Agriculture-Related Occupational Hazards Reporting to Health Facility in Tribal Area: A Retrospective Record-Based Observational Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: India being a country of agriculture, most of its population is engaged in agriculture-based activities in a varied manner either directly or indirectly. This sector of activity being most unorganized, very little attention has been given to the occupational health problems of these workers. Objectives: To evaluate the socioeconomic profile of agriculture-related occupational health hazards like physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, respiratory, and dermatological, agriculture-related occupational health hazards. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective record-based observational study conducted in 3 health centers (2 PHCs and 01 Tertiary care Health center) of tribal area of western Maharashtra over a period of 12 months with a sample size of 274 cases. Results: We found an increased incidence of occupational hazards among males of age group 21–60 years and illiterate individuals mainly during rainy and winter seasons. Out of the 274 cases, 22.99% were illiterate. Biological occupational hazards were the most prevalent form of occupational hazard contributing 81.02% of total cases, the majority of cases (64%) arising due to snake bites followed by scorpion bites (19%). Of total 274 cases of occupational hazards 10.21% cases were of mechanical hazards and 6.93% cases of chemical hazards. Another prevalent factor associated was addiction to some substances like alcohol or tobacco in about 74% of cases. This suggests that addiction may be one of the important contributory factors related to occupational hazards. Conclusion: There is high burden of agricultural related occupational hazard especially the biological hazard and addictions like substance abuse may be a contributory factor for mechanical injury as well as biological hazard. We Suggest ways to minimize incidences of occupational hazards which may include Awareness and education to target population about various hazards and their prevention, Periodic medical examination based on hazard. Vocational training and rehabilitation may also be given due attention by health policymakers and government at all levels.