Comparative Study on the Health Problems between Beedi Rolling Women and non Beedi Rolling Women of a Selected Community at Mangalore

The beedi manufacturing is an agro based industry in India. Although beedi rolling began in the factory sector (in 21st century), over the last three decades, the beedi manufactures have increasingly shifted work from factories into the households. The health impact on beedi workers is visible on all age groups. Hence the investigator felt the need to conduct a study to compare the health problems of the beedi rolling and non beedi rolling women in selected community at Mangalore.

To determine the health problems of the beedi rolling women and non-beedi rolling women. To compare the health status of beedi rolling women and non-beedi rolling women. To find the association of the health problems of the beedi rolling and non-beedi rolling women with selected demographic variables

A Comparative descriptive approach was used for the study. 50 Beedi Rolling and 50 Non Beedi rolling women were selected (N=50+50) by purposive sampling technique. Tools used were checklist on health problems and observational checklist on health. Four systems assessed such as respiratory system, musculoskeletal system, Integumentary system and sensory system.

Highest in percentage (98%) of the of the beedi rolling women has health problems mild, and (2%) of beedi rolling women had moderate health problems. None of them had severe health problems, where as in Non Beedi rolling Women (100%.) Were Having Mild Health problems. When compared Beedi Rolling women had significantly higher health problems than the Non beedi rolling women (t 98 = 2.872,P=<0.05 significant).

Beedi rolling women has more health problems than Non beedi rolling women hence protective measures is needed to safeguard their health.