Comparative study of health status of migrant versus local workers’ children in a tea plantation in Tamil Nadu, South India.
Journal Title: National Journal of Research in Community Medicine - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 4
Abstract
Introduction: The tea plantation industry in South India is facing a severe labour crisis leading to influx of large number of migrant workforce.Provision of good health services for migrant workers is a daunting challenge for health care providers and estate management. Objective: To compare the health, nutrition and immunization status of children of migrant workers with local children in tea plantations in Anamallai, Tamilnadu. Methodology: A cross sectional study along with a qualitative component was conducted between November and December 2014. A total of 110 children between the ages of 1-5 years attending 19 crèches through 7 estates were included. Socio demographic details, feeding practices and immunization status were captured using an interview schedule. Anthropometric parameters and physical examination findings were documented. FGDs and in depth interviews were conducted with various stakeholders. Results: Among 110 children assessed, 64 were locals and 46 were migrants. According to the WHO classification of nutritional status, about 8% and 7% of the local and 24% and 22% of the migrant children were underweight & stunted respectively. Only 13(29.5%) of migrant children were fully immunized for age compared to 100% of the local children. Health problems like ARI, worm infestation, rachitic changes & behavioral problems were more common in migrant children. Qualitative results depict that health seeking behavior is poor among migrants. Conclusion: The high prevalence of health problems, incomplete immunization and poor nutritional status is significantly higher among children of migrant workers compared to local children. Health seeking behavior is poor among migrants.
Authors and Affiliations
Surekha A, Navven R, Devjani G, Karthika M, Farah NF
Keywords
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- EP ID EP312339
- DOI 10.26727/NJRCM.2017.6.4.336-340
- Views 94
- Downloads 0
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