PREVALANCE OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS AMONG COAL MINERS OF CHERAT, DISTRICT NOWSHERA - PAKISTAN

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of pneumoconiosis among coal miners. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 coal miners of Cherat, District Nowshera, KPK, Pakistan, from July 2012 to June 2013. Coal miners who worked for more than six months were included. Medical camps were arranged in study areas in which Pulmonary Function Tests and CXR was conducted to estimate the prevalence of pneumoconiosis. The demographic variables were also noted on a semi structured proforma. Results: The medical examinations of coal miner’s revealed that approximately 71% (n=284) of coal miners have sign and symptoms of occupational respiratory health problems. The coal miners showed an increased prevalence of coal workers pneumoconiosis (49.50%) i.e. about 47% (n=188) on Chest X-rays (P/A View) and 52.50% (n=210) on Pulmonary Function Tests has findings of coal workers pneumoconiosis. Only 31.75% (n=127) of coal miners have normal pulmonary function tests and 35% (n=140) have normal chest x-ray findings during medical assessment. Conclusion: The prevalence of the pneumoconiosis was high (49.50%) among the Cherat coal miners; and needs proper consideration and attention from the health sector and mining department in order to reduce the high burden of pneumoconiosis among coal miners.