8279074 Occupational injuries and associated disabilities among textile workers in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

<h3>Objectives</h3> We determined the prevalence of occupational injuries and disabilities, and their associated factors among textile workers in Karachi, Pakistan. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> We conducted a cross-sectional study among 400 workers from ten textile mills in Karachi using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Working conditions at each mill were assessed during walk through surveys, using an observation checklist. Occupational injury was defined as any physical injury or damage to the body structure during the past 12 months while working at the mill. Disability was assessed using the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning (WG-SS) – Enhanced Tool. Two-level mixed effects logistic regression was applied to assess associated factors of occupational injuries. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. <h3>Results</h3> Study participants comprised 83% men and 17% women, with a median (IQR) age of 31 (25, 40) years and duration of employment in textile mills of 7 (3, 15) years. One-year prevalence of occupational injury was 27% (n=106; 95% CI: 22-31%) and of disability among injured workers was 5% (n= 4; 95% CI: 0.2-9.0%). The most common type of injury was ‘cuts/lacerations’ (53%), most common site was ‘fingers and/or nails’ (52%), and most common cause was ‘handling and working with machines or equipment’ (76%). We found that workers aged &lt;30 years (AOR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.06-2.81), having a contractual employment status (AOR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.09-3.64), and working as a technician (AOR= 4.2, 95% CI: 1.23-14.36) exhibited greater odds of injuries. <h3>Conclusion</h3> We found a high burden of occupational injuries and a low prevalence of disability among injured textile workers. Technicians, contractual workers and those aged &lt;30 years were at an increased odd of injuries– our findings call for interventions targeted at both employee and employer level. <h3>Acknowledgement</h3> Supported by the Fogarty International Center of the NIH under Award Number D43TW007292, the AKU-TIRTP program.