Prevalence and determinants of tobacco consumption among construction workers in Latur city of Maharashtra

Background- To date, studies on tobacco product use among construction workers have been limited to overall estimates of use and to address this point we have analyzed this study from 2021-2022. The present study was carried out to assess the use of tobacco in various groups of people of different age, sex, and education in construction workers in Latur city of Maharashtra state in India and to elicit awareness regarding ill effects of tobacco use. Methods and Findings. We did a cross-sectional survey among the construction workers were analyzed period of 2021–2022 in Latur city of Maharashtra. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1500 construction workers. Pre-tested interview schedules were used by trained field investigators to collect information on tobacco use.Results. Tobacco use was significantly associated with age, gender and educational status of the respondents. The study population comprised of 1500 people between the age group 15 and 75 years, out of which 1400 (93%) were males and 100 (7%) were females.Conclusions. The study concludes a need for awarenes, education and communication, health camps focusing on the adverse effects of tobacco use.

An Exploration of Pulmonary Fitness of Construction Workers in Delhi NCR in Light of the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996

Workers in the construction sector are exposed to high concentrations of particulate matter at their workplace. This increases their susceptibility to various respiratory diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study reports comparative pulmonary fitness and hematological parameters of the migrant workers in the construction sector versus other sectors in Delhi. Parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ), the ratio of FEV1 to FVC, and peak expiratory flow were measured in both groups using a spirometer. We observed significant differences (P < 0.05) in FEV1 and FVC between both groups. The study thus confirms that workers exposed to poor air quality at the construction site are susceptible to respiratory diseases, particularly ARDS. All of this reflects the poor enforcement of the adequate safety measures well enlisted in social legislations such as the Building and Other Construction Workers Act.

Musculoskeletal disorders in operator drivers in northwestern Namibia ­ associated factors and awareness

Background: Operator drivers are responsible for driving trackless heavy-duty mining or construction vehicles such as graders, dumpers, loaders, and bulldozers. They have an increased prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the nature of their work. There is a paucity of data on MSDs and associated factors among operator drivers in Namibia. Objective: We assessed awareness of, and factors associated with, MSDs among operator drivers in the construction and mining industries in Namibia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were administered to operator drivers, and managerial staff were interviewed, using a semi-structured interview guide. Data obtained were analysed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression modelling. Results: 182 operator drivers completed the questionnaires, and 13 operator drivers' supervisors and managers were interviewed. Factors associated with MSDs were length of service for ≥ 10 years (OR 15.3, 95% CI 6.0­39.0), alcohol consumption (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1­6.7), lack of physical fitness activity (OR 8.8, 95% CI 3.8­20.4), and lack of awareness of MSDs (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3­7.3). Managerial staff were of the opinion that the operator drivers did not suffer from MSDs. Conclusion: We found health issues that are associated with MSDs among the operator drivers, impacting their general wellness and productivity. Monitoring of health and wellness of these workers by the companies is recommended. There is need to increase MSD awareness, personal protective equipment usage, ergonomics skills training, and physical fitness exercises for operator drivers. Employers are urged to adopt policies, and to design guidelines and interventions aimed at promoting occupational health and safety in this population.

HIV-related high-risk behavior and awareness regarding HIV among the male workers at a construction site in Karnataka

