Faculty of Medicine

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COPD prevalence and characteristics among sample of working population
(Frontiers Media SA, 2025-05-27)
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Brborović, Hana
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Milošević, Milan
Introduction: COPD is a global public health problem, causing a very high rates of morbidity, mortality, and work disability in the last decades worldwide. Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics COPD in a random sample of workers form the city of Skopje, and its relation to occupational exposures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 1,867 workers (959 males and 908 females) from the city of Skopje. Afterwards, the study subjects were divided into exposed (1.287/68.9%) and unexposed (580/31.1%) groups based on their current job exposure to noxious particles and gasses. All study participants completed a questionnaire and underwent pre-and post-bronchodilator spirometry. Results: COPD prevalence was 3.9% among all workers. COPD prevalence in exposed workers was significantly higher compared to unexposed (4.7% vs. 2.4%). Significant difference was found in exposed workers with exposure duration longer than 20 years as compared to those with shorter duration of exposure (6.0 vs. 3.2%). COPD prevalence in workers who smoked was significantly higher than in non-smoking workers in both exposed (6.0% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.037) and unexposed (3.9% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.000) groups. The difference between workers with COPD in terms of use of solid and liquid bio fossil fuels at home and central heating/electricity is not significant (5.0% vs. 3.6%), both in exposed (5.4% vs. 4.3%), as well as non-exposed workers (3.8% vs. 1.9%). Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the role of occupational exposures in COPD prevalence indicating a need of more effective preventive activities in order to reduce the overall disease burden.
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COPD PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS AMONG RETIRED WORKERS
(Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2025-04)
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Atanasovska, Aneta
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Bislimovska, Dragana
Introduction:Age and exposure to noxious particles and gases are considered as important risk factors for the development of COPD. Aim of the study:To assess the prevalence of COPD in a sample of retired persons from the Skopje region.Material and methods:We performed a cross-sectional study (prevalence study) in a sample of 392 randomly selected retired persons, 207 males and 185 females, aged 56 to 84 years. Study protocol included completion of a questionnaire and pre-and post-bronchodilator spirometry.Results:The prevalence of COPD in the whole sample was 8.7% (34/392),being non-significantly higher in men (9.1%) than in women (8.1%). The difference in COPD prevalence between smoking and non-smoking retired persons was within the borders of statistical significance (10.7% vs.7.5; P=0.084). The difference in COPD prevalence between retired persons exposed to vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes (VGDF) at their workplace during their active period and retired persons with no such exposure just missed statistical significance (9.5% vs.7.4%; P=0.073). COPD prevalence in the smoking retired persons occupationally exposed to VGDF during their active period was significantly higher than its prevalence in the smoking retired persons occupationally unexposed to VGDF during their active period (12.6% vs.8.2%; P=0.036). Conclusion: Our results confirm the role of age and exposure to noxious particles and gases in the COPD development.
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Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in female cleaners: effect of smoking
(Арбилис - София, 2007)
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Risteska-Kuc, Snezana
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Stojanovski, Zoran
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Background. Airborne particles and pollutants, such as dust, tobacco smoke and automobile exhaust, are considered as stimulants that contribute to the development of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Objective. To evaluate prevalence of EIB and its relation to smoking in female cleaners. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study including 43 female cleaners aged 26 to 57 (mean age 36.9±7.6), with duration of exposure 5 to 24 years (mean duration 11.6±5.5). In addition, 45 female office workers (aged 27 to 58, mean age 38.1±5.7) were studied as a control. Evaluation of exposed and unexposed workers included completion of a questionnaire, skin prick tests to common aeroallergens, spirometry, and constant submaximal exercise challenge test (ECT) on cycle ergometer. Results. We found similar EIB prevalence in both cleaners and office workers (9.3% vs. 6.7%; P=0.276). Bronchial reaction to exercise, expressed as a mean fall index FEV1, was significantly greater in ECT positive cleaners (23.4% vs. 16.1%, P=0.041). EIB was strongly linked to atopy and positive family history for asthma in both groups. EIB was non-significantly associated with daily smoking in office workers (P=0.276), whereas in cleaners that association just missed significance (P=0.074). Association between EIB and daily mean of cigarettes consumed was significant in smoking cleaners (P=0.039), whereas its association with smoking experience was non-significant in both groups. Bronchial reaction to exercise was significantly greater in exposed than in unexposed smokers (9.4% vs. 4.5%; P=0.036). Association of EIB with exand passive smoking was non-significant in both occupation groups. Conclusions. Our data suggest that daily smoking could interact with workplace exposure in development and severity of EIB in female cleaners.
