ABSTRACT
Infestations due to intestinal helminthes are common throughout the tropics, posing serious public health problem in developing countries. The prevalence and risk factors associated in intestinal helminthiasis were studied. It was a cross sectional coproparasitologic study conducted during the month of Jun - July 2003 in District Bagh [Azad Kashmir]. Place selected was two hospitals, DHQ Hospital, Bagh and THQ Hospital, Kahoota. 140 patients with abdominal complaints were selected. Their stool samples were examined microscopically using direct smear, formol ether concentration and Zinc Sulphate flotation techniques. Isolates with positive result for intestinal helminthes were labeled as cases and isolates with negative result were selected as controls. Results revealed 21.7% prevalence of infestation with highest incidence of Ascaris lumbricoides [51.72 %] and zero incidence of hook worms. Hymenolepis nana was the second commonest helminthe [27.59 %]. Entrobius vermicularis [13.79 %], trichuris trichura [3.45 %] and taenia sagineta were recorded [3.45%]. It was revealed that age group of 5 - 15 years, poor socio-economic status, large family size, low educational level and poor environmental sanitation are the major contributory factors. Gender seems to play no role. Level of prevalence can be reduced by children targetted treatment programmes and school based deworning programmes
ABSTRACT
This study was aimed at identifying the health hazards posed by hospital wastes to the sanitary workers of Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi and to make recommendations for the improvement of their health status. A total number of 93 workers are employed in sanitary and housekeeping activities. Among them are 66 male and 10 female sanitary workers and 17 Ayas [female housekeepers]. A cross sectional study of all the above-mentioned workers was conducted using a structured open and closed ended questionnaire. Data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS ver 10.0 software. This study revealed that 46% of workers were illiterate and 49% had attended primary school. Mean age was 31.8 +/- 8.4 years. None of the sanitary workers received any training in handling of hospital wastes. They were not routinely inspected for identification of their health problems. They were not provided with protective equipment and were never vaccinated against hepatitis B. Although some form of segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes was practiced in CMH, Rawalpindi, majority [56%] of them collected and carried the two kinds of wastes in the same vehicle. 48% of them reported of sustaining one or more injuries at work. Frequently reported injuries were: cuts [47%], pricks [34%], falls [15%] and burns [4%]. 26% of them reported of contracting skin diseases from wastes, while 12% caught ENT disorders, 9% gastrointestinal disorders, 6% respiratory diseases and 8% hepatitis. It is concluded from this study that sanitary workers of CMH, Rwp are unaware of the risks and hazards associated with handling of hospital wastes. They are exposed to biological, physical and toxic substances routinely. But they lacked the required knowledge, skills and protections to safeguard their health. There is a need to improve the training and education of all hospital housekeeping staff in the principles of management of hospital waste