Background: Sexual behavior is an important determinant of sexually transmitted diseases transmission. It is essential to understand the HIV-related high-risk behavior among high-risk groups like migrants to design evidence-based intervention. Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess HIV-related high-risk behavior and awareness among male construction workers. Materials and Methods: A total of 404 male workers were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at a construction area in Karnataka. Behavioral Surveillance Survey questionnaire was used to collect information regarding sexual behavior and their knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Results: The mean age of workers was 25.6 ± 7.3 years. Among workers, 82.2% of them heard about AIDS and 66.8% (270) could tell at least two correct mode of transmission of HIV. Mean age of first sexual intercourse was 22 ± 9.4 years among married and 18.9 ± 2.8 years among unmarried. Nearly 25% and 56% had their first sexual intercourse <18 years among married and unmarried, respectively. Among married workers, 21.9% used condoms during last sexual intercourse with spouse and 10.8% used condoms with other partners. About 15.7% of them had multiple sexual partners. Among unmarried workers, 27.9% of them ever had sex and 22.2% of them used condom during last sexual intercourse. Nearly 30% of them had multiple sexual partners. Higher age, educational status, and high-income associated with better awareness. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding AIDS and sexual transmission was good. However, condom usage was found to be poor among the workers. In addition to that, multiple sexual partners which included commercial sex workers among both married and unmarried workers are an important risk factor for HIV. Adequate interventions should be done in this group to address this issue.

A Study To Assess Socio–Demographic Profile, Job Characteristic & Self–Reported Illness Among The Construction Workers From Rural Part Of Central India.

There is estimated 11.6 million workforce working as construction workers. The construction workers are more vulnerable to socio–economic distress and many health issues. The present study was conducted on the construction worker residing in Sawangi (Meghe) areaof Wardha district, Maharashtra in Central India. There were total 200 construction workers enumerated in the area. Out of 200 study participants 133 were male & 67 were female subjects. About 83% study subjects were Hindu by religion. Maximum 54.5% subjects were belonging to lower class followed by 33.5% in lower middle class by modified B.G. Prasad Classification. About 63% study subjects were labourer and 51% subjects were illiterate. Maximum 48.5% study subjects were having musculoskeletal pain as their health issue while, 24.5% subjects were not having any health issue.

Significados do trabalho e do dinheiro: quais suas funções sociais? / The meanings of work and money: what are their social functions? / Los significados del trabajo y del dinero: ¿Cuáles sus funciones sociales?

Estudos sobre o trabalho e o dinheiro têm enfatizado a dimensão institucional desses fenômenos, destacando funções como a capacidade de interligar a satisfação das necessidades individuais e a manutenção da ordem social. Tais funções são ativadas no cotidiano dos indivíduos, sendo construídas socialmente na produção dos significados dos referidos fenômenos. Exploramos as funções que os significados do trabalho e do dinheiro cumpriram na vida dos operários da construção civil. Realizamos entrevistas semiestruturadas com 44 operários e desenvolvemos análise de conteúdo temática. Identificamos dois grandes eixos norteadores: inclusão e inserção sociais versus exclusão social e realização e sentido de utilidade versus degradação. Os resultados indicaram que as condições de trabalho precárias e a escassez de dinheiro estruturaram os modos de enfrentamento dessas realidades, na valorização dos benefícios alcançados, na naturalização e no conformismo, decorrentes da dureza e limitação de oportunidades experimentadas por esses trabalhadores. Limitações da pesquisa e sugestões são apontadas.

Studies on work and money have emphasized the institutional dimension behind these phenomena, highlighting functions like the ability to interconnect the satisfaction of individual needs and the maintenance of the social order. Individuals construct them socially. We explore the functions that the meanings of work and of money have fulfilled in the lives of construction workers. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 44 workers, and later developed thematic content analysis. We identified two main guiding axes: social inclusion and incorporation versus social exclusion, and achievement and sense of usefulness versus degradation. The results indicated that the precarious working conditions and the scarcity of money experienced daily by the workers structured their ways of coping with these realities, in valuing the benefits achieved, and in acclimation and acceptance, resulting from the hardship and limitation of opportunities experienced by these workers.

