The Croatian Adult Health Cohort Study (CroHort) --background, methodology & perspectives.

Health interview surveys are important source of health information. All previous adult population-based health interview surveys in Croatia until CroHort, were one-off projects with very limited possibility of data comparison. CroHort enabled repeated survey of CAHS 2003 respondents with almost identical questionnaire, thus providing comparable data on trends of different risk factors as well as their relation to the specific outcomes.

[Incidence and prevalence of asbestos-related diseases in Croatia].

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and prevalence of asbestos-related diseases in Croatia, based on the Hospital Morbidity Database and General Mortality Database of the Croatian National Institute of Public Health. Both databases cover a period from 2002 to 2007), and include information from the Register of Occupational Diseases. Diagnoses in focus were mesothelioma (C45), asbestosis, and pleural plaque (J61 and J92).

Women in medicine through the ages.

Background: Female practitioners of the medical arts have been active since the ancient world The role of women in science, and particularly in medicine, has changed significantly over time.

Methods: We provide a chronological review of the growing knowledge in medicine related to women's activities through the ages with particular attention to occupational medicine. Throughout history hazards have been shaped by the forces that shape work itself social evolution, shifting economic powers and demographic changes.

Respiratory function in pesticide workers.

Objective: Pesticide aerosols are frequently toxic irritants associated with respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment.

Methods: A cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function abnormalities in 82 workers employed in processing pesticides and in 60 control workers not exposed to irritants and employed in a soft drink bottling plant.

Results: The prevalence of almost all chronic respiratory symptoms was greater among pesticide workers than among controls.

[The development of health care for workers through history].

The definition of occupational health has changed significantly over time to cover broader aspects of health care and to promote worker's health. Over the centuries, the relationship between workplace hazards and occupational health care has been influenced by the character of work, social evolution and changes in manufacture, economy and demographics of the working populations. Numerous old civilizations showed deep prejudice towards human work.