Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the morbidity profile and their prevalence among sewage workers in Mumbai city.
Material and Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2005 to October 2005. A total of 150 sewage workers were interviewed and examined. A pre-tested interview tool was used to collect necessary information such as clinical history, socio-demographic profile, clinical examination findings and investigations performed. Results were analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 13.0.
Results: Eye problems were most predominant, seen in 70.6% workers followed by musculoskeletal problems (68.0%), while 58.0% workers presented with gastrointestinal and 52.6% with respiratory ailment, with obstructive pattern observed in 38 (48.1%) subjects being the major finding. Fifty two percent workers had skin problems and injuries were observed in 39 (26.0%) workers including minor injuries such as cuts, abrasions and lacerations.
Conclusion: In this study, large proportion of workers suffered from work related symptomatic morbidities mainly of eye, respiratory, musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal and skin.