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Papers by Alexandra Farrow

Research paper thumbnail of Working beyond 65: A qualitative study of perceived hazards and discomforts at work

Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Non-attendance or non-invitation?: Authors' reply

Research paper thumbnail of The Repeatability of Self-Reported Exposure after Miscarriage

International Journal of Epidemiology, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Frequent use of chemical household products is associated with persistent wheezing in pre-school age children

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental pollutants and pediatric asthma

Pediatric Health, Jun 1, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Myelodysplasia, chemical exposure, and other environmental factors

PubMed, 1989

This paper describes a case-control study of the occupational and environmental exposures of pati... more This paper describes a case-control study of the occupational and environmental exposures of patients with myelodysplasia. The methodology, first described in Canada for solid tumors, estimates lifetime exposures to a number of potential toxic hazards or carcinogens. This pilot study confirms that the methodology, with the use of questionnaires and interviews, can estimate exposures to specific chemicals and shows some significant associations with myelodysplasia, including exposure to petrol or diesel compounds.

Research paper thumbnail of Occupational and environmental exposures and myelodysplasia: A case-control study

Leukemia Research, Feb 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Lignans and related phenols. Part 16. The biogenesis of podophyllotoxin

Journal of the Chemical Society, 1981

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Fear Avoidance Beliefs with Respect to Low Back Pain Amongst Front-Line Employees in the London Ambulance Service

Orthopaedic Proceedings, Feb 21, 2018

Purpose and background of the study The occupational health department for the London Ambulance S... more Purpose and background of the study The occupational health department for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) had numbers of employees reporting low back pain (LBP). The purpose of the study was to determine the lifetime, and point prevalence of LBP and to report the Fear Avoidance Beliefs of this study population within the LAS. Summary of the methods used and the results The cross-sectional study involved 2448 Accident & Emergency (A&E) operational employees (Paramedics and Qualified Ambulance Technicians). A questionnaire with covering letter was posted to a randomly selected number of A&E staff (n=1000). The questionnaire included a validated version of the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The response rate was 50% (n= 504). 91% of the responding sample had a lifetime prevalence of LBP and also answered the modified FABQ questions. The mean of the activity fears scale was 4.18 (SD = 1.14) and the mean of the work fears was 4.91 (SD = 1.08), indicating that most respondents held very negative beliefs regarding LBP in relation to work and activities. Those who had experienced LBP reported more psychological problems on the GHQ. Statement of conclusion The prevalence of low back pain amongst responding A&E staff is high compared to National surveys. This population also demonstrated very negative fear avoidance beliefs for LBP. Responses to the GHQ indicated the sample population to be just on the positive side of mid-point. The reporting of LBP was significantly associated with psychological problems.

Research paper thumbnail of Potential Errors When Estimating Injury Rates in Sports Medicine

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, May 1, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Occupational Hand Dermatitis in U.K. Hairdressers

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jul 1, 2005

Prevalence of hand dermatitis was investigated in 60 U.K. hairdressing salons. Exposure variables... more Prevalence of hand dermatitis was investigated in 60 U.K. hairdressing salons. Exposure variables and individual characteristics were examined for associations with prevalence. 38.6% of respondents reported prevalent hand dermatitis and 72.7% of prevalent cases reported interdigital symptoms. Trainee hairdressers reported an increased risk of hand dermatitis, (RR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.13-7.66), as did those with < or =2 years in the profession (RR = 4.91, 95% CI = 1.09-22.22). There was a positive association between prevalence and frequent use of protective measures (p = 0.04), suggesting that use of protective measures may be a reaction to incidence rather than a precaution. Wet work was significantly associated with prevalence, and RR was increased in those who performed more frequent wet work, i.e., trainee hairdressers. Prevalence was far higher than suggested by the surveillance schemes in the U.K.

Research paper thumbnail of Health and safety of the older worker

Occupational Medicine, Dec 26, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Fear Avoidance Beliefs with Respect to Low Back Pain Amongst Front-Line Employees in the London Ambulance Service

Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-british Volume, Apr 1, 2005

