Journal of Occupational
Health and Epidemiology
Rafsanjan university Of medical sciences
Volume 15, Issue 2 (Spring 2026)
J Occup Health Epidemiol 2026, 15(2): 117-127 |
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Durai V, Selvaraj R, Alagesan I R. Respiratory Health Challenges among Urban Street Vendors: A Mixed-Methods Study in Chennai, India. J Occup Health Epidemiol 2026; 15 (2) :117-127
URL: http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-1141-en.html
URL: http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-1141-en.html
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1- Associate Prof., Dept. of Community Medicine, Bhaarath Medical College and Hospital, BIHER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
2- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
3- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Community Medicine, Bhaarath Medical College and Hospital, BIHER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. ,inbaraja92@gmail.com
2- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
3- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Community Medicine, Bhaarath Medical College and Hospital, BIHER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. ,
Article history
Received: 2025/11/5
Accepted: 2026/07/28
ePublished: 2026/10/11
Accepted: 2026/07/28
ePublished: 2026/10/11
Subject:
Occupational Health
Abstract: (4 Views)
Background: Street vending is a major urban livelihood in India, yet it exposes workers to traffic-related air pollution. Evidence on respiratory risks and lived experiences among Chennai vendors remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of respiratory health challenges among Chennai's urban street vendors, as well as to explore their qualitative occupational health experiences.
Materials and Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was undertaken. The quantitative phase (n=240) employed simple random sampling across Chennai's 10 Talukas, utilizing INSEARCH questionnaire and objective Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) measurements, followed by the qualitative phase comprising two thematically analysed focus group discussions (FGDs) with 17 vendors. Logistic regression was applied for analysis.
Results: Quantitative data indicated a high respiratory burden: 35% of vendors reported at least one respiratory symptom (29.2% allergic rhinitis) and 42.9% had low PEFR (<80% predicted). Significant associations with low PEFR included male sex (OR=1.873, p=0.024), age >35 (OR=1.775, p=0.049), total exposure period >100 exposure units (OR=2.907, p<0.001), and smoking (OR=2.143, p=0.02). Qualitative findings identified a critical disconnect between these clinical risks and vendors' "felt" health priorities, which were dominated by infrastructural neglect (e.g., lack of toilets), musculoskeletal pain, as well as the economic necessity of prioritizing daily income over health.
Conclusion: Urban street vendors in Chennai are facing a significant, measurable respiratory burden linked to occupational exposure. Nevertheless, this is compounded by structural neglect and financial insecurity. Effective interventions should address both the clinical (pollution exposure) and the contextual (basic occupational amenities) barriers to ameliorate health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Materials and Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was undertaken. The quantitative phase (n=240) employed simple random sampling across Chennai's 10 Talukas, utilizing INSEARCH questionnaire and objective Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) measurements, followed by the qualitative phase comprising two thematically analysed focus group discussions (FGDs) with 17 vendors. Logistic regression was applied for analysis.
Results: Quantitative data indicated a high respiratory burden: 35% of vendors reported at least one respiratory symptom (29.2% allergic rhinitis) and 42.9% had low PEFR (<80% predicted). Significant associations with low PEFR included male sex (OR=1.873, p=0.024), age >35 (OR=1.775, p=0.049), total exposure period >100 exposure units (OR=2.907, p<0.001), and smoking (OR=2.143, p=0.02). Qualitative findings identified a critical disconnect between these clinical risks and vendors' "felt" health priorities, which were dominated by infrastructural neglect (e.g., lack of toilets), musculoskeletal pain, as well as the economic necessity of prioritizing daily income over health.
Conclusion: Urban street vendors in Chennai are facing a significant, measurable respiratory burden linked to occupational exposure. Nevertheless, this is compounded by structural neglect and financial insecurity. Effective interventions should address both the clinical (pollution exposure) and the contextual (basic occupational amenities) barriers to ameliorate health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Keywords: Occupational Health [MeSH], Respiratory Tract Diseases [MeSH], Air Pollution [MeSH], Peak Expiratory Flow Rate [MeSH], Occupational Exposure [MeSH], Informal Sector [MeSH], Qualitative Research [MeSH]
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