Assessing the Change in Psychosocial Stress of Fireworks Workers of West Bengal During the Pre-Pandemic and During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The fireworks industries of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, are centuries-old, unorganized cottage industries. The goal of the current study was to evaluate how psychosocial stress of fireworks workers of Bengal had changed during the COVID-19 pre-pandemic and during pandemic period, and to determine the underlying causes of it. 152 male fireworks workers of varying ages were chosen for this purpose. To measure the psychosocial stress of fireworks employees, the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) based on Karasek’s Demand-Control Model was used. A shortened Social Readjustment Rating Questionnaire (SRRQ- Holmes and Rahe, 1967) was followed to measure the life change value. The socioeconomic status related to psychosocial stress was also measured along with food habits. After analyzing psychosocial factors and outcomes, it was determined that financial condition and job stability of fireworks workers worsened notably during pandemic. There were prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and lack of health awareness among them. Though, they were benefitted by different government schemes, low income and job stress led to increased psychosocial stress during the pandemic.