Vol. 3, Issue 6, Part L (2017)

Abstract
Context: “Occupational diseases” are an important determinant of the health of workers. Zari embroidery, though an ancient art form, has suddenly bloomed commercially because of increased consumerism and easy availability of finished goods, both retail and online. Trade in zari accounts for billions annually, and a large proportion of the rural unorganized workforce is engaged in it; yet the unique health problems arising out of such an occupation remains largely unexplored. Aims: To investigate the socio-demographic correlates of morbidity among rural zari workers. Settings and Design: population-based cross-sectional study. One village purposively selected from a randomly selected community development block of West Bengal. Sampling done purposively by sequentially enlisting all workers fulfilling eligibility criteria. Methods and Material: pre-tested, pre-designed structured interview format was used to collect socio-demographic information and questions on work environment and health morbidity. Informed consent was obtained in writing from willing participants. Standard Clinical examinations performed. Statistical analysis used: Pearson’s Chi-squared test and Odds Ratio for exploring associations between variables. Results: One-fifth of workers never visited school. Mean age of starting Zari work was 14.04 years. Mean age of workers classified as child labour (10.16 years) was significantly less than that of non-child labour (14.72 years; p<0.0001).Nearly half of the population (47.50%) worked for more than eight hours a day. Religious beliefs had a significant association with starting zari work below the permissible age. Almost two-thirds (66.3%) of study subjects had at least one addiction. Specific addictions significantly associated with gender were smoking (p<0.00001) and alcohol use (p<0.00001). Of all addicted Zari workers, 22% were minors. 239 workers (72.60%) had some sort of illness. Presence of illness was significantly associated with religious beliefs and age at starting of the job. Most workers were suffering from Anemia, Hypertension, Obesity, eye and musculoskeletal problems. Conclusions: Considerable burden of health morbidity among zari workers. Health problems were multiple and related to religious beliefs and age of starting work. Addictions were widely prevalent and some were significantly associated with gender. Prevelance of musculo-skeletal problems were related to duration of work in the industry.