Prevalence of health problems among domestic workers in southern India

Senthil Arasi. D; Subhashini. R; Vijaiyalakshimi Praveen; Shalini. A; Rajkamal. R; Kalyan Kanti Duttagupta

Volume : V, Issue : XI, November - 2016

Prevalence of health problems among domestic workers in southern India

Senthil Arasi. D, Subhashini. R, Vijaiyalakshimi Praveen, Shalini. A, Rajkamal. R, Kalyan Kanti Duttagupta

Abstract :

Introduction: Domestic workers are a major part of the unorganised sector of the workforce which employs women and face many occupation related health hazards like slippery floors, use of chemicals, and handling of sharp and motorized equipments exposing them to many health problems. Objective: to measure the commonly reported health problems among the domestic workers. Methodology: cross sectional study design. A multi stage sampling used for selection of study participants Result: of 263 participants all were engaged in washing and cleaning jobs, 83.2% performed at least 3 types of the job in a day. The average hours of work were 4.4 hours per day with an average income of ? 5634 per month. Most common health problem was musculoskeletal pain (77.6%) followed by injuries (68.8%). Health status was associated with hours work (p = 0.00) and years of work (p = 0.02). Discussion: domestic workers are neglected workforce and their health problems are related to their occupation Conclusion: better working conditions are needed