Pattern of Health Problems among Tea Garden Workers of Malnicherra Tea Estate in Sylhet District of Bangladesh
Keywords:
Tea workers, Occupational health, Health problems, Health-seeking behavior, Malnicherra Tea Estate, BangladeshAbstract
Background: Tea plantation workers form an important but underrepresented minority in Bangladesh, often exposed to occupational hazards, poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare.
Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the pattern of health problems and associated socio-demographic and occupational factors among tea workers in Malnicherra Tea Estate, Sylhet.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic data, occupational information and health status. Data were collected from 150 respondents selected through convenient sampling.
Results: The findings revealed that the majority of workers were female 102 (68%) and 81(54.0%) were aged between 25 to 45 years. A total of 105(70.0%) of households income ≤15,000 BDT/month and 96(64.0%) lived in kutcha houses, reflecting poor living conditions among their community. The most commonly found health problems were musculoskeletal pain 87 (58.0%), skin diseases 62(41.0%), respiratory symptoms 51(34.0%) and gastrointestinal problems 44 (29.0%). About onethird 48 (32.0%) of workers reported having chronic diseases such as hypertension and asthma. Regarding healthcare-seeking behavior, more than half 80(53.0%) were dependent on tea garden clinics, followed by traditional healers 31(21.0%) and government hospitals 22(15.0%). Preventive health practices were sufficient, with 108(72.0%) using safe water and 98(65.0%) using sanitary latrines, though only 57(38.0%) had received health education and 83(55.0%) reported being vaccinated under the EPI program. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between gender and specific illnesses.
Conclusion: The study concludes that tea workers face significant occupational and health-related challenges linked to poverty, poor working conditions and limited health awareness. Improving access to healthcare, occupational safety and health education is essential to promote their health and well-being.
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2025;12(2):267-272
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Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Ashiqur Rahman, Dr. Rashidul Islam Dip, Dr. Anwar Hossain, Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman, Dr. Afsana Mahbub, Dr. Shaon Akter Nipu, Dr. Fatima Binte Mostofa, Dr. Arifa Akram
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