Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Evaluating the Effects of Pesticides Residues on Seminal Fluid Antioxidants Status and Semen Parameters among Males with Infertility at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.","authors":"Waliu O Oladosu, Saheed O Jimoh, Oseni Ismaila, Adewale M Alayo, Ganiyu A Gbagirimojo, Oyewo Rasaki Adewale, Adekunle B Okesina","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_119_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_119_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>To evaluate the impacts of seminal concentrations of selected pesticide residues on SFA parameters and seminal antioxidants in men with abnormal sperm parameters.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>An analytical cross-sectional study of consenting infertile male patients, with at least one abnormal seminal fluid analysis (SFA) parameter, at a tertiary Health Centre.</p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>Between July 2022 and June 2023, 130 men with abnormal sperm parameters and 130 with normal sperm parameters were studied as controls. Semen samples were collected, treated, and centrifuged. Analyses included pesticide residues (GC/MS), Vitamins C and E (spectrophotometry), and enzyme levels (ELISA), with data analyzed using SPSS 20.0.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Subjects showed significantly higher seminal pesticide levels and lower antioxidant levels than controls. Sperm count and motility were positively linked to antioxidant status and negatively linked to pesticide levels, except for Carbamate. Seminal levels of Malathion (13.57 ± 2.68 vs 3.54 ± 1.81 μg/ml, <i>P</i> < 0.001), DDT (24.03 ± 1.93 vs 13.65 ± 1.75 μg/ml, <i>P</i> < 0.001), Permethrin (28.59 ± 3.87 vs 3.82 ± 1.78 μg/ml, <i>P</i> < 0.001), and Carbamate (35.75 ± 1.52 vs 17.75 ± 3.90 μg/ml, <i>P</i> < 0.001) were significantly higher among subjects than controls, respectively. Also, seminal levels Vitamin C (21.74 ± 2.30 vs 54.55 ± 2.78 mg/100 ml, <i>P</i> < 0.001), Vitamin E (5.62 ± 2.17 mg/100 ml vs 14.73 ± 1.62 mg/100 ml, <i>P</i> < 0.001), GPx (74.28 ± 2.63 vs 136.14 ± 2.79 IU/L, <i>P</i> < 0.001), and CAT (102.28 ± 1.44 vs 185.57 ± 1.24 IU/L, <i>P</i> < 0.001) were significantly lower among subjects than controls.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Human exposure to various types of pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides used in various daily activities at homes, farmlands, and agricultural storage sites, negatively affects semen parameters and semen antioxidant status.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 2","pages":"123-128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411564/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Respiratory Quality of Life and Pulmonary Functions among Traffic Police Personnel in an Urban City of Eastern India: A Comparative Study.","authors":"Ipsita Debata, Aniket Paul, Prem S Panda, Dibyajyoti Mandal, Ipsa Mohapatra, Sourav Padhee","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_150_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_150_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Prolonged air pollution exposure, caused by automobile exhaust, produces severe pulmonary inflammation.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The study aimed to assess and compare the respiratory quality of life (RQoL) by the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and pulmonary functions by digital spirometry of the occupationally exposed traffic police personnel and the unexposed general population, in an urban city of Eastern India, and to study the association between RQoL and pulmonary functions in both groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the urban city from October 2023 to January 2024. A total of 62 \"occupationally exposed\" traffic policemen and 120 \"unexposed\" general population were recruited by simple random sampling. Data on the sociodemographic profile was collected by a pretested semi-structured questionnaire, and on RQoL by SGRQ questionnaire. The pulmonary function was evaluated by using a digital spirometer. Data was compiled and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The occupationally exposed traffic policemen group had significantly higher (<i>P</i> < 0.001) SGRQ scores than the unexposed group. The pulmonary function assessment showed that the traffic policemen group had significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (<i>P</i> < 0.001) compared to the unexposed group. The total SGRQ scores of both groups positively correlated with FEV1/FVC.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Due to the nature of employment, the exposed traffic policemen group had significantly poorer RQoL and poorer pulmonary function compared to the unexposed group. There is a dire need to screen, adapt, and strengthen preventive and promotive strategies to manage this issue.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 2","pages":"156-162"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411560/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case Series: Alarming Cases of Acute Silicosis with Severe Lung Involvement from Brief Silica Exposure.","authors":"Kesharwani Tesu","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_233_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_233_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute silicosis is a rare and severe form of silicosis caused by intense exposure to crystalline silica dust. This study highlights five concerning cases in migrant laborers, all traced to a single occupational source. These patients developed extensive lung involvement after a remarkably short exposure period and presented with severe secondary complications, including pneumothorax, cor pulmonale, right heart failure, and silicotuberculosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 2","pages":"181-184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411662/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Women's Health in Agriculture: A Cross-Sectional Survey Assessing Occupational Hazards and Health Outcomes Among Women Agricultural Workers.","authors":"Nayanabai Shabadi, Basavanagowdappa Hathur, T Rajesh Kumar, K S Varshini, Anchu R Nath, Naveen Ramesh","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_175_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_175_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women in agriculture especially in rural India, are susceptible to a number of occupational health risks. Despite their contribution, less importance is given on the impact of agricultural work on women's physical, reproductive, and mental health, especially in the context of hazardous chemical exposure and unfavourable working conditions.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the mental, reproductive and occupational health issues faced by women agricultural workers in Mysuru, Karnataka.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the villages under the three Primary Health Centres in the Mysuru district.</p><p><strong>Material and method: </strong>A total of 368 women agricultural workers aged 18 and above, with at least one year experience in farming, were selected through convenience sampling. Data was collected using structured interviews and general health examinations.