Occupational health problems and major risk factor profile of non communicable diseases among workers in the Aquaculture industry in Visakhapatnam.

Background: Globally the rapid growth of the aquaculture sector has generated a huge work force posing significant risks to the workers due to the combined effect of the exposure to hazards at the workplace and unhealthy lifestyle. Aim and Objectives: To study the morbidity profile of workers in the aquaculture industry in terms of the occupational health problems and risk factors of non-communicable diseases. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 135 workers in five aquaculture farms. Ethical Committee clearance was obtained. Data regarding the occupational health problems and major risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was collected by using a pre-designed pretested questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from workers. The blood pressure and random blood sugar levels were measured at the time of the interview. Results: Most of the participants were in the age group 18-66 years and 94% were males. Major occupational health problems reported were musculoskeletal (56.3%), neurological (48.1%), stress related (46.7%), injuries (43%), skin infections (23%). Regarding risk factors for NCDs- 16.3% were current smokers, 51.1% were alcoholics, 50.4% had a sedentary lifestyle, <1% consumed fruits and vegetables. Among participants, 65.2% had central obesity, 28.2% were hypertensive, 9.6% were diabetic. The on-site evaluation showed that most of the aquaculture farms lack safety measures. Conclusion: The study identified potential occupational health problems and risk factors for non-communicable diseases among workers in aquaculture farms. The deficiencies in the safety measures at the workplace were also identified through on site evaluation. Hence there is a need to educate the workers regarding healthy lifestyle and safety at work place. There is a need to overcome organizational challenges at the workplace by adopting safety measures for a better working environment and to reduce the significant risk of exposure to hazards.