Occupational Health Status and Self-reported Health Issues among Coffee Plantation Workers in Karnataka, India

Indian coffee cultivation relies on a substantial labor force, notably women and children, who are exposed to significant occupational health and safety risks due to physical strain, agrochemical application, and adverse environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate their working conditions, lifestyle factors, occupational health hazards, injuries, and associated health implications.

This cross-sectional study comprised coffee processing workers (n = 80) and administrative staff (n = 50) associated with coffee plantations in Karnataka. Information includes occupational health risks, injuries, and acute and chronic health complaints, which were collected from them using a predesigned standard questionnaire. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables, such as job category and health outcomes using SPSS tool.

The study revealed that 36.3% of the participants lacked personal protective equipment (PPE) at work, and 24% of the subjects were illiterate. Heavy lifting, bad weather, falls, and physical strain were among the risks. Coffee processing workers faced occupational injuries (40%), leech bites (66%), and palm discoloration (51%). There was higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (P < 0.05), including low back pain (59%), joint pain (52.5%), and neck pain (30%). Other reported issues included headaches (26.3%), fatigue (31.3%), eye problems (18%), gastrointestinal issues (20%), and skin complaints (20%). Respiratory symptoms including cough (14%), wheezing (8%), breathlessness (6%), and asthma (1.3%) were also noted.

Improving occupational health in coffee plantations is crucial to reducing high morbidity rates among workers, and PPE and training can significantly mitigate risks in them. Implementing regular health interventions may be significantly reduced health burden in them.