Socio-Economic Status, Occupational Health, and Livelihood Challenges among Beedi Workers in Selected Villages of Keelapavoor Block, Tenkasi District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The beedi sector is one of India’s largest unorganized, labor-intensive industries and primarily employs women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Long-term exposure to tobacco dust and unfavorable working circumstances negatively impact the health and socioeconomic well-being of beedi workers, even though they provide chances for employment. 400 beedi workers from the villages in Keelapavoor Block, Tenkasi District, Tamil Nadu, participated in the current cross-sectional study to evaluate their socioeconomic situation, occupational health issues, dietary habits, and patterns of livelihood. Direct interviews were used to gather primary data using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyze the gathered data. The results showed that middle-aged married women with low levels of education and poor household income made up the majority of respondents. The majority of workers relied on beedi rolling as their main source of income, and they reported a number of occupational health issues, such as exhaustion, respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal pain, and skin-related issues. Nearly half of the respondents were landless, showing ongoing economic insecurity even though a sizable portion owned homes. Many respondents also lacked appropriate knowledge about nutrition and healthy eating habits. In order to improve the quality of life for beedi workers, the study emphasizes the critical necessity for the efficient implementation of labor welfare programs, occupational health efforts, nutritional awareness campaigns, and alternative livelihood alternatives.