Purpose and background of the study The occupational health department for the London Ambulance S... more Purpose and background of the study The occupational health department for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) had numbers of employees reporting low back pain (LBP). The purpose of the study was to determine the lifetime, and point prevalence of LBP and to report the Fear Avoidance Beliefs of this study population within the LAS. Summary of the methods used and the results The cross-sectional study involved 2448 Accident & Emergency (A&E) operational employees (Paramedics and Qualified Ambulance Technicians). A questionnaire with covering letter was posted to a randomly selected number of A&E staff (n=1000). The questionnaire included a validated version of the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The response rate was 50% (n= 504). 91% of the responding sample had a lifetime prevalence of LBP and also answered the modified FABQ questions. The mean of the activity fears scale was 4.18 (SD = 1.14) and the mean of the work fears was 4.91 (SD = 1.08), indicating that most respondents held very negative beliefs regarding LBP in relation to work and activities. Those who had experienced LBP reported more psychological problems on the GHQ. Statement of conclusion The prevalence of low back pain amongst responding A&E staff is high compared to National surveys. This population also demonstrated very negative fear avoidance beliefs for LBP. Responses to the GHQ indicated the sample population to be just on the positive side of mid-point. The reporting of LBP was significantly associated with psychological problems.

Research paper thumbnail of Miscarriage and environmental factors

ABSTRACT Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Bristol, 1995. In 2 vols.

Research paper thumbnail of Birthweight of term infants and maternal occupation in a prospective cohort of pregnant women. The ALSPAC Study Team

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Nitrogen Dioxide in Infants' Bedrooms: A Feasibility Study for Household Based Measurements

Environmental Technology, Mar 1, 1995

ABSTRACT To determine the feasibility of postal methods to measure indoor and outdoor levels of n... more ABSTRACT To determine the feasibility of postal methods to measure indoor and outdoor levels of nitrogen dioxide without technical intervention of trained staff. Postal distribution of Palmes diffusion tubes to the householder to measure nitrogen dioxide levels inside the baby's bedroom and outside homes followed by a questionnaire ascertaining possible sources of nitrogen dioxide. Setting: Three health districts in Avon during two weeks in November 1992; 100 women, randomly selected from those with infants 4–6 months of age, currently participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC). Outcome measures: Response rate and evidence of understanding and implementation of the method by the householder; the comparability of results to those obtained from studies using visits by trained staff, for ratios of nitrogen dioxide outdoors/indoors and in homes with and without a gas cooker. There was a 91% response rate with all but one family carrying out the measurements successfully. The ratio of outdoor:indoor NO2 levels was similar to that found using other methodology (approximately 2:1). Households with gas cookers had indoor NO2 levels 1.8 times those of households without gas cookers, similar to those reported in the literature. This study successfully demonstrates a very efficient method for simultaneously obtaining estimates of air pollutant levels on large numbers of homes.

Research paper thumbnail of Household chemicals, persistent wheezing and lung function: effect modification by atopy?

The European respiratory journal, Mar 1, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Symptoms of Mothers and Infants Related to Total Volatile Organic Compounds in Household Products

Archives of Environmental Health, Oct 1, 2003

The authors sought to determine whether reported symptoms of mothers and infants were associated ... more The authors sought to determine whether reported symptoms of mothers and infants were associated significantly with the use of household products that raised indoor levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). Data collected from 170 homes within the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC: a large birth cohort of more than 10,000) had determined which household products were associated with the highest levels of TVOCs. The latter data were collected over a period that approximated 6 mo of pregnancy and the infants' first 6 mo of life. This paper presents (a) the mothers' self-reports of the use of these products in their homes and (b) self-reported medical symptoms of mothers and infants postnatally. Higher TVOC levels were associated with air freshener and aerosol use. Infant diarrhea and earache were statistically significantly associated with air freshener use, and diarrhea and vomiting were significantly associated with aerosol use. Headache experienced by mothers 8 mo after birth was significantly associated with the use of air fresheners and aerosols; maternal depression was significantly associated with the use of air fresheners. The results of the study suggest a link between the use of products that raise indoor levels of TVOCs and an increased risk of certain symptoms among infants and their mothers.

Research paper thumbnail of Time Spent in the Home by Different Family Members

Environmental Technology, Jun 1, 1997

The study objective was to assess the length of time spent inside the home for each family member... more The study objective was to assess the length of time spent inside the home for each family member in a sample population in the southwest of England. Such information is vital in any study concerned with exposure to pollutants in the home environment, in order to calculate a dose response for a specific health effect in the individual. The design was a longitudinal observational study which started in pregnancy and was carried out for one week in each month over a 12 month period. The setting was a sample of 170 families within the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC) where indoor air pollutants were being measured. The number of hours spent in the home each day for each family member was obtained from self-report using weekly diary sheets‥ The results indicated that mothers, fathers and young infants spent an average of 18.4 (76.7%), 14.7 (61.3%) and 19.3 (80.4%) hours per day, respectively, in the home. In winter, infants spent longer in the home than in the summer months. At week...

