Prevalent Health Problems among Nepalese Underground Construction Workers

Abstract

Background. Workplace is associated with exposure to various products, which can be associated with adverse health outcomes. It is true with underground construction work. This study calculated the prevalence of common health problems among Nepalese underground construction workers in comparison to heavy construction workers. This type of study is rare in the context of Nepal and other developing countries, and we hope that the findings will help to take precautions for the prevention of these conditions. Method. It was a retrospective study based on the clinical record of outpatient cases and general health checkups of all Nepalese workers available at the Project clinic, Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project, Gongar, Bigu, Dolakha. We studied three hundred and ninety-eight workers. We used multipurpose analysis and conducted the Chi-square test and calculated correlations and odds ratios. Results. Two hundred and sixteen (54.3%) participants worked inside the tunnel, and 182 (43.2%) participants worked outside the tunnel. Respiratory disease, mainly upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (23.4%), is the most common presentation among construction workers followed by injuries (16.7%). Injuries and hypertension were significantly higher in inside the tunnel workers, and acute gastroenteritis was significantly ( p value <0.05) higher in outside the tunnel workers. Increasing age increased the chance of hypertension and cutaneous fungal infection among construction workers. Further studies are required for the analysis of risk factors associated with these health conditions. Conclusion. Respiratory problems are the most common health problem in underground construction workers; however, injuries and hypertension were significantly higher in tunnel workers. Acute gastroenteritis was significantly higher among outside the tunnel workers. Workplace safety should be the priority of every construction site, especially focusing to prevent respiratory problems, injuries, and accidents.

Incidence rates of injury, musculoskeletal, skin, pulmonary and chronic diseases among construction workers by classification of occupations in South Korea: a 1,027 subject-based cohort of the Korean Construction Worker’s Cohort (KCWC)

“… 38 In addition, there are studies that investigate the influence of poor lifestyles including smoking, heavy drinking, and bad diet that are risk factors for the above diseases among construction workers, 39 40 41 while there is study suggested that occupational exposure to noise, cold environment, particulate air pollution and underground environment can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 12 42 43 However, we think it is difficult to define the work-relevance of it because the non-occupational risk factors such as age and lifestyle contribute to high.…”

“…In the case of occupational injuries in the construction workers, it has been reported to be associated with various factors such as work duration, vibration tools, hazard awareness, alcohol consumption, and working environment. 42 44 …”

A nomogram for predicting lung-related diseases among construction workers in Wuhan, China

“…An American study ( 9 ) clarified that compared with white-collar workers, construction workers had increased odds of arthritis (66.2%), back problems (36.3%), work disability (36.3%), chronic lung disease (15.2%), and work-related injuries (4.2%) after controlling for possible confounders. Another study in Nepalese ( 10 ) indicated that Upper respiratory tract infection (23.4%) and injuries (16.7%) are the most common presentation among construction workers.…”

Prevalence of Non-Occupational Disorders in Men with Occupational Vibration Disease

“…В ходе подземных работ, связанных с ПВ, у 23,4 % рабочих диагностируются инфекции верхних дыхательных путей; артериальная гипертензия (АГ) чаще выявляется у лиц, занятых на работах в туннеле, -13,9 % (у работающих на поверхности -4,9 %; p < 0,05); и наоборот, количество случаев острого гастроэнтерита больше у работников, занятых на поверхности, -9,9 %, тогда как у лиц, трудящихся на глубине, -3,7 % (p < 0,05) [22].…”

“…В структуре заболеваний органов пищеварения наибольший удельный вес приходится на заболевания отделов желудочно-кишечного тракта K20-К31.9 и уступающих им в 2,0 раза болезней желчевыводящей системы и поджелудочной железы K80-К87.9. Определенную роль в развитии данных патологий имеют не только поведенческие факторы риска (нарушение правил рационального питания, наличие вредных привычек, дистресс), но и ПВ, чье воздействие значимо для тканей желудка [22].…”