Epidemiological Survey of Puffed Rice (Mandakki) Workers in Davangere district, Karnataka: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with an aim to find out current health status, health issues frequently experienced over the past year, work related factors, occupational safety measures, and job satisfaction of workers among puffed rice (Mandakki) production area and workers. Materials and Methods: The study was done among 600 conveniently selected current puffed rice (Mandakki) workers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire from 250 small scale industries Results: Majority of participants were aged between 18-27 years (35%), in educational qualification maximum participants education is Primary & upper primary (1-7th std) 240(40%), in relation with workers current health status, 248 (41.34%) were sick, in that 491 (81.83%) were commonly had fatigue. In case of Health issues frequently experienced over the past year, 425 (70.83%) eye irritation, 410 (68.33%) back pain, in Work related factors, duration of work 260 (43.33%) had 8-10hours per day, 226 (37.67%) don’t have any fixed lunch hours, 280 (46.67%) had Break Period (recess time), 364 (60.67%) don’t have Holiday facilities, 540 (90%) don’t have Festival Bonus, 511 (85.17%) don’t have performance bonus, 532 (88.66%) had no Heath/ ESI benefits, in occupational safety measures, 414 (69%) don’t have any PPE, 474 (79%) said no cleanliness is maintained in working area, 488 (81.34%) had not received any safety training, 382 (63.66%) don’t had any emergency management equipment’s. at last in job satisfaction, maximum were dissatisfied with job, the reason for this were exposing daily with smoke i.e, 460 (76.66%), and 412 (68.66%) were said there is no safety measures. Conclusion In this context, it is anticipated that the puffed rice (Mandakki) production management initiatives, following local government administrative guidelines and effective implementation of health care sectors actions could helpful to enhance the health of puffed rice workers and surrounding people.