“Morbidity Profile and Factors Associated Among Powerloom Workers - A Cross-Sectional Study”

Abstract

Background: With more than 25 lakh power-looms, the sector provides employment to about 65 lakh persons in India. Like many other occupations, the power-looms produce noise and vibrations affecting the health, with increase in morbidities.1The common health problems faced by power-loom workers were musculoskeletal problems, mental disorders, stress, respiratory problems, eye diseases, gastritis and injuries.2 This study was conducted to assess the morbidity prole among the power-loom workers and to assess the association of socio demographic factors with the morbidity prole among the power-loom workers in Bengaluru rural. Methods: A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted during March-July 2019, among 134 Power-loom workers situated in the rural eld practice area of a medical college in Bengaluru. Data was collected using semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using Epi Info Version 7.2.1. Chi-squared test was used to test association and p-value <0.05 considered statistically signicant. Results: Mean age of the Power-loom workers studied was 42.38 (± 9.66) years and 76.1% were males. majority 56% belong to class-II socioeconomic status. The most common morbidities were musculoskeletal problems (81.3%), vision problems (53.8%), gastrointestinal problems (53.8%) and hearing problems (24%). Multi-morbidity was seen in 75.4% of study participants and was signicantly more among males. There was a signicant association between morbidity pattern and age-group, duration of current job, lifting of heavy objects (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of morbidity among power loom workers was high and there is need to develop appropriate strategy to tackle, including preventive strategy.