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This article discusses the association between health insurance status and the quality of life among people with asthma in Kolkata, India. The study found that out-of-pocket expenditure for chronic diseases, such as asthma, poses a significant economic burden in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the availability of health insurance schemes, nearly 60% of Indians do not possess any health insurance policies. The study also found that possessing health insurance was associated with a better quality of life for asthma patients, particularly among males and those with well-controlled symptoms. The authors emphasize the need for more inclusive and universal healthcare coverage in India. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the association between allergic conditions and school absenteeism among Indian adolescents. Previous studies have primarily focused on asthma, but this research highlights the social burdens of allergic conditions as a whole. The study analyzed data from a cross-sectional study of 13-14-year-olds in West Bengal, India, and found that asthma, any allergic symptom, and allergic multimorbidity were associated with higher rates of absenteeism. The associations varied across different settings, with rural and urban participants experiencing higher absenteeism compared to suburban participants. However, the study has limitations, such as self-reported data and the inability to establish causation. Overall, the findings demonstrate the significant burden that asthma and allergic conditions impose on children and their families. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Construction workers frequently have work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) with significant adverse health and financial effects. The aim of this study is to look at the reasons, effects, and prevention measures for WRMSDs among construction workers. Methods: In the study, one hundred thirty-six male construction workers between the ages of 30 and 56 participated. The postural stress experienced by the construction workers was assessed using a modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. The Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale was used to assess the severity of the discomfort/pain in various body areas. Results: Discomfort or pain in neck portion was found to be maximum percentage of workers. BPD scaling revealed that neck, lower back and shoulder are among three most susceptible body parts in relation to pain sensation. Conclusion: Manual construction workers in the construction industry are particularly vulnerable to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), working hours and MSD symptoms, particularly in the lower limb, are significantly correlated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)-related occupational health concerns are becoming a growing problem for the clothing industry, which is influenced by the repetitive tasks, prolonged static postures and poor ergonomic conditions that characterise the nature of work in this industry. This study aims to provide a thorough assessment of the numerous musculoskeletal problems that are prevalent in the garment industry and to recommend useful intervention strategies to mitigate their consequences. Methods: One hundred thirty textile workers aged between 25 to 45 years were taken randomly from five different textile manufacturing sites of Baranagar, West Bengal. A modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was applied to evaluate the postural stress of the garment's workers. The discomfort/pain intensity in different body parts were evaluated by Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale. Appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: Discomfort or pain in hip and lower back were found to be maximum among workers. Conclusion: Pain, discomfort and postural stress among various body parts like upper back, lower back and hip are verry much common for the workers. Despite efforts to deal with these problems, more thorough research and efficient intervention strategies are required to reduce musculoskeletal ailments in the garment industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronotype or morningness orientation is an interpersonal characteristic that influence human physiology and psychology and less is known about the chronotype of the Bengalese adolescents in India. We aimed to study the chronotype of this population by using a translated version of a previously established questionnaire. 471 Bengali-speaking adolescents (13–14 years) (boys = 268, girls = 203) of West Bengal, India were included in this study and their chronotype was assessed using an interviewer-administered Bengali version of the reduced Morningness–eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ). The reliability of the translated instrument was assessed using Cronbach's α. Chi-squared test was used to observe the chronotype distribution between the boys and girls. rMEQ scores of all the participants ranged between 5 and 25 with a median value of 17 (25–75th percentile: 15–20). Cronbach's α was 0.751. Using cut off scores, we found 47% of our study participants were of morning chronotype, whereas the intermediate and evening types were of 50% and 3%, respectively. Chi-squared test demonstrated a significantly higher morningness among boys than the girls. The study describes the morningness orientation pattern of the Bengalese adolescents that may have some defined influence on their physiological and psychological characteristics including health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An estimated half a billion people are engaged in fishing related occupations in India. Exposure to adulterated fuel exhaust is common among deep-sea fishermen, yet little is known about the potential impacts on the exposure to health.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether fuel emission exposure was associated with increased respiratory impairments among fishermen who were occupationally exposed to fuel exhaust compared to fisherman occupationally unexposed to fuel exhaust.Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function variables between 152 marine-water and 107 fresh water fishermen considering the use of fuel-driven trawlers. Data were obtained from questionnaires and computerized spirometer.Results: Fishermen exposed to trawler fuel exhaust reported more than double the number of respiratory symptoms compared to the unexposed fisherman (86·2 vs. 40·2%). They also had a significantly higher chance experiencing chronic cough (adjusted OR = 3·51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2·09-6·35), chronic phlegm (8·61, 4·76-15·97), and wheezing (4·29, 2·55-7·61) symptoms. Finally, there was a significant reduction of the ratio of mid portion of forced expiratory flow rate and forced vital capacity (FEF25-75/FVC) in the exposed fishermen compared to the unexposed (0·84 vs. 0·73 second(-1), P = 0·015).Conclusion: Fuel exhaust may negatively impact on the respiratory health of Indian fishermen. More attention and surveillance of occupational health for fishermen in India is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]