A cross-sectional study on the respiratory health status and its determinants among rural handloom workers in Tamil Nadu
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Handloom weaving is a major rural occupation in India, often conducted in home-based settings with limited regulation and minimal protective measures. Such environments may expose workers to chronic airborne dust, leading to adverse respiratory health outcomes. In this context this study aims to assess the respiratory health status of home-based handloom workers in rural Tamil Nadu and identify determinants influencing their respiratory health status. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 135 home-based handloom workers selected through multistage sampling. Socio-demographic and occupational data were collected via interviews on a structured proforma. Respiratory health was assessed using the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Indoor air quality (PM2.5 and PM10) was measured with a calibrated portable monitor. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and inferential tests, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 53.4 ± 10.1 years, with 82.2% being male and 48.1% belonging to the lower middle socio-economic class. No participants reported mask usage during work and cross-ventilation was present in 54.8% of workplaces. Based on SGRQ scoring, 50.4% had poor respiratory health status. Age over 50 years, work exposure exceeding 20 years, absence of workplace cross-ventilation, presence of comorbidities, and unhealthy indoor air quality were significant determinants of poor respiratory health (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of home-based handloom workers have poor respiratory health status, with no use of personal protective equipment and unhealthy indoor air quality. Interventions to improve ventilation and promoting protective equipment use are essential to safeguard respiratory health in this population.
Source: Lung India
Authors: V. Vinoth Kumar, A. Chitra, S. Costantia Dovita
Institutions: Government of Tamil Nadu, Madras Medical College
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7130839965