Evaluation of Effectiveness of Iron-folate Supplementation and Anthelminthic Therapy against Morbidity and Money Earning Capacity of Coal Mine Workers of Assam

To test the effectiveness of iron-folate supplementation and anthelminthic therapy against morbidity and productivity (in terms of money earned) 300 samples in the age group of 25-45 yrs. were randomly selected and pair matched for weight and haemoglobin and formed three groups namely, group I receiving 60 mg of elemental iron and group II receiving 120 mg of elemental iron and a Placebo. Supplementation was assigned for 180 days at a stretch. It was found that in both the treated groups, there was decrease in the incidence of morbidity, absenteeism and increase in the haemoglobin level and money earning capacity. Increment in haemoglobin level from baseline to final was 2.94 g/dl in group I and 3.14 g/dl in group II. Decrease in the incidence of morbidity in group I from baseline to final intervention was 53 per cent and in group II was 62 per cent. Correlation studies revealed that morbidity has a negative correlation with money earning capacity and haemoglobin level had positive effect on the productivity in terms of money earned and absenteeism. The treated groups were found to become more alert, responsive and demonstrated a feeling of fitness and willingness to turn out more work.