Integrated Screening for Non-Communicable Diseases in Sanitation Workers

Background: Municipality sanitation workers employed by Municipal Corporation of Bengaluru City, India are known as Pourakarmikas (PKs). The nature of their work exposes them to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NCDs and the common cancers among these sanitation workers. Method: The study was conducted in partnership between a government body, a not-for-profit organization and a dental institute. PKs were screened at designated Primary Health Centers for anthropometric measurements, oral and breast cancers by clinical examination and cervical cancer by Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA) and Pap smear. A dedicated mobile application was used for data collection and evaluation. Electronic records were maintained to enable follow-up. Over a period of five months, 2076 PKs were screened. 574 (27.6%) had elevated Blood Pressure (BP) and 116 (5.5 %) had elevated random blood sugar (RBS) levels. Body mass index and waist-hip ratio were significantly and positively correlated with elevated BP and RBS. Oral examination revealed 194 cases of oral potentially malignant disorders. 5 women had breast lumps, 1 case of carcinoma cervix was detected and 10 women had positive results on VIA/Pap. Conclusion: It was concluded that PKs had a higher prevalence of NCDs, tobacco use and high screen positive rates for OPMDs, breast and cervical cancers. This study established that partnerships can be used to screen larger populations and vulnerable sections of the society.