Morbidity Profile of Stone Crusher Workers with Special Reference to Respiratory Morbidity – A Cross Sectional Study

Authors

  • Vinod Narkhede Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal
  • Swarna Likhar People’s College of Medical Sciences and Research, Bhopal
  • Mahesh K Mishra People’s College of Medical Sciences and Research, Bhopal

Keywords:

Morbidity, Stone crusher, PEFR

Abstract

Background: The occupational environment at the stone crushing sites poses a potential health hazard to the workers. Exposure to heavy dust concentration from stone crushers, may produce several diseases.

Methods: The present study was aimed to assess the morbidity profile of workers working in stone crusher industry. A cross-sectional study was carried out among the workers of the stone crushers located in Ratua at a distance of 23 km to the north of Bhopal city. The total workers working in the crusher are 287.Using interview technique as a tool for data collection demographic and occupational details of the subjects were recorded on the predesigned proforma which included questions regarding age, sex, educational status, socio-economic status, duration of employment and symptoms. The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) of the subject was measured using Peak flow meter/spirometer.

Results: It was observed that in study population 62.72% were suffering from musculoskeletal problems followed by 31.36% subjects were having generalized weakness.29.96% subjects had breathing problem. Respiratory problems were higher among the subjects having duration of occupation more than 5 years than the subjects having duration of occupation less than 5 years (p<0.003).

Conclusion: The present study concluded that the workers in the stone crushing industry are exposed to stone dust which leads to various morbidities especially musculoskeletal problems and respiratory problems. The respiratory problems are significantly associated with duration of exposure and decreased PEFR.

References

Comprehensive Industry Document Stone Crushers. www.cpcb.nic.in. Accessed on Feb 2009.

Pelosi P, Ravagnan I, Giurati G, et al. Positive end-expiratory pressure improves respiratory function in obese but not in normal subjects during anaesthesia and paralysis. Anaesthesiology 1999; 91 (5) : 1221-31.

Occupational health problems of stone crusher in West bengal – a pilot study at birbhum district. http://icmr.nic.in/annual/nioh/2003-04/ROHC%20(E)%20Kolkata/02-Stone%20Crusher.pdf Accessed on 12th Dec2011

Ghotkar V.B., Maldhure B.R. and Zodpey S.P. Involvement of lung and lung function tests in stone quarry workers. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis. 1995; 42: 155

Tiwari RR, Zodpey SP, Deshpande SG, Vasudeo ND. Peak expiratory flow rate among handloom weavers. Ind J Physiol and Phamcol 1998; 42 (2): 266 – 270.

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Published

2012-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Narkhede V, Likhar S, Mishra MK. Morbidity Profile of Stone Crusher Workers with Special Reference to Respiratory Morbidity – A Cross Sectional Study. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2012 Sep. 30 [cited 2024 Dec. 13];3(03):368-71. Available from: https://njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/view/1722

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Section

Original Research Articles