Vol. 10, Issue 6, Part D (2024)

Health knowledge and practice are critical determinants of well-being, particularly for sanitary workers employed in labour-intensive environments. This study aims to examine age-related disparities in health knowledge among sanitary workers in Gwalior Municipal Corporation, a population that plays a vital role in maintaining urban population health and sanitation. A cross-sectional study design was employed with a purposive sample of 330 workers, categorized into four age groups: "Less than 30", "30-40", "40-50" and "More than 50". Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc tests. The results revealed significant differences in health knowledge scores among the different age groups (F=6.87, P=0.001). Older workers had higher health knowledge scores compared to their younger counterparts, with the "More than 50" group displaying the highest mean score. The post-hoc analysis indicated significant differences between the "Less than 30" age group and other age groups, suggesting that younger workers lack health awareness due to limited exposure and fewer opportunities for training. The findings imply that experience and cumulative exposure play a crucial role in improving health knowledge over time. The study suggests targeted interventions for enhancing health knowledge, particularly for younger workers. Customized health education programs, on-the-job training, and peer-learning approaches are recommended to bridge the knowledge gap. These efforts are crucial for reducing occupational health risks, promoting well-being, and ensuring safe work practices. Improving health literacy among sanitary workers is essential not only for their occupational safety but also for the broader public health of the community they serve.