Health profile of Sugarcane harvester working in  rural Maharashtra, India

Dr Gore Harishchandra; Dr Samir Singru; Dr Kevin Fernandez; Dr Maya Mhaske; Dr Shreedhar B; Sujit Gore

Volume : III, Issue : XII, December - 2013

Health profile of Sugarcane harvester working in rural Maharashtra, India

Dr Gore Harishchandra, Dr Samir Singru, Dr Kevin Fernandez, Dr Maya Mhaske, Dr Shreedhar B, Sujit Gore

Abstract :

Context: Sugar, Sugarcane harvesters & sugarcane farmers are the burning issues in India. Many studies were conducted on Industrial workers; but nobody touched this most vulnerable, unorganized group. Aims: To study the social and health status of sugarcane harvesters. Setting: Sugarcane fields around Naigaon Grampanchayat. Design: Cross–sectional study Methods & materials: Total 122 sugarcane harvesters were interviewed & examined using pretested, semi structured questionnaire by Universal sampling technique. Social problems were discussed in Focus group discussion (FGD). Statistical Analysis: percentage, x2 Results: Majority of Sugarcane harvesters 71(58.2%) were illiterate. Out of 122 sugarcane harvesters 28(23%) were alcoholic & 36(30%) were tobacco users. Out of 65 school going children 32(49.23%) were not going to school during this season. Unemployment, lack of educational facility & domestic violence were major social problems in sugarcane harvesters which range from 34 – 36%. Majority 75(62%) sugarcane harvesters had history of scorpion, dog & snake bites. Only 18(14%) were using government health facilities. Respiratory problems & injuries due to daggers were frequent. Out of 122, most of them had severe itching with erythematous rashes when they worked or sat under the acacia (babul Tree). FGD– Physical and verbal abuse were more common among the families of alcoholic husbands. Water & sanitation (bathroom & latrine) were also major issues. Conclusion: Health wise sugarcane harvesters are still neglected.