Risk factors associated with respiratory morbidity among puffed rice workers in an urban area of Davanagere city

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational respiratory disease can be defined as an acute or chronic disorder that arises from the inhalation of air-borne agents in the work place. Puffed rice is a famous food item in Karnataka, which is produced in a cluster of small units. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional study was conducted among puffed rice workers in Bashanagar, urban field practice area of SSIMS & RC, Davanagere. From January to December 2017. The study population included 550 puffed rice unit workers. Results: The prevalence of respiratory morbidity among the puffed rice workers in the present study was found to be 41.0%. Among them 51(9.2%) puffed rice workers reported Obstructive lung diseases and majority of the workers 175(31.8%) reported Restrictive pattern of lung diseases.Conclusion: The risk of Respiratory morbidity was significantly associated with Age, gender, Education, duration of the work and type of work.