Multi-Sectoral Integrated Health Screening Program Among Food Service Workers: A Revolutionary Community-Based Approach in Kamrup District, Assam, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55544/jrasb.4.3.1Keywords:
Multi-sectoral health screening, viral hepatitis, community health, food service workers, integrated disease surveillance, SPSS analysis, public health, occupational health, KamrupAbstract
Multi-sectoral health screening programs represent an innovative approach to comprehensive community health assessment, aligning with WHO recommendations for integrated health service delivery (World Health Organization, 2016). This study reports the first integrated screening initiative combining National TB Elimination Programme, Sickle Cell Disease Elimination Programme, National Viral Hepatitis Programme, National AIDS Control Programme, and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme in a single community-based health camp, addressing the critical need for comprehensive occupational health surveillance (International Labour Organization, 2021). A cross-sectional multi-sectoral health screening was conducted among 85 food service workers at Akshaya Patra Foundation, North Guwahati, Kamrup District, Assam, using comprehensive SPSS statistical analysis following established epidemiological protocols (Rothman et al., 2008). Participants underwent screening including viral hepatitis markers, blood glucose, liver function tests, haemoglobin, leptospirosis, TB screening, and adverse drug reaction monitoring according to national guidelines (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2023). Among 85 participants (94.1% male, mean age 33.29±9.81 years), significant health burdens were identified: hepatitis C seroprevalence 1.18% (95% CI: 0.0-3.47%), diabetes prevalence 5.9%, pre-diabetes 10.6%, anemia prevalence 32.9%, liver dysfunction 44.7%, latent TB positivity 2.35%, and one adverse drug reaction case (1.18%). Strong correlation observed between SGPT and SGOT (r=0.787, p<0.001), consistent with established hepatic assessment parameters (Kwo et al., 2017). This multi-sectoral approach demonstrates exceptional feasibility and effectiveness of integrated community health screening programs, providing a gold-standard replicable model for comprehensive health assessment in resource-limited settings, supporting global health system strengthening initiatives (Kruk et al., 2018).
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