A cross sectional study of the morbidity pattern among stone quarry workers and their associated risk factors

Authors

  • Vijayakumar M. Institute of Community Medicine, Madras medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Jeshtin M. NCD Project, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20213551

Keywords:

Stone quarry, Morbidity, Risk factors, Health care seeking behavior

Abstract

Background: Construction sector is a thriving industry which comprises most of the unorganized workers and providing widespread opportunities for employment of most of the poorest and marginalized sections of society in India. The workers are more susceptible to various occupational hazards due to working conditions in dusty environment. This study is proposed to identify the morbidity pattern, availability and usage of safety measures, health care seeking behaviour and health care facilities at the quarry site.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the stone quarry workers of Maduranthakam area in Kancheepuram district from February 2018 to May 2018. The sample size was calculated as 94 and five quarries were selected randomly. The study tool was interview based semi structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics like Chi square test, Fischer’s exact test was done to determine significant association (p<0.05).

Results: The common morbidities among the participants were abdominal conditions (54%), injuries (34%) and musculoskeletal disorders (27%). One in five individuals had respiratory problems and those with breathing difficulty had decreased peak expiratory flow rate. Usage of personal protective equipments is low and about 63.8% of them were using government health care facilities.

Conclusions: Increasing demand for stone and aggregates has led to extensive stone quarrying operations. Awareness and enforcement of personal protective equipment, vaccination against diseases like tetanus, periodic health check- ups should be enforced for people working in quarries.

Author Biography

Vijayakumar M., Institute of Community Medicine, Madras medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Assistant Professor

References

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Published

2021-08-27

How to Cite

M., V., & M., J. (2021). A cross sectional study of the morbidity pattern among stone quarry workers and their associated risk factors. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 8(9), 4451–4455. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20213551

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Section

Original Research Articles