Objective: Most women living in the rural areas of Pakistan work on the farms, along-with their husbands and family members. The objective of this preliminary study was to estimate the prevalence of occupational injuries in women farm workers of rural Islamabad, Pakistan. Methods: Trained female interviewer conducted all the interviews, using a pre-tested questionnaire during a cross-sectional survey carried out in a village of Islamabad. Questions, regarding asthma, pesticide exposure and injuries requiring the use of either self or health personnel prescribed medication, were determined in the past three months. Results: Forty-three women were interviewed during the month of December 1999. Asthma was reported by 11 (25.6%) women, and 16 (37.2%) reported pesticide exposure in the past three months. 14 (32.5%) women reported sustaining injuries while working on the farm or farm-related chores, necessitating use of medication, in the past three months. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that women working on the farms are apparently at a high risk of pesticide exposure and injuries. Large population based studies need to be conducted to determine the prevalence and type of injuries in this occupational group.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to have a perspective on prevalence and various types of injuries in women working on the farms in a developing country
Keywords: Injuries, Pakistan
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.