Impact of Exposure of Chemical Fumes on Blood Pressure and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Industrial Workers of Faisalabad

Objectives: 1. To determine the impact of duration of exposure to industrial chemical fumes on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and blood pressure of the industrial workers. 2. To find out the association between changes in blood pressure and PEFR due to exposure to industrial chemical fumes in these subjects. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad. The study participants were 151 males working in the chemical industries. The study was approved by institutional ethical committee and informed consent was taken from the participants. Free camp was arranged for three days in September 2020 in the industrial area of Faisalabad. Thorough history of exposure to chemicals was taken using structured proforma. PEFR values were recorded using Wrights handheld peak flow meter. Blood pressure was taken by auscultatory method using mercury sphygmomanometer. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly raised with increase in duration of exposure.  PEFR levels were significantly declined with increase in duration of exposure to chemicals. Significant negative association was noted between diastolic blood pressure and PEFR (p value = 0.003). Negative correlation was observed between PEFR and systolic Blood pressure, however it was not statistically significant (p value = 0.92). Conclusions: PEFR decreased while Systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased significantly with increase in the duration of exposure to chemicals. There was a significant negative correlation between PEFR and diastolic blood pressure while there was no association between PEFR and systolic blood pressure.

Exploring the Transition from M. Ed. Graduate to Professional Development Teacher

The graduates of the M.Ed. II program of the Aga Khan University, Institute for Educational Development representing seven countries of the developing world, have embarked upon their roles and responsibilities as Professional Development Teachers (PDTs). The study investigated the transition period of this cohort of PDTs from being the graduates of the M.Ed. program to being PDTs who have returned to their workplaces. An open-ended questionnaire was used as the major data collection tool and this was supplemented with interviews of some of the respondents. The major focus of both the questionnaire and the interviews was on PDTs' perspectives and perceptions. The questionnaire was sent to all the thirty-five PDTs of M.Ed. II, including those who are abroad. A total of thirty responses were received, which constitutes 86% of the target population. Supplementary interviews were held with 30% of the respondents The results indicate that the transition period through which PDTs have gone is full of challenges and constraints. Only a few PDTs, mostly from private schools, seemed to be moving smoothly into their new positions and professional roles as PDTs. The majority of PDTs seemed to have struggled for their identity in contexts, which were pervasive and hardly responsive to their professional needs. This struggle has taken different dimensions and was manifested in the psychological conflict of PDTs and the reality of their contexts. The psychological conflicts which PDTs experienced made them, at times, question both their roles as change agents and the very possibility of their bringing about change in their contexts. This conflict was exacerbated by the absence of specific support to meet their personal and professional needs. One of the major implications drawn from the study is about the importance of providing follow up support to PDTs in this transition stage of their professional careers. This could help PDTs to maintain their enthusiasm and commitment, and also assist them to be more successful in fulfilling their professional duties.