Feature

Morbidity
pattern
among weavers
in a rural
community

Across-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the village Enayetpur during the period of one week 25 May-31 May-08 among the weaver population. It was aimed to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, their duration of jobs and working hours, health problems and also to identify the duration of absent period from a particular problem. The study was unique in itself as no such studies were previously conducted on the plight of the weaver population who are faced with adverse health conditions as part of their livelihood.

It was revealed from the findings that 72.5% respondents were within 21-40 years of age. 91% were Muslims and almost 68% were literate.33.5% were found having duration of work in the weaving factory more than 10 years. 78.5% were found working more than 8 hours a day. The study also revealed that 68.3% respondents were sick in the last one month and mostly suffering from fever, diarrhea and bronchitis. Low back pain was also common among the respondents as 15% complained of the problem. Among those sick, 53.7% respondents were attended by quacks and traditional healers for treatment. However it was found that, only 35.3% respondents were absent from work for more than one week due to their illness.

The finding of the study can be a basis for making plan of actions to be taken by the appropriate authority particularly the factory owners, local health authorities. Moreover an awareness programme for the workers can improve and minimize their burden of illness within these particular working groups.

Survey conducted by: KYA-01 students
Guided by: Prof. Dr. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman
Professor and Head,
Department of Community Medicine.
Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College