Life Style Factors and Morbidity Pattern of Biscuit Company Workers in Puducherry City, India

Abstract

Background: The baking industry does not have a hazardous occupational environment; however, it is not free from ergonomic derangement. The biscuit factory workers are exposed to noise, heat, odor, flour dust, sugar dust, and biscuit dust Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on all males and females of more than 18 years of age among employees of a biscuit company in Puducherry City, India, who met the inclusion criteria. According to previous research, the sample size was calculated at 494. We used the simple random sampling method. The data regarding participants’ sociodemographic variables, namely dietary patterns, physical activity, and addictions (including alcohol and smoking) were recorded using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done in the SPSS software, version 28. Results: Most of the participants (41.8%) were in the productive age group (18 to 30 years). The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was 62.69% and 37.31%, respectively. Skin disorders (14.2%) were shown to be the most common cause of morbidities, followed by dental morbidity at 13.4%. Meanwhile, the least of the participants were in musculoskeletal morbidity (10%). There was an association between mixed diet, physical inactivity, alcoholic and tobacco consumption, and fruit consumption of fewer than 2 days per week with noncommunicable diseases. These differences were statistically significant (P≤0.05). Conclusion: The employees of the biscuit factory are exposed to chemicals that may be linked to morbidities. The non-communicable diseases were also more prevalent among tobacco and alcohol users, suggesting more research to determine whether these behaviors were stress busters for tension and discomfort. Nearly all of the employees in the companies had undergone a sort of medical examination in recent years. This shows that the workplace has high safety and sanitary requirements.