A study to assess the knowledge about risk factors and practices regarding occupational health problems among workers in a jute mill at urban community, Kolkata, West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Occupational morbidity among textile and jute workers remains a major public health concern in developing countries. Despite documented exposure to dust, noise, ergonomic strain, and mechanical hazards, there is limited integrated research from West Bengal assessing workers’ knowledge, preventive practices, and associated health outcomes. This study aimed to assess knowledge regarding occupational risk factors, stated preventive practices, prevalence of health problems, and their sociodemographic associations among jute mill workers in Kolkata, India.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 jute mill workers with ?10 years of experience at Kamarhati Jute Mill, Kolkata. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through validated semi-structured interview schedules assessing demographic characteristics, occupational exposure, knowledge (24 items), and preventive practices (18 items). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The majority were male (85%) and aged 44–51 years (28%). Most reported working >12 hours/day (73%) and >50 hours/week (81%). Non-smoking tobacco use was highly prevalent (85%). Musculoskeletal (63%) and respiratory problems (51%) were the most common morbidities; 65% reported occupational injuries in the past year. Mean knowledge score was 71.34±3.45, while preventive practice score was 20.09±1.34; 51% demonstrated poor practices. Significant predictors of occupational health problems included working experience >20 years (OR 5.47; 95% CI 2.19–13.65), overtime ?3 days/week (OR 3.67; 95% CI 1.53–8.77), weekly duty >50 hours (OR 4.03; 95% CI 1.47–11.05), addiction (OR 4.69; 95% CI 1.57–13.96), and age >43 years (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.32–7.47).

Conclusion: Jute mill workers experience a high burden of multi-system occupational morbidity despite moderate knowledge levels. Excessive working hours, cumulative exposure, and addictive behaviors significantly increase health risk. Strengthening workplace safety enforcement, periodic health surveillance, and behavior-focused interventions are urgently required.