Health Problems among Dairy Farm Workers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Dairy farming is one of the important occupations worldwide but workers are also exposed to hazardous conditions and thus had high incidence and prevalence of health problems.
Objective: To find the prevalence of health problems among dairy farm workers of Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2022 and February 2023 in the selected Districts of Peshawar and Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A convenience sampling technique was utilized, and a total of 206 dairy farm workers were enrolled. Data collection was performed using a self-administered questionnaire.
Results: The results revealed that 63.53% of dairy workers were aged above 40 years, 67.48% were illiterate, and 87.86% had a monthly income of less than PKR 30,000/-. Additionally, 68.45% were married, 71.36% had less than 10 years of dairy farming experience, and 47.09% worked more than 10 hours per day. Moreover, 41.26% presented with allergies, 23.30% had asthma, 31.07% had COPD, and 36.89% and 52.43% had chronic bronchitis and dry cough, respectively. Furthermore, 49.03% experienced disturbed sleep, 29.61% had nasal blockage, 10.68% had eye discharge, 41.26% had body aches and backache, 18.93% had skin allergies, and 23.30% had a history of minor injuries.
Conclusion: This study highlights the significant burden of various health problems among dairy farm workers in the Peshawar and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions and comprehensive healthcare support is crucial for improving the well-being and productivity of this workforce in the agricultural sector.
Keywords: Dairy Farming, Dermatitis, Duration, Injury, Working Hours,