PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN BRICK KILN WORKERS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/y1rq9f25Keywords:
Air Pollutants, Occupational; Cough; Dyspnea; Musculoskeletal Pain; Occupational Diseases; Quality of Life; Respiratory Tract Diseases.Abstract
Background: Brick kiln workers are exposed to dust, smoke, heat, chemical fumes and repetitive physical workload, which may increase their risk of respiratory and musculoskeletal problems. These workers often perform prolonged manual tasks such as moulding, carrying and baking bricks in poorly controlled occupational environments. Such exposures may affect physical functioning, daily activity and overall well-being. Assessing these symptoms and their relationship with quality of life is important for planning preventive occupational health measures.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of respiratory and musculoskeletal symptoms among brick kiln workers and assess their association with quality of life.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 brick kiln workers selected through convenience sampling. Workers involved in moulding, carrying and baking were included according to predefined selection criteria. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Disease 78-A questionnaire, musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated through the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and quality of life was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and chi-square analysis was applied to determine associations between symptoms and quality-of-life domains.
Results: Among the participants, 85% were male and 15% were female. Most workers performed moulding work (60%), followed by carrying (20%) and baking (20%). A total of 64% worked more than 7 hours daily, and 29% were current smokers. Shoulder symptoms were the most frequent musculoskeletal complaint (21.4%), followed by lower back pain (20.1%), knee symptoms (11.7%), upper back symptoms (11.0%), and neck and wrist symptoms (10.4% each). Respiratory complaints included chest cold or chest illness (31%), frequent cough (27%), frequent phlegm (15%), chronic bronchitis (6%), chronic cough (5%), frequent wheezing (5%) and chronic wheezing (5%). Breathlessness was reported as grade I in 2%, grade II in 7%, grade III in 3% and grade IV in 3%. Musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly in the neck, shoulder, wrist, knee and ankle regions, showed significant associations with several SF-36 domains. Respiratory symptoms, especially wheezing and dyspnea, were also significantly associated with poorer quality-of-life domains.
Conclusion: Brick kiln workers showed a considerable burden of respiratory and musculoskeletal symptoms, which were associated with reduced quality of life. The findings highlight the need for workplace safety measures, early screening, protective equipment and ergonomic interventions in brick kiln settings.
Keywords: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Cough; Dyspnea; Musculoskeletal Pain; Occupational Diseases; Quality of Life; Respiratory Tract Diseases.
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