Research paper thumbnail of Delayed conception and active and passive smoking

Fertility and Sterility, Oct 1, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Working beyond 65: A qualitative study of perceived hazards and discomforts at work

Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Non-attendance or non-invitation?: Authors' reply

Research paper thumbnail of The Repeatability of Self-Reported Exposure after Miscarriage

International Journal of Epidemiology, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Frequent use of chemical household products is associated with persistent wheezing in pre-school age children

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental pollutants and pediatric asthma

Pediatric Health, Jun 1, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Myelodysplasia, chemical exposure, and other environmental factors

PubMed, 1989

This paper describes a case-control study of the occupational and environmental exposures of pati... more This paper describes a case-control study of the occupational and environmental exposures of patients with myelodysplasia. The methodology, first described in Canada for solid tumors, estimates lifetime exposures to a number of potential toxic hazards or carcinogens. This pilot study confirms that the methodology, with the use of questionnaires and interviews, can estimate exposures to specific chemicals and shows some significant associations with myelodysplasia, including exposure to petrol or diesel compounds.

Research paper thumbnail of Occupational and environmental exposures and myelodysplasia: A case-control study

Leukemia Research, Feb 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Lignans and related phenols. Part 16. The biogenesis of podophyllotoxin

Journal of the Chemical Society, 1981

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Fear Avoidance Beliefs with Respect to Low Back Pain Amongst Front-Line Employees in the London Ambulance Service

Orthopaedic Proceedings, Feb 21, 2018

Purpose and background of the study The occupational health department for the London Ambulance S... more Purpose and background of the study The occupational health department for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) had numbers of employees reporting low back pain (LBP). The purpose of the study was to determine the lifetime, and point prevalence of LBP and to report the Fear Avoidance Beliefs of this study population within the LAS. Summary of the methods used and the results The cross-sectional study involved 2448 Accident & Emergency (A&E) operational employees (Paramedics and Qualified Ambulance Technicians). A questionnaire with covering letter was posted to a randomly selected number of A&E staff (n=1000). The questionnaire included a validated version of the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The response rate was 50% (n= 504). 91% of the responding sample had a lifetime prevalence of LBP and also answered the modified FABQ questions. The mean of the activity fears scale was 4.18 (SD = 1.14) and the mean of the work fears was 4.91 (SD = 1.08), indicating that most respondents held very negative beliefs regarding LBP in relation to work and activities. Those who had experienced LBP reported more psychological problems on the GHQ. Statement of conclusion The prevalence of low back pain amongst responding A&E staff is high compared to National surveys. This population also demonstrated very negative fear avoidance beliefs for LBP. Responses to the GHQ indicated the sample population to be just on the positive side of mid-point. The reporting of LBP was significantly associated with psychological problems.

Research paper thumbnail of Potential Errors When Estimating Injury Rates in Sports Medicine

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, May 1, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Occupational Hand Dermatitis in U.K. Hairdressers

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jul 1, 2005

Prevalence of hand dermatitis was investigated in 60 U.K. hairdressing salons. Exposure variables... more Prevalence of hand dermatitis was investigated in 60 U.K. hairdressing salons. Exposure variables and individual characteristics were examined for associations with prevalence. 38.6% of respondents reported prevalent hand dermatitis and 72.7% of prevalent cases reported interdigital symptoms. Trainee hairdressers reported an increased risk of hand dermatitis, (RR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.13-7.66), as did those with < or =2 years in the profession (RR = 4.91, 95% CI = 1.09-22.22). There was a positive association between prevalence and frequent use of protective measures (p = 0.04), suggesting that use of protective measures may be a reaction to incidence rather than a precaution. Wet work was significantly associated with prevalence, and RR was increased in those who performed more frequent wet work, i.e., trainee hairdressers. Prevalence was far higher than suggested by the surveillance schemes in the U.K.

Research paper thumbnail of Health and safety of the older worker

Occupational Medicine, Dec 26, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Fear Avoidance Beliefs with Respect to Low Back Pain Amongst Front-Line Employees in the London Ambulance Service

Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-british Volume, Apr 1, 2005

Purpose and background of the study The occupational health department for the London Ambulance S... more Purpose and background of the study The occupational health department for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) had numbers of employees reporting low back pain (LBP). The purpose of the study was to determine the lifetime, and point prevalence of LBP and to report the Fear Avoidance Beliefs of this study population within the LAS. Summary of the methods used and the results The cross-sectional study involved 2448 Accident & Emergency (A&E) operational employees (Paramedics and Qualified Ambulance Technicians). A questionnaire with covering letter was posted to a randomly selected number of A&E staff (n=1000). The questionnaire included a validated version of the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The response rate was 50% (n= 504). 91% of the responding sample had a lifetime prevalence of LBP and also answered the modified FABQ questions. The mean of the activity fears scale was 4.18 (SD = 1.14) and the mean of the work fears was 4.91 (SD = 1.08), indicating that most respondents held very negative beliefs regarding LBP in relation to work and activities. Those who had experienced LBP reported more psychological problems on the GHQ. Statement of conclusion The prevalence of low back pain amongst responding A&E staff is high compared to National surveys. This population also demonstrated very negative fear avoidance beliefs for LBP. Responses to the GHQ indicated the sample population to be just on the positive side of mid-point. The reporting of LBP was significantly associated with psychological problems.

