Citation

Zeb J. Stud. J. Ayub Med. Coll. 2015; 1(2): e13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Ayub Medical College)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence and prevalence of many diseases are highly influenced by occupation. Tailoring and welding are very important and common occupation in both developed and developing countries. Both occupations can cause injuries if adequate safety measures are not taken. Unfortunately safety standards which guide such occupations are lacking in many developing countries including Pakistan. This study was conducted to know the prevalence of visual impairment among tailors and welders and the degree of safety measures taken.

METHODology: It was a descriptive cross sectional study done in different areas of Peshawar from June to August 2015. A pre designed questionnaire was distributed among welders and tailors aged between 12-60 years. Data was collected and analysed through SPSS-21.

RESULTS: Out of 124 welders in Peshawar, 7.3% had visual impairment. Out of total respondent among welders 89.7% reported using protective eye devices while 10.3% did not use any protective devices. There was significant association between visual impairment and use of protective eye devices ( p <0.05). Among tailors a prevalence rate of 5.1% for visual impairment was noted. Out of total 77 tailors, 64.9% did not consider tailoring as hazardous to vision. It was also found that a good proportion (19.5%) of tailors didn't have proper illumination at their work place required to prevent visual impairment.

CONCLUSION: Welding and tailoring among many other occupations are associated with visual impairment at workplace. Awareness among the affected population is lacking and this needs to be targeted.

Keywords: Welders, tailors,Peshawar, visual impairment

Language: en