Women's Health in Agriculture: A Cross-Sectional Survey Assessing Occupational Hazards and Health Outcomes Among...

Women in agriculture especially in rural India, are susceptible to a number of occupational health risks. Despite their contribution, less importance is given on the impact of agricultural work on women's physical, reproductive, and mental health, especially in the context of hazardous chemical exposure and unfavourable working conditions.

This study aims to evaluate the mental, reproductive and occupational health issues faced by women agricultural workers in Mysuru, Karnataka.

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the villages under the three Primary Health Centres in the Mysuru district.

A total of 368 women agricultural workers aged 18 and above, with at least one year experience in farming, were selected through convenience sampling. Data was collected using structured interviews and general health examinations.

The relationships between occupational characteristics and health outcomes were examined using binary logistic regression and chi-square testing in SPSS version 22.

A significant proportion of individuals reported mental stress (29.35%), physical pain (21.46%), and chronic conditions such diabetes (27.17%) and hypertension (24.45%). Menstrual abnormalities were associated with pesticide exposure (p=0.004), and only 4.62% of respondents reported using personal protective equipment (PPE). Pain and poor mental health were substantially correlated with longer duration of work (p<0.001).

The findings highlight significant occupational health risks among women in agriculture. The health and working conditions of this vulnerable workforce need to be improved by gender-sensitive interventions, health education, and improved safety protocol enforcement.