BD0108001

Abstract

Introduction ABSTRACT 72% of Indian population lives in rural area, where their main occupation is agriculture. Agriculture workers do not have trade unions and have no access to occupational health services. Research Question What are the morbidities, health seeking behaviour and expenditure pattern of agricultural workers? Aims and objectives 1. To know morbidity pattern in agricultural workers. 2. To know health seeking behaviour and expenditure pattern of agricultural workers. Materials and method A cross sectional study was done in 2009 among 400 agricultural workers of age 16 to 60 years residing at Bhutaramanahatti Sub-Centre ( Vantamuri PHC ) , Belgaum District using predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done by using percentages and chi square test. Results 62% of agricultural workers suffered from morbidities associated with oral cavity followed by morbidities associated with musculoskeletal system ( 21.7% ) and respiratory system ( 19% ) . 48.75% opted Government doctors and III 28% private doctors as first priority health care providers for their illness. 37.75% preferred private or AYUSH practitioners and 18.25% opted Government doctors in case illness was not cured or not satisfied with treatment given by first health care provider. The per capita expenditure pattern per episode of illness was Rs. 173.80 ( US $ 3.86) , 39% borrowed money for their illness and the average amount of money borrowed was Rs. 127.11 per episode ( US $ 2.82) . The per capita loss of working days for each episode was 4.2. None of the agricultural workers had any form of insurance or not a member of any self help group. 98% had no access to toilet facility. Increasing age, gender and poor educational status were significantly associated with morbidities of oral cavity, musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, anaemia and animal bites. Increasing age was also significantly associated with higher expenditure pattern. Conclusion Agricultural workers had a multitude of health problems. Morbidities among agricultural workers mainly associated with oral cavity, most of them sought treatment from Government doctor for their illness. Per capita loss of working days for each episode was 4.2.