Faculty of Medicine
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Item type:Publication, COPD prevalence and characteristics among sample of working population(Frontiers Media SA, 2025-05-27); ; ; ;Brborović, HanaMilošević, MilanIntroduction: 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. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, COPD PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS AMONG RETIRED WORKERS(Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2025-04); ; ; ;Atanasovska, AnetaBislimovska, DraganaIntroduction: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. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Prevalence and Characteristics of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Dairy Farmers(Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI, 2022-10-13); ; ; ;Atanasovska, AnetaBislimovska, Dragana<jats:p>Objective: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in dairy farmers, and evaluate the role of job exposure and smoking as predictors for respiratory health impairment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, including 83 dairy farmers (mean age: 52.6±8.7 years; mean exposure duration: 23.7±7.6 years) and 80 office workers as a control group (mean age: 52.7±8.2 years) matched for age, smoking habits, and socioeconomic status. Methods for evaluation of study participants included a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months, baseline spirometry and bronchodilator reversibility testing, and diagnostic criteria for COPD. Results: The mean post-bronchodilator values of spirometric parameters are significantly lower in subjects among EG with negative bronchodilator test compared to those in CG, while the mean post-bronchodilator values of spirometric parameters are lower in dairy farmers with negative BD tests exposed more than 20 years compared to those with exposure less than 20 years, being statistically significant for FEV1/FVC%, MEF25, MEF50 and MEF75. The COPD prevalence is non-significantly higher in dairy farmers compared to controls, and is significantly associated with age over 40 years in dairy farmers (P=0.035). The risk for COPD development in dairy farmers is about 36 fold higher in subjects exposed more than 20 years (OR = 36.00 (1.21-37.77) CI 95%) compared to those with exposure duration less than 20 years, and is about 6 fold higher in dairy farmers who are current smokers (OR = 6.12 (0.95-37.77) CI 95%). COPD is significantly associated with smoking duration among smokers in both groups, while combined effect of smoking, smoking duration, and number of cigarettes smoked daily has a significant impact on COPD development in dairy farmers. According to the GOLD classification, depending on the degree of airflow limitation, mild and moderate types of COPD are detected in dairy farmers, and only mild type in controls, showing no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The study findings recognized the role of farming exposure, and smoking as well, as predictors for respiratory health impairment, and furthermore confirmed their potential to be a predictive factor in the COPD development. These facts should be helpful in detection of critical points for action, indicate the need of adverse occupational exposures reduction through adequate preventive measures and regular health examinations, implementation of relevant engineering controls, smoking cessation programs, and complete and efficient respiratory health assessment.</jats:p> - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Course of COPD Assessment Test (CAT) Scores During Bacterial Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treated in Outpatient Setting(Bentham Science Publishers Ltd., 2015); ; ; ; Introduction: COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is an 8-items questionnaire for assessment of health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: To evaluate the course of CAT scores during bacterial exacerbations of COPD treated in outpatient setting. Methods: We performed an observational, prospective study including 81 outpatients (57 males and 24 females, aged 43 to 74 years) with bacterial exacerbation of COPD. All participants completed CAT at initial visit (i.e. at the time of diagnosis of exacerbation and beginning of its treatment), 10 and 30 days after initial visit. Mean scores of each item, as well as the overall mean score, at these time points were compared. Results: The mean scores for each CAT question at initial visit varied from 2.6 to 3.5, whereas the mean scores for each CAT question 10 days after initial visit varied from 1.7 to 2.6. We registered significant reduction of the mean overall CAT score 10 days after initial visit as compared to its value at initial visit of 6.9 ± 2.7 points (16.8 vs 23.7; P < 0.001). The mean scores for each CAT question 30 days after initial visit varied from 1.3 to 2.4. We registered reduction of mean overall CAT score 30 days after initial visit as compared to its score 10 days after initial visit of 2.9 ± 1.2 points (13.9 vs 16.8; P < 0.005). The mean overall CAT score 30 days after initial visit was reduced for 9.8 ± 4.5 points as compared to its value at initial visit (13.9 vs 23.7; P < 0.001). Conclusion: We found significant improvement in the patient’s health status during recovery from exacerbation as compared to their health status at the time of exacerbation confirming the CAT as an effective tool to measure health status in patients with COPD. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Never-Smoking Bricklayers(ID Design 2012/DOOEL Skopje, 2013-12-15); ; ; ;Risteska-Kuc, SnezanaBackground: 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. