A STUDY TO ASSESS THE HEALTH PROBLEMS AND PERCEIVED OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS AMONG CASHEW FACTORY WORKERS IN SELECTED FACTORIES OF KOLLAM DISTRICT

Ms. Shyma S., Mrs. Alfiya A. H., Abhirami B., Chinjulekshmi R., Muhammed Saidali S., Sreya Santhosh, Vaishanavi

ABSTRACT

The present study was undertaken to assess the health problems and perceived occupational health hazards among cashew factory workers of selected factories of Kollam district. A non experimental descriptive research design was used. The interviewer administered a general health questionnaire and 5 point rating scale to collect health related issues from 100 female cashew processing workers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The result shows. that 56% of subjects are having chronic illness, 30% of them are having respiratory problems,79% of them are having musculoskeletal problems,34% of them are having skin problems, 60% of them are having eye problems, and 18% of them are having ear problems and there is risk for the occurrence of occupational health hazards in 61% of the subjects and 39% of the subjects are having less risk for the occurrence of occupational health hazards and There was a significant association between age and chronic illness (χ2 = 14.918) job. section and skin problems (χ2 = 10.438) hours of working and skin problems (χ2 = 15.776). Health related issues pertaining to musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, skin conditions and perceived occupational health hazards are highly prevalent among women engaged in cashew processing industry.

Keywords: Assess, Health Problems, Perceived Occupational Health Hazards and Cashew Factory Workers.