Work related-illness prevention behaviors among informal sector older workers

Abstract

This study aimed to identify work related–illness prevention behaviors among informal sector older workers and condition factors which affected prevention behaviors in four villages in North and Northeastern regions. A purposive sampling was used to recruit 100 participants.  A questionnaire was used to collect general information, and 12 focus groups were conducted to collect work related-illness prevention behaviors and conditions factors which affected the prevention behaviors. General data were analyzed using statistics including: frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. A content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results of the study showed that informal sector older workers prevented work related–illness improperly in four themes. First, they lifted heavy materials and worked with poor posture. Second, they prevented hazardous of agricultural chemical improperly, and third, they did not care their eyes appropriately. Finally, they did not prevent respiratory illness properly.  Condition factors which affected informal sector older workers to prevent work related-illness properly included lack of knowledge and money. They methods of work related-illness prevention did not congruent with informal sector older workers’ life style and work environments. Community nurses and health personnel who are responsible to care for the older workers can used the results of this study as basic information to enhance work related–illness prevention behaviors among the older workers.