IJCM_319A: A Cross-sectional study on prevalence of work-related skin diseases among construction workers in Chengalpattu district

Abstract

Background: A variety of activities in construction site such as mason, painting, welding, cement mixing, concrete mixing, may eventually lead to exposures that can subject the construction workers as most vulnerable group to develop occupational skin diseases. Objective: To determine the prevalence of occupational skin diseases among construction workers in Chengalpattu district. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 construction workers in construction sites at Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu state over a period of two months (October 2022 to November 2022). Data collection was done using a interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire and statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS 21 version and p value of <0.05. Results: Among the respondents 40.9% (123) construction workers found to be suffering from skin diseases like pruritis (14%), dryskin(13%), fissures (6.3%), blisters (5.6%), redness (2%), Among them highest prevalence of occupational skin disease was seen in cement mixing worker (13%) and mason (13%)followed by mason helper (12%) and concrete worker (3%). Work related skin diseases were found to be associated with nature of work (p <0.05). Conclusion: The health problems among construction workers are one of the areas of public health concern in the country which is usually unnoticed as they are being under unorganized sectors. Thus, proper wearing of Personal protective equipment, providing a supportive workplace environment and reinforcement messages will have a favourable impact on the work productivity as well as ensuring a good health for those workers.