Journal of Occupational
Health and Epidemiology
Rafsanjan university Of medical sciences
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Autumn 2025)
J Occup Health Epidemiol 2025, 14(4): 286-294 |
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Saha A, Hasan M R, Hossain I, Rahman M S. Health Problems and Quality of Work Life among Brass Metal Workers in Bangladesh. J Occup Health Epidemiol 2025; 14 (4) :286-294
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1- M.B.B.S., M.Sc. in Public Health, Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dhaka, Bangladesh. , abhijit92x@gmail.com
2- M.B.B.S., M.Sc. in Public Health, Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
3- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2- M.B.B.S., M.Sc. in Public Health, Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
3- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Article history
Received: 2025/06/5
Accepted: 2025/10/1
ePublished: 2025/12/13
Accepted: 2025/10/1
ePublished: 2025/12/13
Subject:
Occupational Health
Abstract: (23 Views)
Background: Brass crafts hold deep cultural and historical significance, yet livelihoods of brass workers remain challenging. Prolonged exposure to hazardous condition results in several health problems. This study aims to identify the health problems and assess quality of work life (QWL) among brass workers, to bridge knowledge gaps and inform policies that promote worker well-being and ensure sustainable industry development.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken from January-December, 2021 in four districts of Bangladesh. Brass factories were purposively selected, and 295 respondents selected using simple random sampling, who were aged ≥18 years, male and working for ≥2 years. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using pretested, semi-structured questionnaire and Work-Related Quality of Life Scale-2. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version-25). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to ascertain associations of socio-demographic characteristics with health problems and quality of work life, with statistical significance set at p≤0.05.
Results: Among workers, mean age was 55.81±10.75 years and 52.9% had secondary education. Key health problems identified health issues reveled lower back pain (LBP) (43.7%), cough (31.2%), dimness of vision (25.7%). Poor QWL prevailed, with 68.2% feeling under pressure and only 11.2% satisfied overall. Age and work experience significantly augmented the odds of LBP (aOR upto 2.01, p<0.05) and dimness of vision (aOR upto 2.12, p<0.05). Higher education (aOR=2.23, p=0.003) and income (aOR=2.72, p=0.001) increased the odds of QWL dissatisfaction.
Conclusion: The findings indicate high occupational strain and poor QWL among brass workers, highlighting urgent need for ergonomic improvements, better safety measure, and policy attention to enhance worker well-being.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken from January-December, 2021 in four districts of Bangladesh. Brass factories were purposively selected, and 295 respondents selected using simple random sampling, who were aged ≥18 years, male and working for ≥2 years. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using pretested, semi-structured questionnaire and Work-Related Quality of Life Scale-2. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version-25). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to ascertain associations of socio-demographic characteristics with health problems and quality of work life, with statistical significance set at p≤0.05.
Results: Among workers, mean age was 55.81±10.75 years and 52.9% had secondary education. Key health problems identified health issues reveled lower back pain (LBP) (43.7%), cough (31.2%), dimness of vision (25.7%). Poor QWL prevailed, with 68.2% feeling under pressure and only 11.2% satisfied overall. Age and work experience significantly augmented the odds of LBP (aOR upto 2.01, p<0.05) and dimness of vision (aOR upto 2.12, p<0.05). Higher education (aOR=2.23, p=0.003) and income (aOR=2.72, p=0.001) increased the odds of QWL dissatisfaction.
Conclusion: The findings indicate high occupational strain and poor QWL among brass workers, highlighting urgent need for ergonomic improvements, better safety measure, and policy attention to enhance worker well-being.
Keywords: Metal Workers [MeSH], Occupational Health [MeSH], Musculoskeletal Disorders [MeSH], Quality of Life [MeSH]
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