Analysis
All the collected data was coded and entered in Excel data sheet
and Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 program (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL,
USA) for Windows 7. The data analysis was performed for building
and civil workers separately and comparison was done. Mean and
standard deviations were derived for numerical data. Prevalence is
reported in percentages. Odds ratio was calculated at 95% confi dence
of intervals. Signifi cance level was defi ned as P < 0.05.
RESULTS
Out of the total 410 workers, we could get informed consent and
collect data from 387 (94.4%) workers. Among the remaining, we
could not collect data from 23. 13 persons were not willing to give
their consent and 10 were absent not due to reasons other than
any sickness. Among Group 1 - 183 (91.5%) building workers
and among Group II-204 (97.1%) civil workers participated in
the study. All were males. Mean age was 27.3(9.1) and 27.9(9.2)
years and are comparable. Anthropometrically the height and
weight of both groups was comparable [Table 1]. Majority in
both groups were unmarried. Similarly, the literacy status was
also comparable. The mean period of experience in the present
job which corresponds to exposure is comparable in both groups
[Table 1].
All the workers (100%) were interstate migrants. Most of them were
from Northern India - 85% and 51% respectively in Groups I and II.
There were no signifi cant difference in the prevalence of tobacco
use (57.4% and 62.4%%, P = 0.28). Alcohol use was higher among
Group II. (8.7% and 24%. P = 0.001),
The prevalence of past morbidity like TB, malaria, jaundice, typhoid
were higher than general population in both groups without any
statistically signifi cant differences between them [Table 2].
The prevalence of hospitalization was similar in both groups,
prevalence of injury was higher among civil work group (P 0.001)
[Table 2]. Though the district was endemic for dengue no cases
were reported. Only 1 case of STD was reported in a civil worker.
Current fever, respiratory infections, eye disease were higher among
group I, skin and musculo-skeletal problems were similar in both
groups [Table 2].