Road Construction Workers Research Articles

Cytogenetic biomonitoring of road tunnel construction workers: buccal micronucleus cytome assay.

Road tunnel construction workers revealed higher frequencies of cells with genotoxic damage (i.e., MN and NBUD). MN and NBUD resulted to be Poisson distributed and counts of these genotoxicity biomarkers were then analysed by Poisson regression. The frequency ratio (FR) for MN was 1.31 (95% CI: 0.84-2.04), with an increase in the exposed subjects; this finding, though indicating a higher genotoxic risk in the exposed subjects, did not reach statistical significance. On the other hand, the FR for NBUD was 3.49 (95% CI: 1.86-6.56), with a statistically significant increased risk of chromosomal damage. Even the frequencies of binucleated cells (a marker of cell proliferation) and pyknotic cells (a cell death biomarker) were significantly higher in tunnel workers. Tunnel construction workers are exposed to complex mixtures of toxic agents, some of which are known to be genotoxic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic risk in this occupational setting by comparing tunnel workers with a control group for frequencies of nuclear aberrations in oral exfoliated cells. To evaluate the genotoxic effects of tunnel air pollutants, we conducted a cross-sectional, molecular epidemiological study (35 tunnel workers and 35 healthy controls) using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information about demographic variables, lifestyle, dietary habits, anthropometric data, and occupational history. Buccal mucosa cells were collected by scraping the buccal mucosa with a small-headed toothbrush. Coded slides were examined blind by trained scorers for micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NBUD), and other nuclear abnormalities. Our observations provide further knowledge and understanding of the occupational hazards of tunnel workers and confirm the complexity of effects (cytotoxic and genotoxic) probably induced by fumes and dust produced in underground operations.

The Occupational Health and Safety Effect on Road Construction Worker Performance

This study was designed to analyze the factors of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) implementation affecting the performance of road construction workers. The research employed a quantitative survey method by self-distributing questionnaires using simple random sampling to 50 road construction workers on a road-widening project, with a 99% response rate. The analysis based on the results of the questionnaire data through the validity test, reliability, and the multiple regressions testing: f-test and t-test of each statement item. Regarding the descriptive analysis test results, the most dominant among several elements of Work Safety variable statement was the appropriate use of work equipment, which was 81%. In contrast, the practical result of the Occupational Health variable was the first aid kits provided by companies, which was 82%. For the Worker Performance variable, the dominant result was the workers' attitude to conform to the rules leading to achieving work targets, which was 88%. Furthermore, according to the results of multiple regressions testing, it can be concluded that the implementation of occupational safety and health had a positive effect on employee performance. The findings show that the application of OHS in construction projects affects the performance of workers which ultimately also determines the achievement of the company's work targets.

HIV-targeted health promotion: Can we learn from the experience in Tanzania?

Abstract The overall rise in deaths from preventable communicable diseases in the African Region is of utmost concern from a public health perspective. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to a severe generalized HIV epidemic with the value of targeted health promotion only recently gaining momentum. The transport sector and transport corridors represent a major transmission route for HIV, fueled by unemployment, multiple sexual partnerships, gender-based violence (GBV), migrant workers and poor access to quality health information and services. In Tanzania, targeted sensitization and health promotion interventions spanning two major road corridors and their large-scale construction projects led to improved knowledge and behavior change among the road construction workers, community leaders and local residents in the communities along the road project as measured during a baseline and end line survey. Taking a comprehensive approach to health promotion the road project in Tanzania focused on: Educational and behavioral change campaigns, aimed via road shows at creating awareness on HIV and AIDS, STI, TB and GBV and encouraged people to know their sero status at mobile outlets of the HIV Counselling and Testing Services (HTS) during community bonanzas, featuring edutainment.Training peer educators from communities and road construction workers on basic knowledge and communication skills to transfer information along the roads, within the communities and in the nearby schools.Establishing village multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS committees.Development of SBCC materials with targeted messages to road construction workers and community members, developed jointly with multiple stakeholders.HIV Testing Services in collaboration with districts and health facilities along the roads.Capacity development of health workers and relevant stakeholders. Lessons learnt can provide guidance for similar settings in SSA and stimulate also a fresh view on promotive activities in Europe.

