Musculoskeletal and Other Health Problems in Workers of Small Scale Garment Industry – An Experience from An Urban Slum, Kolkata

The small scale garment industries have provided a good number of employment opportunities to both men and women of low socio-economic group although occupational health problems among them are not much explored. An observational, descriptive, cross sectional epidemiological study was carried out primarily to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal and other health problems, to find out the association between musculoskeletal problems with occupational and socio demographic factors. Two slum areas of Kolkata were selected randomly from a total of 6 slums of Chetla region, Kolkata. Data were collected from 172 workers of garment industry at household level. Interviewing and examination was done with help of pretested, predesigned, semi structured schedule after obtaining informed verbal consent. Focus group discussions were arranged to assess their felt needs. 63.4% were in 15-44 years age group, 70.3% were literate. Addiction was noted in 73.8%. Musculoskeletal disorders were most prevalent (78.5%) followed by hyperacidity and heartburn (23.3%).Neck (60.7%) most commonly involved. Education, income and years, hours and nature of work had significant (P<.05) association with musculoskeletal problem. Regular home visit of the health functionaries along with medicine and improved referral services emerged as important felt need. Patient hearing and genuine will power through participatory health program is the need of the hour for tackling different morbidities and related felt needs.