PREVALENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL OBSTRUCTIVE DISEASES AMONG CHERAT COAL MINERS OF DISTRICT NOWSHERA PAKISTAN

BACKGROUND: Coal mining is considered as one of the dangerous occupation though out the world, andposes many work related health problems to coal miners. It is reported that overall situation of occupationalsafety and health is not encouraging and thus coal miners' work under hazardous conditions, resulting inunnecessary morbidity and mortality. The occupational problems are on rise and cause hazardous impactson coal miners as well as affect the economic status of the country. The objective of this study was to assessthe prevalence of occupational obstructive diseases among coal miners.MATERIAL & METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Cherat; among 400 coal miners,from January 2013 to July 2013. To estimate the prevalence of occupational obstructive diseases; coalminers of more than six months were included and pulmonary function tests& CXR were conducted.RESULTS: The coal miners showed an increased prevalence of occupational obstructive diseases. Themedical examinations of coal miner's revealed that approximately 17% i.e. 15.75% on PFTs and 18% onCXR had findings of occupational obstructive diseases.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the occupational obstructive diseases was high among the Cherat coalminers.KEY WORDS: Prevalence, Occupational Obstructive Diseases, Pulmonary Function Tests, Chest X-rays,Coal Miners.