Implementation of two robotic flagmen controlled by CAN messages to increase the safety of human workers in road maintenance

Commonly, the improper signaling in road construction zones is the cause of different accidents to drivers, pedestrians, and road construction workers. The signaling used when a vehicle is approaching a repairing section could be classified into two classes: stationary or active. Nevertheless, active warning systems have demonstrated to reduce accidents in road work zones. Within the active signaling class we have: portable changeable message sign, flashing arrow signs, flagman, to mention some. This paper describes the implementation of two robotic flagmen controlled by the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. Each robotic flagman can perform four different actions: speed reduction (right and left) and lane change (right and left). The electronic circuitry and mechanical motors of the two robotic flagmen have the option to be powered by a solar charging system considering working zones where there is no access to the electric grid. The solar charging system guarantees a sufficient electrical power supply for night conditions operations. Also, the CAN protocol can be used to monitor the correct operability of the robotic flagmen thus eliminating the need to incorporate more expensive electronic devices such as cameras. The hardware combination in the control, monitoring, and solar charging system allow us to propose a low-cost practical implementation. The results of our implementation show that the longest response time of the robot is less than 850 ms once that the CAN message has been sent to the network. This demonstrates that our proposal can meet real-time implementation requirements.

Data on the engineering properties of aluminum dross as a filler in asphalt.

Pavement is the backbone of an effective and efficient transportation system. Data on the use of aluminium dross as filler material in the modification of asphalt for a sustainable pavement was espoused. Aluminium dross which is a solid waste from steel production industry was utilized. Data on the engineering and stability properties of the material in enhancing the strength of the asphalt mix design was espoused. This was achieved by adding the solid waste at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% of aluminium dross to the asphalt concrete sample. Marshall Test was used to determine the stability of aluminium dross in flexible pavement and this was used for the selection of asphalt binder content with a suitable density which satisfies minimum stability and range of flow values using AASHTO specification. The data obtained will be of help to researchers, engineers, road construction workers and environmentalist on the use of this solid waste in the construction of sustainable long-lasting roads for national growth and solid waste reduction.

Roadwork: expertise at work building roads in the Maldives.

This article engages critically with concepts of ‘skill’, ‘expertise’, and ‘capacity’ as they operate as markers of distinction and domination and shape migratory labour relations among road construction workers from across South Asia in the Maldives archipelago. The article examines roadwork at three levels: the professional biographies leading to ‘flexible specialization’ rather than technical expertise amongst Maldivian managers; the technical expertise and social incorporation of ‘skilled’ Sri Lankan supervisors; and the key material expertise of ‘non‐skilled’ Bangladeshi labourers in precarious employment. Whilst discussions of South Asian labour migration have been dominated by caste and class, this article argues that it is important to consider how the cultural production and understanding of concepts such as ‘expertise’, ‘capacity’, and ‘exposure’ at worksites can (also) become distinguishing factors in (hierarchical) migratory labour relations.

An analysis of highway work zone safety practices in Pakistan

Highway Work Zones (HWZs) present a major hazard for road users, construction workers and equipment, and significantly contribute to occurrence of road crashes worldwide. The present study focuses on analysing the current state of safety measures at HWZs in Pakistan. A more direct approach is adopted by comparing safety measures at randomly selected HWZs in Pakistan with well-established safety procedures in Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). HWZ safety measures such as traffic signs, markings, safety measures for pedestrians, workers and construction machinery, police enforcement, speed control measures, provision of advance warning area, buffer spaces, transition areas, and tapers for eight different HWZs were studied and compared with MUTCD standards. The results revealed that majority of the HWZs in Pakistan do not conform to any standard layout especially for safety and speed control measures. An enhanced need for special efforts towards improving safety at HWZs in Pakistan is highlighted.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) skin permeation rates change with simultaneous exposures to solar ultraviolet radiation (UV-S)