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Asthma Control Test™ in Assessment of Clinical Asthma Control(ID Design Press, 2009-12-01); ; ;Tatjana Petrova; Snezana Risteska-KucBackground. The goal of asthma treatment is to achieve and maintain control of the disease. Objective. To assess validity and reliability of Asthma Control TestTM (ACT) as a patient-based tool for quantifying the control of the disease in the subjects with persistent asthma. Methods. A cross-sectional study including 396 subjects with persistent asthma drown from a population of treated patients was performed. Evaluation of the examined subjects included completion of the ACT, spirometry, and asthma specialist rating of control. Results. The mean derived ACT score in all study subjects was 19.2±3.3. Prevalence of the study subjects with totally controlled (TC), well-controlled (WC) and not well-controlled (NWC) asthma by derived ACT score was 9.1%, 43.2% and 47.7%, respectively. Results from the spirometry showed that in 45% of the study subjects FEV1 value was less than 80%. Prevalence of the study subjects with TC, WC and NWC asthma by asthma specialist rating was 8.1%, 41.1% and 50.7%, respectively. A strong correlation between the derived ACT scores and asthma specialist rating of control was observed (r = 0.51, P = 0.000). Conclusion. Our data confirm the usefulness of the ACT as a valid and reliable screening tool for asthma control. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Never-Smoking Female Workers Exposed to Cotton Dust(ID Design 2012/DOOEL Skopje, 2014-06-15); ; ;Tutkun, Engin; Snezana Risteska-KucAIM: 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. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Farmers: Severity and Work-Relatedness(ID Design Press, 2014-09-15); ; ; OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in farmers, with emphasize to their severity and work-relatedness due occupational risk factors and farming characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed including 60 cow breeders aged 21 to 65 years, compared to an equal number of agricultural farmers matched by age, job exposure duration, and smoking status. We have used a questionnaire to record the chronic respiratory symptoms, detailed work history, specific farming activities and tasks performed, and smoking history. Evaluation of examined subjects also included lung function spirometry tests, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness testing. RESULTS: We found higher prevalence of work related respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months in cow breeders with significant difference for phlegm (P = 0.039), and wheezing (P = 0.026). Mean values of all spirometric parameters were lower in cow breeders, reaching significance for MEF50 (P = 0.001) and MEF75 (P = 0.000). Significant difference was found for mild bronchial hyperresponsiveness among cow breeders with job exposure of more than 15 years. The risk of developing work-related respiratory symptoms increased significantly with full-time farming, exposure to gases and vapors, and keeping more than 10 cows. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that workplace exposure in farmers may cause respiratory impairment which is closely related to its duration, characteristics, and intensity. The results suggest that cow breeders in general have higher rates of work-related respiratory symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness than agricultural farmers, whereas their severity increases with an increase in frequency and duration of animal contact. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Chronic Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function in a Sample of Agricultural Workers in Skopje Region(ID Design 2012/DOOEL Skopje, 2014-06-15); ; ; OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of job exposure and its duration on chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity among agricultural workers. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study including 120 agricultural workers aged 36 to 53 years, compared to an equal number of office workers matched by age, duration of workplace exposure and smoking status. A questionnaire was used to record the chronic respiratory symptoms, detailed job history, specific job activities and tasks performed, and smoking history. Evaluation of examined subjects also included functional lung testing by spirometry. RESULTS: We found non-significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months in agricultural workers with significant difference for cough (P = 0.044), and wheezing (P = 0.031). Mean values of all spirometric parameters were lower in agricultural workers, being significantly different for MEF50 (P = 0.001) and MEF75 (P = 0.000). Adverse respiratory effects and lung function deterioration were more expressed in agricultural workers with duration of job exposure more than 20 years than in those exposed less than 20 years. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that workplace exposure in agricultural workers may lead to respiratory impairment which is close related to its duration. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Respiratory and Nasal Symptoms, Immunological Changes, and Lung Function in Industrial Bakers(ID Design 2012/DOOEL Skopje, 2012-03-01); ; Background: Several studies reported that occupational exposure in bakery may cause respiratory impairment in exposed workers. Aim: To assess the respiratory effects and immunological changes of occupational exposure in industrial bakers. Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study including 43 industrial bakers (20 males and 23 females, aged 34-55 years) and an equal number of office workers, matched by sex, age and smoking status. Evaluation of examined subjects included completion of questionnaire, skin prick tests to common and work-related inhalant allergens, spirometry, and histamine challenge. Results: We found higher prevalence of nasal symptoms in the last 12 months in bakers with significant difference for runny nose (P = 0.033). Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months was also higher in bakers and statistical significance was obtained for cough (P = 0.041) and phlegm (P = 0.023). We found similar prevalence of allergic sensitization to common inhalant allergens in both examined groups, while sensitization to wheat flour and meal flour was registered only among bakers. Measured spirometric parameters were lower in bakers with significant difference for MEF50 and MEF75 (P = 0.004, and P = 0.000, respectively). Prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) was non-significantly higher in bakers with significantly higher severity (P = 0.029). Conclusion: Our findings confirm that occupational exposure in industrial bakers may lead to adverse respiratory effects and immunological changes in exposed workers.
