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Gender disparities in occupational health hazards and risks among coastal fisherfolk in Bangladesh: a mixed method cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background In coastal Bangladesh, while men predominantly engage in direct fishing from rivers and the Bay of Bengal, women are mostly engaged in fish processing. Due to the different roles of men and women in fisheries, occupational hazards and risks can also be distinctive. However, there is limited comparative evidence on the role of gender in occupational hazards and risks among men and women working in fisheries sector. Objective This study investigated and compared the prevalence, type, and severity of occupational health hazards and associated risks among male and female fisherfolk in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used. The qualitative component included nine focus group discussions on gendered exposures and hazards, which informed a subsequent cross-sectional survey of 407 fisherfolk (n = 200 males; n = 207 females). Gender-disaggregated responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and radar charts. Key qualitative themes were developed and used for cross-method triangulation. Results In the fish industry, male workers were predominantly engaged in direct fishing (male 52.5% vs. female 0%, p < 0.001), whereas female workers were majorly found involved in dry fish processing (54.1% vs. 14.5%, p < 0.001). Most risk factors, such as sun and salt exposure and lack of sanitary latrines, were reported by both men and women at consistently high rates. Females were found to have higher chemical exposure (53.6% vs. 35.0%; p < 0.001), and males had higher exposure to heavy weight (93.0% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.002). High prevalence of occupational risks, including skin issues, musculoskeletal disorders, and diarrhea, found in both groups with similar likelihood. Conditions like fish stings/bites, seasickness, and earache were significantly higher among male workers. Inaccessibility to toilets, absence of menstrual hygiene kits, lack of breastfeeding space, and lack of maternity leave were some of the unique concerns of women. Drowning and falling overboard, cyclones and storms, and attacks from pirates are unique hazards for men. Men are more prone to fatality due to their engagement in acute life-threatening tasks. PPE use is significantly lower for both sexes, with 65% to 99% not using the respective PPE. Conclusions This study revealed a high burden of occupational hazards and risks among both male and female workers in the fisheries sector in Bangladesh from a gender lens. A gender-sensitive occupational safety and health strategy and action plan strategy is crucial to attain the health, wellbeing, dignity, productivity, and protection of the men and women in fisherfolk communities in Bangladesh.

Source: Discover Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12982-026-02374-3