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Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in women cooks and cleaners
(Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2007-06)
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Risteska-Kuc, Snezana
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The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in 43 women cleaners (aged 26 to 57) and 37 women cooks (aged 29 to 55) and compare them with 45 controls (women office workers aged 27 to 58). The evaluation of all subjects included a questionnaire, skin prick tests to common aeroallergens, spirometry, and histamine challenge (PC20 < or = 8 mg mL(-1)). We found higher BHR prevalence in cleaners and cooks than in office workers (30.2 % and 29.7 %, vs. 17.7 %, respectively), but statistical significance was not reached. The prevalence of mild and moderate to severe BHR was similar in all groups. Borderline BHR prevalence was significantly higher in cleaners than in controls (16.2 % vs. 6.6 %, P=0.032) whereas the difference was on the verge of significance in cooks (13.5 % vs. 6.6 %, P=0.081). Moderate to severe BHR was strongly associated with positive family history of asthma and atopy in all groups. Mild BHR was significantly associated with daily smoking in cleaners (P=0.031) and cooks (P=0.021), as well as with the duration of exposure in cleaners (P=0.038). Borderline BHR was closely related to daily smoking and duration of exposure in both cleaners and cooks. Our findings indicate an important role of workplace exposure in borderline BHR development, as well as the significant effect of smoking on mild BHR development in women cleaners and cooks.
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Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in textile and agricultural workers and in bakers
(SCIENDO, 2006-12)
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Risteska-Kuc, Snezana
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To assess the prevalence and the characteristics of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in subjects occupationally exposed to organic dusts we performed a cross-sectional study including 152 exposed subjects (67 textile workers, 42 agricultural workers, and 43 bakers) and 72 unexposed controls. Evaluation of exposed and unexposed subjects included a questionnaire, skin prick tests to common inhalant allergens, spirometry, and exercise challenge tests (ECT). The EIB prevalence found in textile workers was 8.9 %, in agricultural workers 7.1 %, in bakers 6.9 %, and in office workers 5.5 %. The highest bronchial reaction to exercise was found in ECT-positive agricultural workers (26.1+/-6.9), followed by textile workers (25.2+/-7.4), bakers (23.0+/-5.8), and office workers (21.8+/-4.4). EIB was significantly associated with atopy and positive family history of asthma in all exposed groups. EIB was significantly associated with smoking duration in textile workers (P=0.039) and agricultural workers (P=0.027). Bronchial reaction to exercise was significantly greater in smoking than in non-smoking textile (P=0.045) and agricultural workers (P=0.032). Our data suggest that the combination of daily smoking and workplace exposure to certain types of organic dusts could contribute to EIB development and severity.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Never-Smoking Bricklayers
(ID Design 2012/DOOEL Skopje, 2013-12-15)
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Risteska-Kuc, Snezana
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Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to occupational exposures remains an important public health problem taking significant toll on the global burden of the disease. Aim: In order to assess chronic prevalence and characteristics of COPD in bricklaying we performed a cross-sectional study including 47 never-smoking male bricklayers (aged 34 to 57 years) and an equal number of never-smoking male office workers studied as a control. Methods: Evaluation of examined subjects consisted of completion of a questionnaire, baseline spirometry, and bronchodilator reversibility testing. Results: We found higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in bricklayers with significant difference for cough and phlegm. Majority of the chronic respiratory symptoms in bricklayers were work-related. The mean values of all measured spirometric parameters in bricklayers were significantly lower than in office workers. The prevalence of COPD was significantly higher in bricklayers than in office workers (14.9% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.034). COPD in both examined groups was close related to age over 45 years, while in bricklayers significant association was registered for duration of occupational exposure longer than 20 years and work-related respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: Our findings support data about relationship between occupational exposure to inorganic dust and fumes in construction workers and persistent airflow limitation.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Never-Smoking Female Workers Exposed to Cotton Dust
(ID Design 2012/DOOEL Skopje, 2014-06-15)
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Tutkun, Engin
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Snezana Risteska-Kuc
AIM: Textile workers in their work environment are exposed to airborne particulate from natural and synthetic origin. In the present study we aimed at assessment of prevalence and characterstics of COPD in never-smoking female workers employed at cotton weaving sector in textile manufacture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to assess chronic prevalence and characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in textile industry we performed a cross-sectional study including 47 never-smoking female cotton workers (aged 36 to 56 years) and an equal number of never-smoking female office workers studied as a control. Evaluation of examined subjects consisted of completion of a questionnaire, baseline spirometry, and bronchodilator reversibility testing. RESULTS: We found higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in cotton workers with significant difference for phlegm and dyspnea. Majority of the chronic respiratory symptoms in cotton workers were work-related. With exception of the mean value of forced vital capacity (FVC), the mean values of all other measured spirometric parameters in cotton workers were significantly lower than in office workers. The prevalence of COPD was significantly higher in cotton workers than in office workers (11.4% vs. 2.3%, P = 0,027). COPD in cotton workers was significantly associated with age higher than 45 years and with duration of exposure longer than 20 years. CONCLUSION: Our findings support data about relationship between occupational exposure to organic dust in textile workers and persistent airflow limitation.
