Occupational risk factors associated with Lymphoid Malignancies in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study is designed to identify the associated occupations most at risk of developing lymphoid malignancies. Patients and methods: The medical records of all lymphoid malignancy cases seen in University of Benin Teaching Hospital between July 2001 and June 2010 were retrieved from medical record library. The patient′s bio-data, occupational, social and past medical history and pathologic subtypes were extracted. Results: A total of 252 patients records with diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies were reviewed in this study. Farmers (20.6%) and students (38.9%) form the majority of the cases seen and both showed statistically significant association with risk of LM (p<0.0001) Conclusion: This study revealed that agricultural workers and students in Benin City are at higher risk of developing lymphoid malignancies. Although previous studies have implicated agricultural exposure, the same cannot be said about students. It is therefore recommended that a follow up study should be conducted to ascertain the possible environmental, nutritional, social/lifestyle stressors that put students in Benin City at higher risk of lymphoid malignancies.

Keywords

• occupation
• risk factors
• lymphoid malignancies