International Journal of Epidemiology, Vol 26, 371-380, Copyright © 1997 by International Epidemiological Association
M Kaminski, M Bourgine, M Zins, A Touranchet and C Verger
BACKGROUND: Apart from the use of vibrating tools, little is known about
risk factors for Raynaud's phenomenon. However, it has been hypothesized
that this disorder may have a multifactorial aetiology, involving potential
causal or triggering factors which can be found in the workplace. The
objective of the study is to identify individual and occupational risk
factors of Raynaud's phenomenon in a population of workers not exposed to
vibration, but exposed to cold. METHODS: The survey was carried out in
1987-1988 in 17 poultry slaughterhouses and six canning factories and
included 1474 employees. Data were collected at the annual visit to the
occupational health physician. Finger sensitivity to cold and Raynaud's
phenomenon were identified from a list of symptoms occurring from exposure
to cold. The role of potential risk factors was assessed using multiple
logistic regression. RESULTS: A high prevalence of symptoms of finger
sensitivity to cold was observed. Raynaud's phenomenon was more common in
women than in men, was related to family history of the disease but not to
smoking or alcohol consumption. After controlling for non-occupational
factors, the following working conditions appeared as risk factors for
Raynaud's phenomenon: use of plastic gloves, less than four rest breaks,
breaks in an unheated place, continual repetition of the same series of
operations, exertion of the arm or hand and being able to think of
something else while working. CONCLUSION: The study showed that a number of
working conditions were associated with an increased risk of Raynaud's
phenomenon and finger sensitivity to cold. Changes in working conditions
might reduce the risk of this disorder in the food processing industry.
ARTICLES
Risk factors for Raynaud's phenomenon among workers in poultry slaughterhouses and canning factories
INSERM Unit 149, Villejuif, France.
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  L. Kaerlev, S. Dahl, P. S. Nielsen, J. Olsen, H. Hannerz, A. Jensen, and F. Tuchsen Hospital contacts for chronic diseases among Danish seafarers and fishermen: A population-based cohort study Scand J Public Health, October 1, 2007; 35(5): 481 - 489. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 P. V Voulgari, Y. Alamanos, D. Papazisi, K. Christou, C. Papanikolaou, and A. A Drosos Prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon in a healthy Greek population Ann Rheum Dis, March 1, 2000; 59(3): 206 - 210. [Abstract] [Full Text]
|
|