Gupta S, Das D, De A, Bhattacharya SK. Morbidity pattern and health-care seeking among women domestic workers: Perspective from an Indian metropolis.
Indian J Public Health 2023;
67:215-220. [PMID:
37459015 DOI:
10.4103/ijph.ijph_1657_22]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Domestic work being unrecognized as a formal form of occupation in India, workers are often deprived of basic social security, including access to proper health care. Self-negligence coupled with societal neglect makes them vulnerable to injury and a variety of illnesses.
Objectives
We aimed to study the morbidity pattern of women domestic workers residing in a slum area of Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Materials and Methods
An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out by interviewing and clinically examining 106 randomly selected women domestic workers.
Results
The majority (82.08%) had health complaints: heart burn being most common (40.57%). Musculoskeletal and dermatological issues were common. Anemia (31.25%) was a common prediagnosed morbidity. Pallor (33.96%) and dental caries (31.13%) were common; 50.94% reported workplace injury. Of those having complaints, 77.36% sought health care, 59.43% of whom relied on health facilities. Lack of time (54.05%), felt need (35.14%) and money (21.62%) affected adequate care seeking. Participants with cardiorespiratory complaints tended to visit health facilities significantly more (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Health vulnerabilities and neglectful behavior among domestic workers are evident, making the need to sensitize them about their health risks and ways to overcome such issues very vital. Awareness should also be generated about government health schemes to encourage timely health checkup and necessary intervention.
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