A comparative study of pulmonary Koch’s among marble stone worker community of Bhedaghat and nonmarble stone worker community of Garha

Introduction: Occupational stone dust exposure may result in several health risks tuberculosis (TB) silicosis, obstructive as well as restrictive lung diseases, among which TB is more prevalent in developing countries like India. Most people residing in Bhedaghat engaged in carving statues from variable stones and marble rocks belongs to poor socioeconomic conditions and unaware of the preventive measures. Ultimately they end up in chronic respiratory problems and various complications. Objective: The study was carried out to find the effect of marble stone dust exposure on the prevalence of TB and to study some of associated epidemiological factors and effect of working environment. Materials and Methods: The present study is cross-sectional study with a comparison group, which was matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status, unexposed to similar working environment, that is, carving and cutting marble stones. Using interview technique demographic, occupational and clinical details were recorded on the predesigned proforma. For pulmonary TB among study subjects already detected, cases were included, and those strongly suggestive on the basis of clinical history were confirmed by means subsequent sputum smear examination and radiography. Statistical analysis was carried out by using Statistical Software Package Epi Info 7. Results and Conclusion: Overall prevalence of pulmonary TB was 6.25% among marble stone workers while in the comparison group it was 4.38%. Among marble stone workers, the prevalence was more among workers working in closed and congested room and not using any personal protective measures and employed in stone cutting for >5 years.