Los estudios sobre el trabajo y el dinero han puesto de relieve la dimensión institucional de estos fenómenos, destacando funciones como la capacidad de vincular la satisfacción de necesidades individuales y el mantenimiento del orden social. Dichas funciones son socialmente construidas. Estudiamos las funciones que los significados del trabajo y del dinero cumplieron en la vida de los trabajadores de la construcción civil. Llevamos a cabo entrevistas semiestructuradas con 44 trabajadores y desarrollamos análisis de contenido temático. Identificamos dos grandes ejes orientadores: la inclusión e integración social versus la exclusión social y la plenitud y sentido de utilidad versus la degradación. Los resultados indicaron que las condiciones precarias de trabajo y la falta de dinero estructuraron los modos de hacer frente a estas realidades, con valoración de los beneficios logrados, con la naturalización y el conformismo, resultantes de la dureza y de la limitación de oportunidades experimentadas por dichos trabajadores.

Association between cough and tobacco smoking exposure among construction workers / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of tobacco smoking exposure on cough among construction workers. METHODS: Convenient sampling method was adopted to choose 204 construction workers as the study objects. The relationship of cough and tobacco smoking exposure was investigated. The objects were divided into no-smoking( 18 workers),passive-smoking( 66 workers) and active-smoking( 120 workers) groups according to different tobacco smoking exposure situation. RESULTS: The occurrence of active smoking for 204 construction workers was 58. 8%( 120 /204) and the daily active smoking rate was 51. 5%( 105 /204). The occurrence of passive smoking for the non-smokers was 78. 6%( 66 /84) and the daily passive smoking rate was 66. 7%( 56 /84). Among the construction workers,15. 2%( 31 /204) had occasional cough,and 52. 4%( 107 /204) had frequent cough,total cough occurrence was 67. 6%( 138 /204). The occurrence of occasional cough in active-smoking group was higher than that of the passive-smoking group( 23. 3% vs 1. 5%,P < 0. 01); the occurrence of frequent cough in passive-smoking group and active-smoking group were higher than that of the no-smoking group( 54. 5% vs 22. 2%,55. 8% vs 22. 2%,P < 0. 017); the total cough occurrence in active-smoking group was higher than those of the no-smoking group and passive-smoking group( 79. 2% vs 33. 3%,79. 2% vs 56. 1%,P < 0. 01). There was an association between tobacco smoking exposure and cough frequency among the construction workers. Active-smokers had higher risks than non-smokers in both occasional cough and frequent cough( odds ratio were 5. 958 and 6. 990,P <0. 05); the passive smokers had a higher risk of frequent cough than non-smokers( odds ratio was 3. 536,P < 0. 05).CONCLUSION: Tobacco smoking exposure was an important risk factor for coughing among construction workers. Effective approach should be taken into account to control tobacco usage in the construction work site.

Study on the Musculoskeletal Subjective Symptoms Disorders and Health Promotion Behavior of Daily Plant Construction Workers in One Area / 한국직업건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This research is a correlative study to assess the relationships of musculoskeletal subjective symptoms disorders and health promotion behavior of the daily plant construction workers. METHODS: The subjects were comprised of 306 daily plant construction workers by self-reported questionnaires on October 19, 2011. The instruments used for this study were musculoskeletal subjective symptoms disorders (NIOSH) and health promotion lifestyle profile II (HPLP-II). The data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 14.0. RESULTS: The scores of health promotion behavior of daily plant construction workers were 2.13, and the scores of health promotion behavior were significantly different depending on gender (t=-2.51, p=.013), religion (t=3.10, p=.002), owning house (t=2.59, p= .010), exercise (t=6.01, p<.001), time to rest during work (t=2.21, p=.027), and work satisfaction (F=8.97, p<.001). The musculoskeletal subjective symptoms disorders attack rate was 90.5%. The results of the correlative study to assess relationships showed significant negative correlation between musculoskeletal subjective symptoms disorders and health promotion behavior (r=-1.45, p=.011). CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that it was lower level of health promotion behavior level. Therefore, to increase the health promotion behavior of the daily plant construction workers, a great deal of efforts are required at the level of the government, employers and workers.