Road construction workers are simultaneously exposed to two carcinogens; solar ultraviolet (UV-S) radiation and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in bitumen emissions. The combined exposure may lead to photogenotoxicity and enhanced PAH skin permeation rates. Skin permeation rates (J) for selected PAHs in a mixture (PAH-mix) or in bitumen fume condensate (BFC) with and without UV-S co-exposures were measured with in vitro flow-through diffusion cells mounted with human viable skin and results compared. Possible biomarkers were explored. Js were greater with UV-S for naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene in BFC (0.08–0.1 ng/cm2/h) compared to without (0.02–0.26 ng/cm2/h). This was true for anthracene, pyrene, and chrysene in the PAH-mix. Naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in the PAH-mix had greater Js without (0.97–13.01 ng/cm2/h) compared to with UV-S (0.40–6.35 ng/cm2/h). Time until permeation (Tlags) in the PAH-mix were generally shorter compared to the BFC, and they ranged from 1 to 13 h. The vehicle matrix could potentially be the reason for this discrepancy as BFC contains additional not identified substances. Qualitative interpretation of p53 suggested a dose-response with UV-S, and somewhat with the co-exposures. MMP1, p65 and cKIT were not exploitable. Although not statistically different, PAHs permeate human viable skin faster with simultaneous exposures to UV.

Psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use among migrant road construction workers in the Southwest Region of Cameroon using the Health Belief Model

IntroductionA significant proportion of road construction workers are migrants and prone to HIV infection. This study investigated the psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use among migrant road construction workers in the South-west region of Cameroon using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the theoretical framework.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of a stratified sample of 254 road construction workers was conducted at construction sites along the Kumba-Mamfe road in the South-west region of Cameroon in December 2015. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and binomial logistic regression was performed to test the strength of association between the independent and the dependent variables using SPSS version 20 at the level 0.05.ResultsOnly 67 (43.5%) reported consistent condom use. Perception of risk of contracting HIV was also low, 109 (42.9%). None of the constructs of the HBM was significantly associated with consistent condom use. However, perception that road construction workers are prone to HIV (perceived susceptibility) was associated with an increased likelihood of using condom consistently, OR = 2.1 (95% CI 0.72-6.12, p = 0.17); perception that consistent condom use could prevent HIV transmission (perceived benefit) was associated with an increased likelihood of using it consistently, OR = 1.9 (95% CI 0.74-4.80, p = 0.18); perception by workers that they can refuse sex with their partners if they refuse to use condoms (perceived self-efficacy) was associated with an increased likelihood of using condoms consistently, OR = 1.5 (95% CI 0.62-3.53, p = 0.38). However, the perception that condom reduces sexual pleasure (perceived barriers) was associated with a reduced likelihood of using it consistently, OR = 0.84 (95% CI 0.35-2.01, p = 0.698)ConclusionThere were no significant associations between the psycho-social constructs of the HBM and consistent condom use. Therefore, interventions to increase the perception of risk of contracting HIV, which is assumed to be the immediate antecedent of consistent condom use is highly recommended.

A study on the respiratory effects in road construction workers in Mysore, India

Background: The process of road formation involves lot of chemicals which harm the respiratory tract. This leads to many health problems faced by road construction workers due to occupation. This study was done to find out the respiratory problems in road construction workers in Mysore.Methods: 128 workers were asked questions about their respiratory symptoms and knowledge of protection from occupational hazards, and their peak expiratory flow rate and oxygen saturation were measured.Results: Only 31.25% workers had appropriate PEFR. The oxygen saturation was more than 95% for all the workers studied. 30% of the workers suffered from cough and 30% from breathlessness. There was poor knowledge and practice of using protective clothing, especially masks (46% and 5%).Conclusions: Policy changes in preventive precautions for occupational hazards need to be brought in.

Safety Practices and Knowledge of Construction Workers on Hazards Associated with Working on Road Construction Sites in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State

