MORBIDITY PROFILE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AGED ABOVE 14 YEARS IN SELECTED AREAS OF BANGALORE URBAN DISTRICT

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Construction sector is a booming industry and involves many hazardous activities. Migrant labour in the industry is susceptible to various health and occupational hazards. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of various morbidities among workers aged above 14 years in building construction industry. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A population based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the field practice areas of Raja Rajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru from April 2013 to March 2014. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Three building construction sites were randomly selected to meet the required sample size of 591 construction workers. Information was collected by interview method using a pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire followed by clinical examination. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Various morbidities among the construction workers were being presented as frequency and percentages. RESULTS: Most prevalent morbidities among the construction workers were Psychological Distress, Respiratory Diseases, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Hypertension and Dermatitis in the order of their frequency. 30.8% of the construction workers were under weight (Body Mass Index <18.5kg/m(2)). CONCLUSION: First aid services and safety measures, Periodic general health check-up facilities, Health education activities, Health insurance schemes, etc. will ensure health promotion, health protection and highest degree of well-being among the construction workers.