Study on the Musculoskeletal Subjective Symptoms Disorders and Health Promotion Behavior of Daily Plant Construction Workers in One Area / 한국직업건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This research is a correlative study to assess the relationships of musculoskeletal subjective symptoms disorders and health promotion behavior of the daily plant construction workers. METHODS: The subjects were comprised of 306 daily plant construction workers by self-reported questionnaires on October 19, 2011. The instruments used for this study were musculoskeletal subjective symptoms disorders (NIOSH) and health promotion lifestyle profile II (HPLP-II). The data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 14.0. RESULTS: The scores of health promotion behavior of daily plant construction workers were 2.13, and the scores of health promotion behavior were significantly different depending on gender (t=-2.51, p=.013), religion (t=3.10, p=.002), owning house (t=2.59, p= .010), exercise (t=6.01, p<.001), time to rest during work (t=2.21, p=.027), and work satisfaction (F=8.97, p<.001). The musculoskeletal subjective symptoms disorders attack rate was 90.5%. The results of the correlative study to assess relationships showed significant negative correlation between musculoskeletal subjective symptoms disorders and health promotion behavior (r=-1.45, p=.011). CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that it was lower level of health promotion behavior level. Therefore, to increase the health promotion behavior of the daily plant construction workers, a great deal of efforts are required at the level of the government, employers and workers.

The study of KBP of road construction workers of highway AIDS prevention project before and after intervention

OBJECTIVE@#To get scientific basis for further health education through the research of the road construction workers' KBP before and after the interventions of highway AIDS prevention project.@*METHODS@#Multi-stage random sampling method was employeed to select workers of 8 sites from 14 sites along highway to investigate their AIDS knowledge, belief and performance (KBP) before and after highway AIDS prevention project.@*RESULTS@#Over 90% of the investigated workers had ever heard about AIDS, and the non-skilled workers of lower educational level improved more after intervention. The correct answer rate of the three transmitting ways of AIDS of drivers which is the focused group of highway before and after intervention had the obvious statistical significance (P<0.05), and the other group's correct answer rates also had improved after intervention. Most people's understanding of preventing AIDS through correct use of condoms when having sex had a statistically significant difference(P<0.05) after prevention. The rates of using condoms of foremen and skilled workers when having sex with commercial sex worker/casual partner increased after intervention.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The health education of HIV among the road construction workers is effective and further health education of HIV prevention should be carried out among the road construction workers to improve their knowledge and awareness of avoiding the high-risk behaviors.

Sexualidade do trabalhador da construção civil: percepções sobre a exploração sexual de crianças e adolescentes / Sexuality of construction workers: perceptions about sexual exploitation of children and adolescents

Este estudo objetivou investigar os condicionantes da exploração sexual de crianças e adolescentes (ESCA) sob a percepção de trabalhadores de grandes obras (TGOs) e analisar comparativamente grupos de perpetradores e não-perpetradores. Foram entrevistados 288 TGOs em diferentes regiões brasileiras. Dos entrevistados, 67% apontaram o envolvimento dos colegas de trabalho com ESCA e 25,4% relataram o próprio envolvimento. As principais variáveis correlacionadas ao problema foram o envolvimento com prostituição, o uso de drogas e o tempo alojado nas obras. O envolvimento com prostitutas despontou como variável mais importante na predição do envolvimento com ESCA. Intervenções nesta área requerem maior conhecimento acerca dos perpetradores, auxiliando na elaboração de perspectivas de enfrentamento mais eficazes.

This study aimed to understand the reasons for sexual exploitation of children and adolescents from the perception of Brazilian construction workers and compare groups of perpetrators and non-perpetrators. Two hundred eighty-eight construction workers were interviewed in different Brazilian regions. 67% of respondents indicated the involvement of co-workers with the issue and 25.4% reported their own involvement with it. Main variables correlated to the issue were the involvement with prostitutes, drug use and time out-of-home. Being involved with prostitutes was pointed as the most important variable explaining the involvement with the issue. Interventions in this area require more knowledge about the perpetrators, which may contribute to the development of more effective strategies of confrontation.