Background: The construction industry is considered as one of the most hazardous industrial sectors in many parts of the world wherein the construction workers are more prone to accidents. Statistics maintained by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), illustrate that the Construction Industry has a consistently poor record on workers health, safety and welfare relative to other industries. The construction industry is faced with unique safety and health problems that require special attention especially in a developing country like Nigeria. There is little or no data available on morbidity and work- related injuries and associated factors among road construction workers, and in the academic circle, few studies have been conducted among road construction workers. Objectives: To assess safety practices and knowledge of construction workers on hazards associated with working on road construction sites. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done amongst all construction site workers and their supervisors involved in road construction that have spent at least 6momths on the job in Egor LGA, Edo State. A one stage cluster sampling technique was used to select the study population. Data were collected using a structure questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: Majority of the respondents 204(94.9%) had good knowledge of road construction site hazards. Age and duration of employment was not found to statistically, significantly influence knowledge in this study. However, educational level and hours of work per week greater than 48 hours were both found to influence respondents’ knowledge of road construction site hazards positively. Conclusion: The study showed that road construction workers in Egor local government area of Edo state had good knowledge of road construction site hazards, although their knowledge did not translate to regular use of their safety devices. The study shows obvious need for thorough orientation, training and education of construction site workers in Egor LGA.

Evaluation of occupational exposure to metal dust on the liver of road construction workers in Abuja metropolis

Increasing air pollution levels due to rapid urbanization and growth in infrastructural facilities coupled with low level of standard safety procedures have been observed in Nigeria, and become a major source of concern. The study evaluated the effects of occupational exposure to metal dust on the liver of road construction workers in Abuja metropolis. Blood samples were used in the measurement of Lead, cadmium, magnesium and iron as indicators for metal toxicity. Bilirubin, liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatise (ALP)) and proteins as biomarkers for liver function. Samples were collected from different road construction sites. One hundred (n = 100) subjects were recruited and served as the exposed group and another one hundred (n = 100) control as unexposed (control) group. Samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for the toxic metals (Lead and Cadmium) and trace elements (Magnesium and Iron); and Selectra ProS Clinical Chemistry Auto Analyzer for the liver function tests respectively. This study showed a statistically significant increase in Lead, Magnesium and Iron (p<0.001) when exposed subjects were compared with unexposed subjects. Test for liver function showed a significant reduction in total bilirubin (p<0.01) and direct bilirubin (p<0.05) respectively. Albumin also show statistically significant increase (p<0.05) on comparison of exposed and unexposed subjects. This study indicates the presence of metal dust in road construction workers occupationally exposed, and suggestive of liver impairment following continued exposure to these toxic metals and trace elements. Key words: Occupational exposure, metal dust, liver.

Application of liquid-based cytology preparation in micronucleus assay of exfoliated buccal epithelial cells in road construction workers.

Asphalts are bitumens that consist of complex of hydrocarbon mixtures and it is used mainly in road construction and maintenance. This study was undertaken to evaluate the micronucleus (MN) assay of exfoliated buccal epithelial cells in road construction workers using liquid-based cytology (LBC) preparation. Three different stains (May-Grunwald Giemsa, hematoxylin and eosin, and Papanicolaou) were used to evaluate the frequency of MN in exfoliated buccal epithelial of 100 participants (fifty road construction workers and fifty administrative staff) using LBC preparation. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test, and P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean frequency of MN for cases was significantly higher than that of controls (P = 0.001) regardless of staining method used and also cases with exposure period of more than 5 years had statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) than cases with Conclusion: The present study concluded that workers exposed to asphalts during road construction exhibit a higher frequency of MN in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells and they are under the significant risk of cytogenetic damage. LBC preparation has potential application for the evaluation of frequency of MN. This technique may be advocated in those who are occupationally exposed to potentially carcinogenic agents in view of improvement in the smear quality and visualization of cell morphology.

Predictors of Perception of Risk of Contracting HIV among Migrant Road Construction Workers in Rural Cameroon

