Study of tuberculosis associated workplace risk factors among coal miners

Abstract

Workplace screening of infectious diseases acts as the keystone in working environment in order to combat the associated risks. Present study was carried out to pin point risk factors associated with TB burden among coal workers, who live and work in hostile conditions conducive for spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chromatographic immunoassay technique was to diagnose disease. Standard questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding working conditions, living conditions and demography. Coal mining sites were acting as hot spots for dispersion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (OR= 12.171), being migrant (OR=15.282), improper sneezing and coughing (OR=5.554), sharing of utensils (OR=5.554), single room for more than four workers (OR=6.451), inadequate ventilation (OR=3.276), prolonged working time (OR=8.290) and poor sanitary facilities (OR=8.171). Poor diet (OR=3.257), use of alcohol (OR=3.691), cigarettes (OR=8.122) and poor personal hygiene (OR=6.137) were also aggravating the problem. Coal mines play significant role in spreading and sustaining the tuberculosis epidemic.