A Community Based Study on the Morbidity Profile of Construction Workers in a Rural Area in Thiruvallur, Tamilnadu, India


Authors : Kamalakannan. M, Dr. Gomathi Parasuraman

Volume/Issue : Volume 4 - 2019, Issue 10 - October

Google Scholar : https://goo.gl/DF9R4u

Scribd : https://bit.ly/2CUbAXy

 Introduction: Construction sector provides widespread opportunities for employment of most of the poorest and most marginalised sections of society in India. These construction workers suffer illness by many factors out of which their work environment plays a pivotal role in causing illness or morbidity. The important cause of functional disability among these workers is the respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders.  Objectives: To study morbidity pattern among construction workers. 2. To study the predisposing factors associated with various health issues among workers.  Materials and Method: A Cross sectional study was conducted at various construction sites in Thiruvallur district, Tamilnadu, India. It comprises 223 construction workers who were working at these sites. The study period was from January 2019 to March 2019. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to all the study subjects. Clinical examination was conducted on all study subjects. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistics are calculated for background variables and morbidity pattern.  Results: A Total of 223 construction workers were enrolled in this study. It was found that 84%(187/223) of them were between 14-50 years, and 71%(158/223)were illiterates. Immigrant workers among these are 55%(123/223). It has also been found that 79%(176/223)workers had habits of smoking or alcohol consumption or both. The percentage of morbidity among workers is 78(174/223). Of the various types of morbidities, musculoskeletal problems are the most common illness with 69%(154/223) prevalence followed by the respiratory problems with the percentage of 59(132/223), skin problems in 52%(116/223), and ocular morbidity in 51%(114/223).  Conclusion: It is concluded that the morbidity profile among construction workers is largely associated with smoking, drinking habits, accidents and long exposure to dust in that environment. Workers mainly had complaints of respiratory illness and musculoskeletal illness. There is an urgent need to create awareness among the workers about their health and safety issues, working environment, proper use of protective wears, provision of first aid, referral services and sanitation at their living and workplace. In addition, the burden for lifting heavy materials by workers should be reduced by measures taken by construction companies(modern technologies) thus managing to prevent musculoskeletal illness.

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