Morbidity Profile and Associated Risk Factors among Power-loom Weavers in Mau District in Uttar Pradesh Bano Yasmeen1, Ahmad Absar2,* 1Feroze Gandhi (P.G.) College, Raebareli (UP), Affiliated to Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, India 2College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, India *Corresponding author: r.absar.ahmad@gmail.com (ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5843-4571)
Online Published on 17 October, 2023. Abstract The power loom industry of Mau is ancient, and a very limited study is existing in Indian literature on the occupational health status of these workers, which are exposed to various occupational hazards. This study aims to assess the morbidity profile and associated risk factor among Powerloom weavers in Mau district of Uttar Pradesh. A sample of 300 workers selected from the identified power loom industries from six blocks of Mau district. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and morbidity were asses using operational definition. Bivariate and Multivariate statistical analysis. Most of them belonged to the above age 30 (88%). The study found a prevalence of selected morbidities of impaired vision (48.7%), Anxiety (63.7%), Injury (25.7%), and pain in the lower back (56%). Anxiety, Lower back pain, and impaired vision were associated with the workplace environment. Similarly, Injury, low back pain, and low vision were significantly related to work duration. The present study shows the high prevalence of low back pain, impaired vision and injury among the weavers, along with anxiety, which indicates a need for periodic medical examination to rule out occupational hazards. Highlights • Limited studies in India among occupational hazards among Powerloom weavers. • Present study describes self-reported morbidities patterns among Powerloom workers. • High prevalence of Low vision, low back pain, stress, and injury. • Possible solutions for decreasing the problem would be augmented ventilation and lighting, periodic medical check-ups, adequate rest time, and job rotation. Top Keywords Powerloom, Weavers, Occupational health, India. Top |