Background: Migration, mobility, and HIV/AIDS are well-documented interlinked phenomena. While the Cameroon AIDS Strategic Plan 2014-2017 focuses on the key populations, little was mentioned on migrant workers. Nevertheless, the inclusion of migrant workers in the road construction sector in the national strategic plan offers a critical opportunity to design and deliver HIV services that meet their needs. Risk perception of HIV/AIDS should accompany risky sexual behaviour change. This study investigated the predictors of perception of risk of contracting HIV among migrant road construction workers in the Southwest region of Cameroon using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the theoretical framework. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a stratified sample of 254 road construction workers was conducted at construction sites along the Kumba-Mamfe road in December 2015. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and analysed using binomial logistic regression using SPSS version 20 at the level 0.05. Results: Only 109 (42.9%) perceived that they are at risk of contracting HIV. Apart from perceived susceptibility to HIV which was found to be a significant predictor of the perception of risk of contracting HIV: OR=5.12 (95% CI 0.667- 15.604, p=0.004), none of the other constructs of the HBM was a significant predictor of perception of risk of contracting HIV. However, the perception that HIV is deadly (perceived severity) was associated with an increased likelihood of perception of risk of contracting HIV: OR=1.23 (95% CI 0.523-2.893, p=0.635); the perception that consistent condom use could prevent HIV transmission (perceived benefit) was associated with an increased likelihood of perception of risk of contracting HIV: OR=1.25 (95% CI 0.518-3.008, p=0.621); the perception by workers that they could refuse sex with their partners if they refused to use condoms (perceived self-efficacy) was associated with an increased likelihood of perception of risk of contracting HIV: OR=2.04 (95% CI 0.888-4.693, p=0.093). Conclusion: There is the need for sensitization programmes and interventions to increase the perception of susceptibility to HIV/AIDS among migrant road construction workers, which will, in turn, increase their perception of risk of contracting HIV and consequently bring about sexual behaviour change.

The Relations between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure and 1-OHP Levels as a Biomarker of the Exposure.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the products of incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of various organic materials. Their ubiquity in the environment leads to measurable levels of exposure. However, the exposure varies strongly between different regions in Europe. Some PAHs with four or more rings are suspected to be human carcinogens. Therefore, the occupational and/or environmental exposure to PAHs may cause a significant health risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate current levels of PAH exposure in defined groups of workers. The industrial sites selected in this survey involved PAHs originating from coal tar pitch, carbon black, bitumen, and rubber fumes. Based on the historical data, the sites were expected to exhibit quantifiable levels of exposure to PAHs. The total study population consisted of 139 persons: 108 workers (85 males and 23 females) workers were occupationally exposed in aluminium production, the production of graphite electrodes, road construction, or the rubber forming industry and 31 control individuals in two groups. The highest concentrations – 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) levels (sum of 16 components according to the EPA list), as expected, were found in the aluminium production plant (55.15 µg.m−3) and production of graphite electrodes (54.25 µg.m−3). The lowest concentrations were found in personal air samples of road construction workers (1.93 µg.m−3). The concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene as a pyrene metabolite (1-OHP) in the urine of the exposed group of workers were found in levels 0.74 µmol.mol−1 creatinine before the exposure and 2.27 µmol.mol−1 creatinine after the exposure (arithmetic mean values). 1-OHP concentrations in post-shift urine samples were highly correlated with the total airborne PAHs concentrations and pyrene concentrations in air. The correlation coefficients (rS) between 1-OHP concentration and pyrene or total PAHs in air were 0.710 and 0.752 (p < 0.05). This statistical analysis confirmed the effect of the occupational exposure to PAHs and pyrene on body burden in workers. However, a modifying effect of gender, smoking habits, dietary intake, genetically modified metabolism, and the use of medication on the toxicokinetics of pyrene was not determined as significant. Based on the results a strong correlation between the concentration of 1-OHP in urine as an exposure biomarker and the concentration of pyrene or PAH was affirmed.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among road construction workers in a Nigerian community

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) represent a significant occupational problem among road construction workers. This study conducted a prevalence and symptom survey of WRMDs among road construction workers in a Nigerian community and its relationship with risk factors over a twelve month period. The study involved 100 consecutively sampled respondents from construction workers in a Nigerian community. The short version of the Dutch Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, 12 months' prevalence, risk factor and health seeking behavior of respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while spearman rank correlation was used to test correlation at 0.05 α level. A high WRMDs prevalence of 66% rate was reported, with low back (55%) being the most frequently reported body part for symptoms, followed by neck at 45%, while the least prevalent was the left hip/thigh (8%). Significant correlations existed between WRMDs and BMI (p = 0.003), work hours per week (p = 0.018), work exertion (p = 0.004), risk factors (p = 0.001). Logistics regression analysis showed that work organizational factors were significant predictors of WRMDs report of symptoms. Meanwhile, self-medication was the major means adopted by the respondents to alleviate musculoskeletal pain. It is recommended that preventive strategies be adopted to minimize occurrence of WRMDs among these workers in Nigeria.