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis: </strong>The relationships between occupational characteristics and health outcomes were examined using binary logistic regression and chi-square testing in SPSS version 22.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>A significant proportion of individuals reported mental stress (29.35%), physical pain (21.46%), and chronic conditions such diabetes (27.17%) and hypertension (24.45%). Menstrual abnormalities were associated with pesticide exposure (p=0.004), and only 4.62% of respondents reported using personal protective equipment (PPE). Pain and poor mental health were substantially correlated with longer duration of work (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight significant occupational health risks among women in agriculture. The health and working conditions of this vulnerable workforce need to be improved by gender-sensitive interventions, health education, and improved safety protocol enforcement.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 2","pages":"116-122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411551/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Voice-Related Symptoms Among School Teachers in Tamil Nadu, India: Associations with Demographic, Occupational, and Preventive Factors.","authors":"D Seshasri, G Selvarajan, Kala Samayan","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_293_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_293_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Teaching requires prolonged and intense voice use, making teachers vulnerable to voice-related symptoms. Although international evidence is strong, limited data are available from Tamil Nadu on how demographic, occupational, and preventive factors influence these symptoms.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To examine the relationship between voice-related symptoms and demographic, occupational, and preventive factors among school teachers in Tamil Nadu, India.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in government and private schools across Tamil Nadu between June 2023 and June 2024.</p><p><strong>Methods and material: </strong>Four hundred full-time teachers, including general educators, special educators, physical education instructors, and language/subject specialists, participated. A structured questionnaire collected information on demographic details, teaching profile, self-reported voice symptoms, and voice-care practices.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Associations between variables were tested using Pearson's Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at <i>P</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>More than half of the participants (57.8%) reported vocal tiredness at the end of the teaching day. Voice changes during the academic year were reported by 42.9%, and 21.8% experienced a voice problem lasting longer than two weeks in the previous year. Preventive voice-care behaviors were reported by 53.5%, and 68.3% consumed water regularly while teaching. Vocal tiredness was significantly associated with age (χ²=8.92, <i>P</i> = 0.03), gender (χ²=6.72, <i>P</i> = 0.01), educator category (χ²=8.21, <i>P</i>=0.04), and class size (χ²=6.41, <i>P</i> = 0.04). Preventive practices differed significantly by school sector (χ²=6.50, <i>P</i> = 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Voice-related symptoms are common among teachers in Tamil Nadu. Younger age, female gender, physical education teaching, and larger class sizes increase risk, highlighting the need for structured vocal health promotion in schools.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 2","pages":"150-155"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411556/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Workers' Safety and Health in a Changing Climate: Proceedings from the National Strategic Workshop at the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata.","authors":"Monalisha Sahu, Manas K Kundu, Sujith Surendran, Arkaprabha Sau, Shyam Pingle, Rajgopal Thirumalai, Debashis Dutt, J Monisha, Aniket Chowdhury, Meera Dhuria, Ranjan Das","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_422_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_422_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Strategic Workshop on \"Workers' Safety and Health in a Changing Climate,\" convened by the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIHPH), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), was held in October 2025 at Kolkata. The Strategic Workshop on \"Workers' Safety and Health in a Changing Climate\" aimed to foster multisectoral dialog and collaboration to address the growing impact of climate change on occupational health, safety, and productivity, thereby contributing to sustainable development. Convened under the leadership of AIIHPH, NCDC, and NPCCHH, the 2-day workshop brought together senior policymakers, researchers, academicians, and industry leaders from diverse sectors. Discussions were structured around five major, interconnected themes: 1) Protecting Workers from Extreme Weather Events (Heat), 2) Occupational and Environmental Air Pollution, 3) Chemical Exposures in a Changing Climate, 4) Technology for Climate-Resilient Workplaces, and 5) Psychosocial Well-being of Workers. Key recommendations from the deliberations were consolidated after discussions into actionable points, emphasizing the need for an integrated, technology-enabled, and equity-focused approach. Actionable steps included integrating health surveillance with climate data (e.g., WBGT/IMD forecasts), developing a National Chemical Exposure Surveillance Network, adopting AI/IoT-based predictive safety tools, and institutionalizing psychosocial care. The workshop reaffirmed a commitment to the vision of \"Health for All, Safe Work for All,\" urging interministerial convergence (Health, Labor, Environment) and supportive partnerships-especially with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)-to ensure a climate-resilient workforce.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 2","pages":"196-203"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411552/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Under the Hood - Decoding Musculoskeletal Health among Vehicle Mechanics in Urban Mumbai: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Vijaya Krishnan, Archita Dabhole","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_266_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_266_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant cause of ill health among working populations. Vehicle repair mechanics are at high risk due to their work nature.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the prevalence, pattern, and severity of musculoskeletal disorders among automotive repair mechanics in Mumbai, India, and to analyze associated postural risks.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 garage mechanics in Mumbai. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Postural risks were analyzed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scale. Joint angles were measured using Kinovea software. