» program. The study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of bioethics, after receiving informed consent of adolescents and their parents. A number of adolescents who previously have been diagnosed with diseases of the digestive system are found; gastrointestinal symptoms are systematized and analyzed (symptom group according to the scales abdominal pain, reflux, dyspepsia diarrhoea, constipation) using the GSRS questionnaire; main risk factors for the development of digestive system diseases characteristic of adolescents are studied: (the nature and regime of diet, smoking, consumption of alcohol), awareness of students about the main factors of a healthy lifestyle were examined as results of the study. The results of the study must be taken into account when developing and implementing preventive and hygiene and educational measures that are aimed at maintaining health and improving the quality of life of the population and require an interdisciplinary approach.

The article presents the results of a single-stage cross-sectional study, in which 225 students of a professional educational organization were examined. The frequency, localization, duration, intensity, nature of headache, lifestyle factors of adolescents (physical activity, mental load, use of information and communication tools, sleep quality, smoking) were analyzed. A multiple regression analysis was built, as well as an assessment of the relative risk and the odds ratio of developing a headache. Results. A significant prevalence of high frequency, duration, and intensity of headache has been established. The main lifestyle factors provoking the development of headache and influencing its characteristics are tobacco smoking, prolonged use of information and communication tools, and mental stress. Also, a significant relationship was established between the incidence of headache and sleep disturbance. Research limitations. The study has regional (Saratov region) and age restrictions (adolescence). Conclusion. A high prevalence of headache among the surveyed adolescents was established. Priority modifiable factors influencing the development and course of headache have been identified. Rational pedagogical planning of curricula, raising the awareness of adolescents and their parents about the influence of modifiable factors on the occurrence of headaches can be a significant method for preventing the development of headaches.

Brucellosis is one of the most common infections that belongs to the group of specifically dangerous zoonoses, which account for a significant share of infectious pathologies affecting humans. The pathogenesis of chronic brucellosis relies on intracellular parasitization of brucella with anti-lysozyme activity. The socio-economic effect of brucellosis problem is due to the specific features of the course that the infection takes, frequently developing into chronic forms, resulting in long-term loss, or even permanent disability. Physically capable population is the group that is affected the most, whereas thew reasons behind this include both professional and social ones. The rate of clinical manifestations pointing at a damage to the nervous system wrought by brucellosis lies within the range of 25% – 90%. This paper presents a clinical case focusing on the nature of the damage chronic neurobrucellosis causes to the peripheral nervous system. We used the MRC, NDS scales as well as electromyography with the identification of the standard conduction parameters for the median, tibial and calf nerves.