Work and Health: A Review of Methodologies

Considering the significance of work, not merely as an isolated determinant, but also in relation to other axes of vulnerability, it is crucial to examine our current understanding of how working conditions impact health and how these effects manifest. To explore this, a review of 52 studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) after the 1990s was carried out. This review aimed to assess the methodologies used to explore the relationship between working conditions and health, as well as identify potential directions for future research. Forty percent (n=25) of the studies included in this review focused on the working conditions and health status of garment factory workers, the majority of whom were women. Of these, most studies (n=21) employed a cross-sectional design and utilized quantitative data collection methods. The health outcomes measured included the prevalence of mental health issues such as depression, stress, and anxiety, as well as occupational accidents and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These MSDs were characterized by physical symptoms such as pain, stiffness, aching, burning, tingling, numbness, allergies, upset stomach, weakness, fatigue, exhaustion, hearing problems, respiratory issues, and hypertension, among others. Studies using qualitative research methods are scarce. Given the complex relationship between health and work, it is crucial to generate everyday knowledge about health, grounded in the interactions and interpretations of individuals within their social context. Therefore, more qualitative studies are needed to explore how different aspects of work influence workers’ health. Additionally, these studies can help clarify the intricate relationship between working conditions and health outcomes