Systematic review of the use of the lymphocyte cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay to measure DNA damage induced by exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The effect of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to induce micronuclei (MN) measured using the lymphocytes cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay were evaluated in 34 studies according to the exposure: 20 studies in coke oven workers, 7 studies in different occupational exposures as alluminium industry workers, rubber factory workers, road construction workers, airport workers and diesel exposed workers, 6 studies on environmentaly exposed groups as police, volunteers and children. Reviewed papers indicate that the CBMN assay is a sensitive biomarker of PAHs exposure in polluted air. Reviewed studies confirmed previous conclusions, that the frequency of MN measured using the lymphocyte CBMN is not significantly affected by smoking, females are more sensitive to PAHs than males, the frequency of MN is increased with age.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of portable variable message signs in work zones in United Arab Emirates

Highway work zones pose a higher risk of crashes due to an increase in the complexity of driving task and driver information. An effective way to impart variable pertinent information to the drivers based on local conditions is the use of variable message signs (VMSs). This study focuses on the effectiveness of portable VMSs (PVMSs) in altering speeds using data obtained during a field deployment, as well as qualitative data from road users and construction workers collected using surveys. Speed, volume, and classification data were collected before and during the installation of the PVMS. A questionnaire was developed related to the PVMS performance, which was used to gauge the perception of drivers and construction workers for the purpose of qualitative analysis. The field data and the survey results were correlated to study the impact of PVMS in reducing the speed of vehicles. The survey results indicated that the drivers as well as the construction workers perceived PVMS to have a positive effect on safety and that PVMS provides reliable information. However, the quantitative analysis of vehicular speeds before and during the installation of PVMS revealed no statistically significant change in speeds.

Occupational Noise Exposure Among Road Construction Workers

This study aims to evaluate noise exposure and prevalence of hearing loss among typical road construction workers. Personal noise dosimeter was used to obtain the noise exposure profile of heavy equipment operators that are working on various stages; road work, trade work and pavement work. Symptoms of hearing loss among workers were observed through interview session. It was a degradation in human hearing ability. Workers with symptoms of hearing loss may have problem in understanding speech or conversation. There are 73 construction workers that were evaluated, 60 of them are machine’s operators, 7 are site supervisors and 6 are premix workers. The results show that in road works stage there are 6.9% workers exposed to action level ≥85 dBA and 1.4% workers exposed to noise ≥90 dBA. 4.1% workers from trade work and 13.7% workers from pavement work were exposed to noise ≥85 dBA. There are 5.48% of workers from pavement work exposed to hazard level of noise with only 2.74% of worker used Hearing Protection Devices (HPD). There is a prevalence of symptoms of hearing loss among workers with 45% of workers from road works, 32% from trade works and 23% from pavement stage. These exposed workers suggested to have an audiometric testing program annually in order to identify deterioration in their hearing ability as early as possible.

The study of KBP of road construction workers of highway AIDS prevention project before and after intervention

ObjectiveTo get scientific basis for further health education through the research of the road construction workers' KBP before and after the interventions of highway AIDS prevention project. MethodsMulti-stage random sampling method was employeed to select workers of 8 sites from 14 sites along highway to investigate their AIDS knowledge, belief and performance (KBP) before and after highway AIDS prevention project. ResultsOver 90% of the investigated workers had ever heard about AIDS, and the non-skilled workers of lower educational level improved more after intervention. The correct answer rate of the three transmitting ways of AIDS of drivers which is the focused group of highway before and after intervention had the obvious statistical significance (P<0.05), and the other group's correct answer rates also had improved after intervention. Most people's understanding of preventing AIDS through correct use of condoms when having sex had a statistically significant difference(P<0.05) after prevention. The rates of using condoms of foremen and skilled workers when having sex with commercial sex worker/casual partner increased after intervention. ConclusionsThe health education of HIV among the road construction workers is effective and further health education of HIV prevention should be carried out among the road construction workers to improve their knowledge and awareness of avoiding the high-risk behaviors.