Title: Morbidity profile of Beedi workers and their dependants attending Beedi Workers Welfare Fund dispensary in Vetapalem, Prakasham district, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Dr Mohd. Abdul Zameer, Dr Nazia Tabassum, Dr R.L. Lakshman Rao
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i2.197
Abstract
The International Labour Organization reported that ailments of the beedi workers include postural to eye problems, burning sensation in throat, asthma, Tuberculosis, irregular, heavy menstrual cycles, Anemia and dizziness. Smokeless tobacco use accounts for about 3.5 lakh deaths every year in India out of total 13.5 lakh deaths that are attributed to the use tobacco. Beedi workers in India are the third largest component of workforce only after agriculture and textile workers. They live in the conditions of poverty and exploitation and have limited access to their health services. The dependants on the beedi workers are also equally exposed to smokeless tobacco dust. Hence this study was taken up to identify the health profile of both beedi workers and their dependants.
Objectives
- To study the morbidity pattern of the beedi workers attending the B.W.W.F dispensary in Vetapalem, Prakasham district.
Methodology: A facility based cross sectional study was taken up in the B.W.W.F dispensary in Vetapalem, Prakasham district in the month of December 2017 to identify the beedi workers and their dependants and their health related issues. The total population of 1198 was covered and the morbidity pattern was assessed. Data entry was done in Microsoft excel 2007 version. Descriptive Statistics were employed to analyze the data. Analysis was done by using Epi info version 7.2.1.0.
Results: Majority (95%) of the beedi workers were women.50% of the study population had one or the other morbidity. The most common morbidity patterns identified were gastro intestinal disorders (15.64%) followed by hypertension (13.14%), respiratory illnesses (11.64%) and diabetes mellitus (11.31%).
Keywords: Beedi rollers, Morbidity.
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