Occupational health problems and major risk factor profile of non communicable diseases among workers in the Aquaculture industry in Visakhapatnam

Abstract

Background: Globally the rapid growth of the aquaculture sector has generated a huge work force posing significant risks to the workers due to the combined effect of the exposure to hazards at the workplace and unhealthy lifestyle. Aim and Objectives: To study the morbidity profile of workers in the aquaculture industry in terms of the occupational health problems and risk factors of non-communicable diseases. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 135 workers in five aquaculture farms. Ethical Committee clearance was obtained. Data regarding the occupational health problems and major risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was collected by using a pre-designed pretested questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from workers. The blood pressure and random blood sugar levels were measured at the time of the interview. Results: Most of the participants were in the age group 18-66 years and 94% were males. Major occupational health problems reported were musculoskeletal (56.3%), neurological (48.1%), stress related (46.7%), injuries (43%), skin infections (23%). Regarding risk factors for NCDs- 16.3% were current smokers, 51.1% were alcoholics, 50.4% had a sedentary lifestyle, <1% consumed fruits and vegetables. Among participants, 65.2% had central obesity, 28.2% were hypertensive, 9.6% were diabetic. The on-site evaluation showed that most of the aquaculture farms lack safety measures. Conclusion: The study identified potential occupational health problems and risk factors for non-communicable diseases among workers in aquaculture farms. The deficiencies in the safety measures at the workplace were also identified through on site evaluation. Hence there is a need to educate the workers regarding healthy lifestyle and safety at work place. There is a need to overcome organizational challenges at the workplace by adopting safety measures for a better working environment and to reduce the significant risk of exposure to hazards.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression Symptoms Among Aquaculture Workers in Hai Phong, Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…weather (hot in summer, cold in winter). These precarious working conditions combined with the physically demanding nature of the job, contribute to the elevated risk of health issues; including mental disorders 14,22 . The prevalence of depression symptoms in this study is lower compared to that observed in studies involving fishermen, industrial workers and the elderly [23][24][25] .…”

“…Workers in the aquaculture sector engage in strenuous and highly specialized labor and are frequently exposed to aquatic environments and influenced by harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the occupational safety and hygiene conditions for these workers are often inadequate, posing various health risks 13,14 . Currently, global research has primarily focused on the physical health of these workers, with insufficient attention given to their mental health.…”

Occupational Risks and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Indian Subcontinent: A Critical Review

“…Occupational risk factors in emerging industries: With the rapid growth of industries and changing work patterns in the Indian subcontinent, there is a need to investigate the occupational risk factors associated with new and emerging industries, such as e-commerce, information technology, and service sectors. Acknowledgment and mitigation of the potential respiratory hazards in these industries are crucial to implementing appropriate preventive measures [ 66 ].…”

Prevalence of and factors related to diabetes among aquaculture workers in Hai Phong, Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

“…A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among workers in five aquaculture farms in Visakhapatnam, India, showed the prevalence of diabetes to be 9.6%. 10 Another study conducted by Ta-Chin Wang et al on 962 aquaculture workers in Taiwan showed that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 44.5%. 11 Labor in the aquaculture sector is hard, dangerous, and highly specific; most of the laborers are freelance workers, frequently exposed to the water environment and affected by hard weather conditions; hygienic and safe working conditions are not guaranteed, with significant risks of potential illness.…”

“…11 Labor in the aquaculture sector is hard, dangerous, and highly specific; most of the laborers are freelance workers, frequently exposed to the water environment and affected by hard weather conditions; hygienic and safe working conditions are not guaranteed, with significant risks of potential illness. 10,12 Currently, health care for aquaculture workers in Vietnam has not received adequate attention and there is scant research on the health status of this group of workers, including factors related to diabetes. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of and some factors related to diabetes among aquaculture workers in Hai Phong, Vietnam, in 2022.…”