Musculoskeletal disorders and respiratory illness of workers in small scale textile industries in Meerut District

Abstract

Throughout the world, work related injuries continue to cause serious public health problems and are leading cause of death, disability and disease.The objective of the study was to know the socio demographic status and morbidity disorders among textile workers in the small scale industries in Meerut. This community based, cross-sectional study was conducted among the 206 textile workers of small scale industries of Meerut. The subjects were then interviewed by using a pre-designed, pretested semi-structured interview schedule. Interviews were conducted during home visits in Hindi/local language from July 2012 to December 2012. Health status was assessed by asking questions regarding their health problems (in the past three month period) followed by clinical examination by a physician. At least two home visits were undertaken before indicating that a worker was not available. The interview took approximately 25 - 30 minutes to complete the schedule. Data was compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and the results were expressed as proportions . 93.68% of the workers were males , 73.30% were illiterate and 18.93% belonged to lower middle. 80.10% of the workers were addicted. 68.44% Musculoskeletal problems and respiratory problem were the common health problem. This study revealed that work related musculoskeletal disorders was found among small scale textile industrial workers. Improve their socio economic status, 
counseling should be given for addiction and health education should be provided.