SVIBOR - Project code: 3-01-130

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Strossmayerov trg 4, HR - 10000 ZAGREB
tel.: +385 1 459 44 44, fax: +385 1 459 44 69
E-mail: ured@znanost.hr

SVIBOR

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Project code: 3-01-130


IMPROVEMENT OF CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF WORK ABILITY


Main researcher: KANCELJAK-MACAN, BOŽICA (101500)


Assistants
Type of research: applied
Duration from: 01/01/91. to 12/31/94.
Papers on project (total): 142
Papers on project quoted in Current Contents: 20
Institution name: Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb (22)
Department/Institute: DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Address: Jordanovac 104 / Ksaverska c. 2
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (01)223-625,223-884,434-188
Summary: Electroencephalographic and psychological criteria of the degree of CNS damage, caused by craniocerebral injuries, stress, alcohol consumption and occupational exposure to pesticides was evaluated. The prevalence and incidence of ST-segment depression and its correlation with risk factors for the occurrence of ischemic heart disease (adiposity, arterial hypertension, diabetes and smoking habit) was determined in a sample of the population of Croatia consisting of 2414 subjects. A method was evalued and standardized for examining nonspecific nasal reactivity to solutions of histamine in groups of healthy persons, those occupationally exposed to respiratory irritants, and subjects with allergic diseases of the respiratory system. The prevalence and specificity of skin test reactions to potential occupational agents in industrial manufacture of coffee, tea, soya beans, hemp, cotton, jute, sisal, and animal food was examined in exposed and nonexposed workers, and in vitro on isolated nonsensitized guinea pig trachea. Criteria for determination of atopic disorders of the respiratory system and skin in an adult symptomatic and asymptomatic population were examined. In workers employed in the asbestos-cement industry, shipyards, the manufacture of hard metals and in fireclay bricklayers, radiological changes in the lungs and pleura and correlation with impaired respiratory function have been examined. Serum immunoglobulins and the number of T limfocytes was examined in workers exposed to asbestos, with and without asbestosis. Mutagenic changes were investigated in medical personnel exposed at the workplace to antineoplastic drugs. An investigation was carried out of disorders of the cervical spine and joints of the upper extremities in workers exposed to nonergonomic working conditions. Younger subjects overemphasize the correlation between cervicobrachial syndrome and the conditions of work. Ergonomic modification can reduce disorders and/or diseases of the locomotor system, potentiated by conditions of work. The results of the investigations have been presented in 58 scientific papers in journals, 1 book, 7 scientific papers in books, 45 papers in Congress Proceedings and Books of Abstracts, 2 doctoral dissertations and 3 master's degree theses.

Keywords: Working capacity, brain damage, neurophysiology, evoked potentials, ischemic cardiac disease, risk factors, occupational allergy, nasal and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, skin tests, immunoglobulins, atopy, respiratory function asbestos, man made fibers, chronic rheumatic complaints and diseases, vibratory disease

Research goals: The basic aim of the investigation is to examine, complete and modify criteria used in practice for evaluation of work ability. The object being to improve the techniques which produce the best evaluation of the functional conditions of individual organic systems, and which are important for evaluation of remaining work ability and invalidity. Because of the continuous improvements in diagnostic procedures in medicine, the aim is to rationalize the choice of diagnostic procedures and techniques relevant for evaluation of work ability. It is anticipated that the investigation will result in an optimal selection of diagnostic procedures (diagnostic minimum) and defined criteria for the degree of reversible and irreversible functional disorders of the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and locomotor systems, relevant for changed or lost work ability. The final aim of the investigation is to provide a scientific element for work in clinics and preventive medicine, important for the health protection of the working population, particularly for evaluation of health status and medical prognosis of work ability.

COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS


  1. Name of institution: Škola narodnog zdravlja, Medicinski fakultet
    Type of institution: University/Faculty
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
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