Health Status of Sanitary Workers of Municipal Corporation of Aurangabad City

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Health Status of Sanitary Workers of Municipal Corporation of Aurangabad City

Journal Title: Indian Journal of Preventive Medicine - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 2

Abstract

Introduction: Sanitation workers are the backbone of the civic cleaning system. In a developing country, like India, with limited resources, most of the cleaning process in urban localities is done manually. With improper segregation of waste materials at the source and all types of garbage being disposed on the streets, these workers are exposed to dirt, infective organisms, and other hazardous materials like chemicals, animal excreta, and sharp objects. As a result of this, they suffer from various morbidities. Aim and Objectives: The study was carried out to study the morbidity profile and knowledge and practices regarding use of personal protective equipments amongst sanitary workers in Aurangabad Municipal Corporation. Material and Methods: The present Cross sectional study was conducted by Dept. of Community Medicine MGM Medical College, Aurangabad during January 2016 – June 2016 including all the sanitation workers in Aurangabad Municipal Corporation. Data was collected by personal interview technique using pretested semistructured questionnaire& clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Permission was obtained from the institutional ethical committee for conduction study. Results: Out of total 182 workers, 78 (42.85%) were in the age of 36 to 45 years, 115 (63.18%) were males and 136 (74.71%) workers were educated above middle class. Injuries caused during working was most common morbidity 89 (48.9%), followed by musculoskeletal complaints 86 (47.25%). Other common complaints were indigestion (65.3%), worm infestation (24.5%), the eye problems 54 (29.67%) workers, 34 (18.68%) presented with respiratory problems like a cough (17.3%), breathlessness (15.2%), 26 (14.2%) workers presented with dermatological disorders . A total of 151(82.96%) workers didn’t use any protective devices while working. Out of 182 workers, 64 (35.16%) workers were not immunized against hepatitis B and 35 (19.24%) didn’t receive injection TT in recent past. 138 (75.82%) workers were addicted to one or the other addiction like tobacco, alcohol, gutkha, and smoking. Conclusion: It was concluded that the sanitary workers are suffering from various morbidities because of lack of knowledge and practices of safety devices. The health status should be reviewed on regular basis and continued health education and counseling must be made available.

Authors and Affiliations

Mahajan S. M

Keywords

Sanitation; Workers; Corporation; Health Status; Occupational.

EP ID EP461567
DOI 10.21088/ijpm.2321.5917.5217.7
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