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 423 mechanics, 23 (5.4%) reported pain, primarily in the lower back (26.1%) and knees (34.8%). The median age was 29 years (IQR: 9). Most mechanics worked 10-12 h daily (51.1%), 7 days a week (70.4%). REBA scores were significantly correlated with trunk posture (<i>r</i> = 0.645, <i>P</i> = 0.001) and Score A (<i>r</i> = 0.85, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Lower back pain showed a positive correlation with REBA scores (<i>r</i> = 0.050, <i>P</i> = 0.819).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among vehicle repair mechanics in this sample was relatively low. However, those who reported pain primarily experienced lower back and knee pain. Postural risks, particularly trunk posture, were significantly associated with overall ergonomic risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"59-63"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Work Posture Using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment in Sculptor Painters.","authors":"Pratikkumar K Kotwani, Shellette D Almeida","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_163_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_163_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Sculptor painters often engage in prolonged and static work postures that may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to evaluate their work postures using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool and assess the prevalence of related MSD symptoms.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To assess work posture using RULA in sculptor painters.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>A cross-sectional observational study.</p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>Seventy sculptor painters aged 18 to 65 years were assessed. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and photographic posture analysis. RULA scores were used to evaluate ergonomic risks, while self-reported symptom surveys identified areas of musculoskeletal discomfort.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Spearman's correlation was applied to determine associations between years of work experience and work duration with RULA scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty percent of participants reported experiencing MSD symptoms. The lower back was the most commonly affected region (20%), followed by the neck (5.7%) and wrists (4.3%). The average RULA score was 5.19, indicating a need for prompt ergonomic intervention.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings underscore the importance of incorporating postural education, physiotherapy, and ergonomic interventions to reduce MSD risk in sculptor painters.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"75-79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Rice Varieties Produced Across India States with a Lens of Rising Cancer Burden.","authors":"Akanksha Bhatnagar, Kanika Arora, Ritesh Gupta, Jitendra Kumar Meena","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_100_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_100_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rice is a dietary staple for more than half of the global population, particularly in Asia. However, its vulnerability to accumulating environmental heavy metal contaminants during its production and processing raises significant public health concerns. Chronic exposure to arsenic and lead has carcinogenic health effects, posing a risk of lung, bladder, liver, and breast cancer. This study examines arsenic and lead contamination in rice varieties across different locations in India and their ecological associations with prevailing cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Rice samples were collected from 13 districts across six major rice-producing states in India (northern and southern regions). Selective Arsenic and lead concentrations were examined in collected rice samples and analyzed using standard testing methods. The results were compared with Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSAI) and World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limits. A desk review of existing cancer reports was performed for ecological comparison.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Arsenic and lead concentrations significantly varied in rice samples across regions. In state-wise analysis, Maharashtra recorded the highest arsenic levels (mean: 3.14 ppm), while Madhya Pradesh had the highest lead concentrations (mean: 3.63 ppm). These values exceeded safety limits, and the sampled states had a high burden of lung, breast, stomach, and gastrointestinal cancers potentially linked to chronic exposures to heavy metals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There are regional variations in arsenic and lead contamination, often exceeding safety limits. Contaminant exposure to farmers and chronic ingestion can lead to deleterious health effects. Study highlights the need for strict regulatory oversight, safe agricultural practices, and further research into its hazards and prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"64-68"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064964/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Driving Cleaner Practices: Evaluating the Influence of Ring Compost Units and Community Mobilization on Household Waste Behavior in an Urban Area of Central Kerala.","authors":"Shaliet R Sebastian, Geethu Mathew, Sruthy C S Kumar, Avira Chacko, Bichu P Babu, Marina R Joseph","doi":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_89_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_89_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Food waste, which is a component of municipal solid waste, is incinerated or dumped in open area which may cause severe health and environmental issues. A complete and environmentally sound Solid Waste Management requires effective contribution from all those who are involved in this problem.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the impact of an organized model of waste management system and community mobilization on food waste disposal practices.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The present Quasi Experimental Study was conducted among 198 households in Thiruvalla. A semi structured, pilot tested questionnaire was used to collect information about the baseline waste disposal methods practiced. An individual ring compost unit was set up for each individual household. The beneficiaries were given training and the survey was repeated to evaluate any change in practices after a year. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for before and after comparison of mean values across groups. p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The number of study participants practicing segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes increased from 18% (before intervention) to 80.3% (after intervention). The change in the household waste disposal practices of the study population after Setting up of a ring compost unit and waste management training was found to be statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Provision of ring compost units and training of the community could help in providing a long term solution to the domestic food waste problem.</p>","PeriodicalId":43585,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine","volume":"30 1","pages":"87-91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13064965/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}