[Occurrence of gastrointestinal diseases among workers in a ceramics factory]

A group of doctors from the Medical Academy of Gdańsk carried out epidemiological studies, including internal diseases, in workers of the "Lubiana" china ceramics factory. The main purpose of the study was to improve prevention and health care of this occupational group. The paper presents clinical and epidemiological problems pertaining to the gastrointestinal diseases in the factory staff members. They were subject to physical and many other examinations taken at the Medical Academy mostly in the Clinic of Gastroenterology. The study revealed that gastrointestinal diseases made one third of all ailments in this group of workers. Stomach and duodenum ulcers proved to be the most common diseases among males while females suffered more from other gastrointestinal diseases. Among males the 36-50 age group and among females the 21-35 age group were mostly affected. Intensive smoking and irregular life-style contribute significantly to the increased incidence of gastrointestinal diseases.