Effect of Environmental Degradation and Occupational Disadvantages on Public Health: A Cross Sectional Study in Alwar, Rajasthan

The Matsya Industrial Area (MIA) has seen rapid industrial devolution and the Alwar district in Rajasthan had restrictions on surface mining which has brought about considerable environmental changes and occupational health issues. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of macro-environmental changes and Individual level work stressors on the multi-systemic medical health profiles of local populations and industrial workers. Multi-stage stratified random selection approach was used to pick 500 adults from Alwar district. The Medical and environmental data were collected by structured dependable techniques. Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) from Binary Logistic Regression and Beta Coefficients (β) from Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression were used to determine the contributing factor of medical susceptibility. The patients disclosed high incidence rates of Chronic Respiratory Dysfunctions (26.4%), Musculoskeletal Disorders (38.2) and Dermatological Pathologies (19.6%). Mining/industrial laborers had significantly lower Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in comparison to non-industrial cohorts (t (498) = -8.14, p< 0.001) as determined by independent samples t-tests. Multiple linear regression revealed working hours per day (β= 0.34, p<0.001) and inhabited nearness less than 1 km from the active industrial group (β=0.29, p<0.001) as main interpreters of systemic health deprivation score (R²=0.441, F = 63.81, p < 0.001). Severe hazards were identified for persons who need access to standard personal protection equipment using logistic regression models (aOR= 4.12, 95% CI: 2.45-6.92). Human induced changes in the environment along with improper workplace safety measures leads to substantial measured multi-systemic health morbidity in Alwar.