Prevalence of skeletal fluorosis in fishermen from Kutch coast, Gujarat, India
Journal Title: Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny - Year 2015, Vol 66, Issue 4
Abstract
Background. In health terms, consuming fluoride is well recognised to be a double-edged sword. Consumption of optimal amounts is beneficial to health, however an excess constitutes a health hazard. Objectives. To assess the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis in fishermen from the Kutch coast, Gujarat, India. Materials and method. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 653 fishermen from the Kutch District, Gujarat, India, from October 2014 to December 2014. Clinical skeletal fluorosis was assessed using three diagnostic tests. Drinking water fluoride concentrations in different regions of the study area were determined. General information regarding age, gender and adverse habits were also collected. The Chi square test was used for comparisons and the confidence level and critical p-value were set at 95% and 5% respectively. Results. Fluoride concentrations in water from the study area ranged between 3.4- 6.9 ppm. The prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was 30.3%, out of which, the majority of the subjects had mild skeletal fluorosis (18.4%). This condition was found to be significantly associated with age and gender along with tobacco and alcohol consumption; depending on the habit’s duration. Conclusion. Being a public health problem in the fishermen community, skeletal fluorosis requires a-priori attention. Measures for preventing this disease should be undertaken on a communitywide basis.
Authors and Affiliations
J. John, M. Hariharan, V. Remy, S. Haleem, P. K. Thajuraj, B. Deepak, K. G. Rajeev, D. D. Divakar
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP246857
- DOI -
- Views 48
- Downloads 0
The level of physical activity in elderly persons with overweight and obesity
BACKGROUND: An important factor in maintaining elderly people in good health is an appropriate level of physical activity. The research into physical activity level of the elderly is quite crucial as the low level of suc...
The effectiveness of nutritional education among women aged 60-85 on the basis of anthropometric parameters and lipid profiles
Background. After several years of experience with guiding of an original program on health-promoting nutritional education for women during menopause, which by inducing changes in nutritional behaviour resulted in many...
Methods used by adolescents for reducing body mass
Background. During adolescence teenagers undergo dynamic physical and mental changes which are accompanied by an increasing interest in changes to their external appearance. Often teens are concerned about such changes,...
Heavy metals hazards from Nigerian spices
Background. Natural spices are commonly used by the people in Nigeria. They may be easily contaminated with heavy metals when they are dried and then pose a health risk for the consumers. Objective. The aim of this stud...
Family influences on breakfast frequency and quality among primary school pupils in Warsaw and its surrounding areas
Background. Regular consumption of a well balanced breakfast is a pre-requisite for normal growth and child development, along with the acquisition of proper eating habits. The family environment is crucial place where c...