Morbidity Profile and Associated Risk Factors among Construction Workers in an Urban Area of Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

Introduction: The construction industry is one of the world's major industries. Construction industries are an unorganised sector involving huge number of skilled and semi-skilled work force. Construction workers are at a greater risk of developing certain health disorders and sickness due to their poor working conditions and living environment. Aim: To determine the morbidity profile and to identify the association between risk factors and morbidities among the construction workers in an urban area of Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India, Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in the urban area in Kancheepuram district. Using probability proportional to size and simple random sampling method, 312 construction workers were identified. The data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire followed by clinical examination. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21 software and presented as descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: It was observed that, 80.1% of the workers had at least one health related morbidity problem at the time of the study. It was identified that musculoskeletal problem (71.5%) was the major cause of morbidities. This was followed by skin problems (59.3%), eye problems (53.3%), abdominal problems (52%), respiratory problems (51.7%) and external injuries (44.3%). There was a strong statistical association between the presence of morbidity and the presence of smoking, alcohol consumption, and use of other forms of tobacco, type/nature of work, marital status and type of diet they consumed. Conclusion: There is a need to create awareness among the workers about their health and environmental safety issues at work place. Provision of health insurance coverage and health screening services should also be made available to help them lead a socially and economically productive life.