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Respiratory Symptoms and Ventilatory Function in Never-Smoking Males Working in Dusty Occupations
(ID Design Press, 2014-12-15)
Danilova, Marina
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AIM: To assess the effect of occupational exposure on respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity in never-smoking male workers exposed to mineral or organic dusts.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study including 138 never-smoking male workers exposed to mineral or organic dust (34 construction workers, 32 furniture manufacturers, 37 agricultural workers, and 35 bakers) and 35 unexposed controls (office workers). Evaluation of all study subjects included completion of a questionnaire and spirometric measurements.RESULTS: The prevalence of the overall respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months was higher in dusty occupation workers than its prevalence in office workers. Statistically significant difference was found between the prevalence of cough in construction workers, agricultural workers and bakers, as well as between the prevalence of phlegm in construction workers, furniture manufacturers and agricultural workers as compared to its prevalence in office workers. The mean values of spirometric parameters were lower in all groups of exposed workers as compared to their mean values in office workers with statistical significance for all measured parameters in construction workers and furniture manufacturers, as well as for small airways indices in agricultural workers and bakers.CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate significant effect of occupational exposure on respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity impairment in workers exposed to mineral or organic dusts.</jats:p>
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Adverse effects in workers exposed to inorganic lead
(Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2008-03)
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Snezana Risteska-Kuc
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This paper describes a retrospective cohort study comparing 60 workers occupationally exposed to inorganic lead and 60 matched controls. All subjects were assessed using data obtained from a specially designed Questionnaire for lead exposure and toxic effects assessment, physical examination, spirometry, ECG, and laboratory tests including blood lead level (BLL) and biomarkers of lead toxic effects. Muscle pain, droopiness, and work-related nasal symptoms were significantly more frequent in lead workers. The prevalence of lung symptoms was higher in lead workers than in controls, but not significantly (20 % vs. 6.6 %, respectively). Mean values of BLL and delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) were significantly higher in lead workers. The activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in lead workers was significantly lower than in controls. Abnormal of BLL, ALAD, and ALA were more frequent in lead workers, with statistical difference for BLL and ALAD. Inverse correlation was found between BLL and ALAD, and positive correlation between BLL and age, years of employment, and years of exposure. Inverse correlation was found between ALAD and age, years of employment, years of exposure, blood pressure, alcohol consumption, and years of alcohol consumption. Changes in spirometry correlated inversely with BLL. A positive correlation was found between BLL and erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration, whereas it was inverse for ALAD and haemoglobin concentration. A significant difference was found for BLL and ALAD, with a very high odds ratio (14.64 and 7.23, respectively) and high relative risk (4.18 and 3.08, respectively). Our data have confirmed the association between occupational lead exposure and deviation in specific biological markers of lead effect and between the role of occupational exposure in the development of adverse effects.
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Biological Monitoring Among Workers Exposed to Inorganic Lead and Its Compounds
(ID Design Press, 2011-12-01)
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Objective: To explore the association between lead biomarkers and their deviations in the circumstances of occupational exposure, and influence of life style factors. Material and Methods: We performed cross-sectional study using 60 workers occupationally exposed to lead compared with 60 controls. All examinees were assessed by Questionnaire, and laboratory testing concerning blood lead level (BLL), activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in blood, concentration of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and coproporphyrin in urine, reticulocytes and erythrocytes with basophilic stippling (EBS). Results: The mean values of BLL and ALA were significantly higher, and mean ALAD activity was significantly lower in lead workers than in controls. Lead workers also had a higher rate of abnormal BLL, ALAD, and ALA, significant for BLL and ALAD. The average BLL values among exposed workers and controls in men were significantly higher. There was strong inverse correlation between distribution of ALAD values in exposed workers due to their BLL values. Significant correlation with mean ALAD values was shown for alcohol consumption, form of compounds, and use of protecting equipment, whereas with mean BLL values was shown for age, gender, exposure duration, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Conclusion: The data confirmed the association between occupational exposure and lead biomarkers abnormalities.

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