Effectiveness evaluation of AIDS intervention among migrant construction workers in Jinan, Shandong Province / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of health education on AIDS among migrant construction workers, so as to search for effective ways for health education on AIDS among them. Methods AIDS health education strategies were designed and put into practice based on baseline demand analysis. Questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the AIDS knowledge, attitude and behavior 5 months later. Results The age, gender and educational background were similar among responders before and after interventions (P>0. 05). The AIDS-related knowledge, awareness rates of each of the 8 AIDS questions and general awareness rate (at least 6 right answers to the 8 questions) were significantly improved after interventions (P<0. 001). Conclusion Providing consulting service, handing off free education materials and other interventions are feasible and effective for AIDS prevention among migrant construction workers, and these interventions should be strentgthened to improve anti-AIDS ability among them.

Ser operário da construção civil é viver a discriminação social / To be a construction worker is to experience social discrimination

A pesquisa objetivou estudar as discriminações e os preconceitos sociais que afetam simultaneamente a vida do operário e as práticas de gestão na construção de edificações em Belo Horizonte. Adota-se uma perspectiva de análise psicossociológica, estudando os fenômenos em seu contexto socioeconômico e político. Quanto ao método, aplicaram-se três estratégias: análise de conteúdo de 22 boletins do sindicato trabalhista, um survey com aplicação de questionários estruturados em uma amostra de 361 operários e entrevistas individuais e semiestruturadas de dois operários. Os resultados apontaram o predomínio de formas veladas do preconceito e as vivências dos operários enquanto minoria social, abrangendo o desenvolvimento de atitudes de resignação que cristalizam e naturalizam a discriminação social. O saber operário é ignorado, e é enfatizada a carência do conhecimento formal que o exogrupo domina. Aponta-se a necessidade da gestão organizacional no setor de edificações incorporar e aprender práticas sociais questionadoras, contribuindo para transformar a situação social.

The research aimed to study the discrimination and social prejudices that affect both employee life and management practices in building construction in Belo Horizonte. A psycho-sociological perspective was adopted in which the phenomena of discrimination and social prejudices were considered in their socioeconomic and political context. As to method, three strategies were applied: content analysis of 22 labor union newsletters, a survey applying a structured questionnaire to 361 worker participants, and individual and semi-structured interviews with two workers. The results exposed the prevalence of veiled prejudices, and the experiences of workers as a social minority, including the development of attitudes of resignation that crystallize and naturalize social discrimination. The worker's knowledge is ignored and the lack of formal knowledge, dominated by the outgroup, is emphasized. This points out the need for organizational management in the building sector to incorporate and learn social practices of questioning that contribute to transforming the social si-tuation.

Relationship between Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Non-fatal Occupational Injuries in Construction Workers in Korea / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries in construction workers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1,836 male construction workers in petrochemical plants in Korea. For this study, a structured self-reported questionnaire(KOSHA CODE H-30-2003) was used. Musculoskeletal symptoms were defined as symptoms that affect the operation of the musculoskeletal system, for longer than one week or a frequency of more than once per month. To evaluate the association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal occupatioanl injuries, multiple logistic-regressions were used after adjusting for age, exercise, smoking status, alcohol consumption, work time, work duration, and income. RESULTS: A total of 140 workers were involved in non-fatal injuries cases, representing 7.6% prevalence. After adjusting for confounding variables, the logistic regression analyses indicated the group with musculoskeletal symptoms(OR 1.73 95% CI:1.21~2.47) and intensity criteria of musculoskeletal symptoms as related to 'moderate' criteria(OR 1.82 95% CI:1.18~2.81) or 'severe' criteria(OR 2.57 95% CI:1.43~4.63). This identified group was more likely to experience non-fatal occupational injuries. However, a 'mild' criteria(OR 1.00 95% CI:0.51~1.99) was not associated with non-fatal occupational injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated a possible association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries. Hence, strengthening of laws and regulations, effective ergonomic programs and training is necessary to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms.