DefinePK

Abstract

Background:Colour vision is essential for everyday tasks and occupational safety, especially in industrial settings. Colour vision deficiencies (CVDs), often inherited as X-linked recessive traits, affect a significant portion of the population, particularly males. Tribal communities, due to genetic isolation and endogamy, may exhibit different CVD prevalence patterns compared to non-tribal populations. This study aimed to assess and compare the incidence of colour vision deficiency among tribal and non-tribal individuals undergoing pre-employment medical screening in and around Noamundi, Jharkhand.
Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 264 individuals (143 tribal and 121 non-tribal) aged 18–55 years attending pre-employment medical examinations at Tata Steel, Noamundi. Colour vision was tested using the 38-plate edition of the Ishihara Pseudoisochromatic Plates under standard lighting conditions. Participants who failed four or more plates were classified as having CVD. Demographic data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test to compare prevalence rates between groups.
Results:The overall prevalence of colour vision deficiency was 7.95% (21 out of 264). Among tribal participants, 11.2% (16 out of 143) were found to have CVD, compared to 4.1% (5 out of 121) in the non-tribal group. All affected individuals were male, yielding a gender-specific prevalence of 9.3% in males and 0% in females. The difference in prevalence between tribal and non-tribal groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:The study reveals a significantly higher incidence of CVD among tribal individuals in the Noamundi region compared to non-tribals. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating colour vision screening into pre-employment medical assessments, especially in industrial sectors. The results also underscore the need for awareness, genetic counseling, and early detection programs within tribal communities to support occupational guidance and reduce the limitations associated with undiagnosed colour vision deficiencies