Naslov
Estimation of memory efficiency in workers professionaly exposed to xylene

Autori
Bobić, Jasminka ; Gomzi, Milica

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, neobjavljeni rad, znanstveni

Skup
3rd Congress of European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology

Mjesto i datum
Barcelona, Španjolska, 24.10.2001. - 27.10.2001

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Nije recenziran

Ključne riječi
Memory; Xylene; Psychological performance

Sažetak
ESTIMATION OF MEMORY EFFICIENCY IN WORKERS PROFESSIONALLY EXPOSED TO XYLENE The aim of this study was to highlight the relationship between subjective perception of memory efficiency and two memory test results, as a part of the study on possible effects of xylene on cognitive functions in professionally exposed workers. The sample comprised 29 healthy subjects exposed between 2 and 29 years to low concentrations of xylene through inhalation. They are all medical workers at a pathology department (age: M=38,2, +/- 6,7; education: M=15,3 years, +/- 3,4). The exposure to xylene was confirmed through the concentration of m-methylhippuric acid. All subjects underwent full medical and psychological examination and completed questionnaire on work conditions and subjective health complains. For this preliminary purposes only above mentioned problem will be addressed. Tests:1. Benton Visual Retention Test (form C, 5 sec exposition, without delay), 2. Digit span (Wechsler Memory Scale). Results: Out of 29 subjects four showed slightly lowered results on one of the memory tests, while all the others achieved at least 7 correct answers on BVRT and reproduced at lest 6 digits forward and 5 backward correctly on WMS. Nevertheless 11 subjects stated that they have difficulties in memory. The group was than divided into two on the basis of the length of the exposure: 15 subjects were exposed to xylene for more than 10 years, while 14 had exposure up to 9 years. Ten out of 15 first group subjects complained on their memory, in contrast to only one in the second group. In the first group three subjects had lowered scores, while only two of them complained on their memory. In the second group only one had lowered scores, but she did not complain. Conclusion: Observed frequent complains on memory are correspondent to the length of exposition but not to the test results. These data gathered on the relatively small, but coherent group illustrate the complexity and diversity of term "memory".

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti, Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA