Health Profile of Workers Engaged in Stone CrushingUnits Surrounding, Gulbarga City

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted among workers in 16 stone crushing units to know the health status and various factors influencing on health numbering 150. Out of 150 workers 13.33% were below 25 years and none were above 55 years. In the present study 63.33% workers were illiterates. 80% workers were married and 20% were unmarried. In the present study 84% workers had an exposure of dust for less than 5 years. Major morbidities among the workers with PEFR<400L/min were cough (72.55%),
musculoskeletal disorders (60.78%), breathlessness (40.05%), chest pain (39.22%) and skin disorders (39.22%), Major morbidity amongst workers with PEFR (400-600L/min) were cough, (45.33%), musculoskeletal disorders (38%), and breathlessness (26%). There was no association between education status and morbidity.Smokers had PEFR<400L/min. In the present study there was highly significant association between lung function parameters (PEFR) and age. In the present study lung function
parameter was related to duration of exposure, which was highly significant. In the present study there was association between Hb% and lung parameter (PEFR). (I.e. lower the Hb% lowers the PEFR). In thepresent study 54.90% (28) had no respiratory morbidity but PEFR was less than 400L/min.