Goldsmith Workers (GSWs): A Skilled Job & Status of Illness

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted among the goldsmith workers of different goldsmith's workshops located Islampur of Dhaka city to find out respiratory illness among them. `Methodology: It was a descriptive cross sectional study. By purposive sampling a total of 120 goldsmith workers were interviewed about respiratory problems using questionnaire and checklist.Result: The study revealed out of 120 respondents 5% were illiterate, 40% had education upto Primary level and 55% respondents had education at secondary level and above. Around 31.7% and 30.8% respondents had monthly income 7100-9000 and 9100-11000 taka respectively. Most of them had length of service 6-20 years (72.5%) and 25.8% had length of service >20 years. The study showed 37.5% had been suffering from respiratory illness and among them 75.6% were suffering from cough for 3months or more in a year, 66.7% suffering from cough with phlegm, 18.9% Blood mixed phlegm, 71.1% running nose/ sneezing and 33.3% were suffering from breathlessness. 96.7% respondents had knowledge on use of personal protective equipments (PPE). Around 58.3% respondents were smoker and their mean duration of smoking habit was 15.59 ( 7.36) years. PEFR was significantly low (p<0.001) both in sitting and standing position among the respondents suffering from respiratory problems. Mean PEFR on sitting position was 426.22 L/min and 430.33 L/min in standing position in respondents with respiratory problems.Conclusion: This indicates 37.5% respondents are suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and necessitates preventive and therapeutic measures to minimize sufferings of goldsmith workers.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 6, No. 2: July 2015, P 5-10

Mortality Cause in Goldsmith Workers of Bangladesh: Findings From Verbal Autopsy

“…In the current study, common NCD risk behaviors identi ed were smoking (70.0%) and alcohol consumption (50.0%). Another study in Bangladesh also reported a higher proportion (58.3%) of smokers among the goldsmith workers [17]. Similar scenario of death by CVD (55.0%) among the deceased goldsmith workers in the present study may be explained by the existence of NCD risk behaviors, which are the established risk factors for CVD [18,19].…”

Mortality causes in goldsmiths of Bangladesh: Findings from verbal autopsy

“…Another study in Bangladesh also reported a higher proportion (58.3%) of smokers among the goldsmiths. 17 Similar scenario of death by CVD (60.0%) among the deceased goldsmiths in the present study may be explained by the existence of NCD risk behaviors, which are the established risk factors for CVD. 18,19 Some limitations need to be considered before interpreting the results of this study.…”