Occupational Morbidity of Women Beedi Workers in Telangana

Beedi rolling is a popular small-scale industry in Telangana which provides employment to over a million people. Beedi rolling is generally done by women sitting at home. Despite the work being labor-intensive, women continue to do it as there is no other source of livelihood. Thus, this study was carried out to understand the morbidity status, working conditions, and hygiene of women beedi workers in the rural areas of Telangana.

Descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based study was carried out from 2015 to 2016. Sample size calculated was 560 including a non-response rate of 10%. Multistage stratified sampling method was used to select the workers. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding sociodemographic profile, hygiene measures, and health problems after written informed consent. Data entry and statistical analysis were done using Epi Info version 7.2.

The study population comprised of 528 women beedi workers. Mean age of study subjects was 40.8 (10.9) years. Most of them were (67%) illiterates. Awareness regarding occupational health hazards and hygienic practices was poor. A significant proportion of workers was found to have chronic diseases including musculoskeletal problems (50%), gynecological problems (31%), respiratory morbidity (27%), hypertension (25%), malnutrition (20%), and diabetes mellitus (2.65%).

Beedi workers should be given complete information about the occupational health hazards and preplacement training should be given regarding occupational safety and personal hygiene measures.