Exploring Health Risks of Working Women in Rural Bangladesh: Dual Burden of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
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Abstract
Background: Occupational risk factors, including prolonged working hours, physical labor, and environmental exposure, significantly impact workers' health. Understanding these associations is crucial to developing effective workplace health interventions. Objective: To assess the association between occupational risk factors and health conditions among participants in a cross-sectional study. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three upazilas of Khulna District Koyra, Paikgacha, and Tala between January and June 2023. A total of 300 working women from diverse occupations were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and clinical assessments. Key occupational risk factors examined included prolonged working hours, physical labor, and environmental exposure. Health conditions analyzed included musculoskeletal problems, mental health issues, hypertension, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate associations, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results: Prolonged working hours (>8 hours/day) were significantly associated with musculoskeletal problems (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.68–3.57, p<0.001) and mental health issues (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.24–2.82, p=0.003). Physical labor was strongly linked to back pain (OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 2.15–4.52, p<0.001) and joint problems (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.89–4.09, p<0.001). Environmental exposure significantly increased the likelihood of respiratory problems (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.67–3.28, p<0.001) and skin conditions (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.34–2.92, p=0.002). Hypertension was also associated with long working hours (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.12–2.17, p=0.008). Conclusion: Occupational risk factors are significantly associated with various health conditions, emphasizing the need for targeted workplace interventions, such as ergonomic adjustments, mental health support, and protective measures. Addressing these factors can improve workers' health and productivity.
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