3 research outputs found
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of dyeing and printing workers
<b>Background:</b> Millions of workers are occupationally exposed to dyes in the world, but little is known about their knowledge and attitudes toward the effects of dye on their health. <b>Objectives:</b> The aim of this study was to assess the fabric dyers′ and fabric printers′ knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the health hazard of dyes. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The present study was taken up in the Madurai district which is situated in the Southern Tamil Nadu, India. One hundred and forty-two workers employed in small-scale dyeing and printing units participated in a face-to-face confidential interview <b>. Results:</b> The mean age of fabric dyers and fabric printers was 42 years (΁10.7). When enquired about whether dyes affect body organ(s), all the workers agreed that dye(s) will affect skin, but they were not aware that dyes could affect other parts of the body. All the workers believed that safe methods of handling of dyes and disposal of contaminated packaging used for dyes need to be considered. It was found that 34% of the workers were using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as rubber hand gloves during work. <b>Conclusion:</b> The workers had knowledge regarding the occupational hazards, and their attitudinal approach toward the betterment of the work environment is positive
Socioeconomic status and dyslipidaemia in a South Indian population: the Chennai Urban Population Study (CUPS 11)
Background. Socioeconomic differences have been shown to be linked with the
prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factors such as dyslipidaemia based on
urban-rural comparisons. However, very little data are available on the prevalence of dyslipidaemia
within an urban environment. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of dyslipidaemia in
two different socioeconomic groups within an urban South Indian population. Methods. The
Chennai Urban Population Study is an epidemiological study involving two residential areas in
Chennai, South India representing different socioeconomic strata. Of the 1399 eligible subjects
(age 20 years), 1262 (90.2%) participated in the study (Tirumangalam: middle income group, 479
subjects, response rate 91.4%; and T. Nagar: low income group, 783 subjects, response rate
89.4%). A detailed questionnaire on the socioeconomic and clinical background of the subjects
was collected. Biochemical investigations included lipid profile and oral glucose tolerance tests.
The classification of lipid abnormalities was done according to the National Cholesterol Education
Programme-Adult Treatment Panel III [NCEP (ATP III)] guidelines. Results. The Tirumangalam
group (mean monthly income of Rs 8075) represents the middle income group, while the T. Nagar
group (mean monthly income of Rs 1399) represents the low income group. The prevalence rates
of lipid abnormalities were higher among the middle income group compared to the low income
group. The prevalence of high risk cholesterol levels in men was 10.6% (middle income group) v.
2.7% (low income group; p<0.001) and among women 19.1 v. 4.7% (p<0.001). Similarly,
the prevalence of high risk triglyceride levels in men was 15.7% v. 9.3% (p=0.02) and among
women 10.3% v. 7.5% (p<0.05); high risk low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels among men was
7.8% v. 3.0% (p=0.01), and among women 11.2% v. 4.5% (p<0.001). High density lipoprotein
(HDL) cholesterol levels were lower in the low income group but the total cholesterol/HDL
cholesterol ratio was higher among men in the middle income group (p<0.001) but not among
women. Logistic regression analysis revealed that socioeconomic status had a strong association
with hypercholesterolaemia and high LDL levels, even after adjusting for age and body mass
index. Conclusion. Socioeconomic factors influence the pattern of dyslipidaemia in this urban
South Indian population, with dyslipidaemia being more common and severe in the middle income
group