Research paper thumbnail of Miscarriage and environmental factors

ABSTRACT Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Bristol, 1995. In 2 vols.

Research paper thumbnail of Birthweight of term infants and maternal occupation in a prospective cohort of pregnant women. The ALSPAC Study Team

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Nitrogen Dioxide in Infants' Bedrooms: A Feasibility Study for Household Based Measurements

Environmental Technology, Mar 1, 1995

ABSTRACT To determine the feasibility of postal methods to measure indoor and outdoor levels of n... more ABSTRACT To determine the feasibility of postal methods to measure indoor and outdoor levels of nitrogen dioxide without technical intervention of trained staff. Postal distribution of Palmes diffusion tubes to the householder to measure nitrogen dioxide levels inside the baby's bedroom and outside homes followed by a questionnaire ascertaining possible sources of nitrogen dioxide. Setting: Three health districts in Avon during two weeks in November 1992; 100 women, randomly selected from those with infants 4–6 months of age, currently participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC). Outcome measures: Response rate and evidence of understanding and implementation of the method by the householder; the comparability of results to those obtained from studies using visits by trained staff, for ratios of nitrogen dioxide outdoors/indoors and in homes with and without a gas cooker. There was a 91% response rate with all but one family carrying out the measurements successfully. The ratio of outdoor:indoor NO2 levels was similar to that found using other methodology (approximately 2:1). Households with gas cookers had indoor NO2 levels 1.8 times those of households without gas cookers, similar to those reported in the literature. This study successfully demonstrates a very efficient method for simultaneously obtaining estimates of air pollutant levels on large numbers of homes.

Research paper thumbnail of Household chemicals, persistent wheezing and lung function: effect modification by atopy?

The European respiratory journal, Mar 1, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Symptoms of Mothers and Infants Related to Total Volatile Organic Compounds in Household Products

Archives of Environmental Health, Oct 1, 2003

The authors sought to determine whether reported symptoms of mothers and infants were associated ... more The authors sought to determine whether reported symptoms of mothers and infants were associated significantly with the use of household products that raised indoor levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). Data collected from 170 homes within the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC: a large birth cohort of more than 10,000) had determined which household products were associated with the highest levels of TVOCs. The latter data were collected over a period that approximated 6 mo of pregnancy and the infants' first 6 mo of life. This paper presents (a) the mothers' self-reports of the use of these products in their homes and (b) self-reported medical symptoms of mothers and infants postnatally. Higher TVOC levels were associated with air freshener and aerosol use. Infant diarrhea and earache were statistically significantly associated with air freshener use, and diarrhea and vomiting were significantly associated with aerosol use. Headache experienced by mothers 8 mo after birth was significantly associated with the use of air fresheners and aerosols; maternal depression was significantly associated with the use of air fresheners. The results of the study suggest a link between the use of products that raise indoor levels of TVOCs and an increased risk of certain symptoms among infants and their mothers.

Research paper thumbnail of Time Spent in the Home by Different Family Members

Environmental Technology, Jun 1, 1997

The study objective was to assess the length of time spent inside the home for each family member... more The study objective was to assess the length of time spent inside the home for each family member in a sample population in the southwest of England. Such information is vital in any study concerned with exposure to pollutants in the home environment, in order to calculate a dose response for a specific health effect in the individual. The design was a longitudinal observational study which started in pregnancy and was carried out for one week in each month over a 12 month period. The setting was a sample of 170 families within the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC) where indoor air pollutants were being measured. The number of hours spent in the home each day for each family member was obtained from self-report using weekly diary sheets‥ The results indicated that mothers, fathers and young infants spent an average of 18.4 (76.7%), 14.7 (61.3%) and 19.3 (80.4%) hours per day, respectively, in the home. In winter, infants spent longer in the home than in the summer months. At week...

Research paper thumbnail of Delayed conception and active and passive smoking

Fertility and Sterility, Oct 1, 2000