Factors Related to the Health Status of Women in Reed Mats Weaving Group, Phonngam Sub-district, Nonghan District, Udonthani Province

Abstract

Weaving mats is an occupation derived from local wisdom that utilises tools and knowledge.  Their repetitive working characteristics and postures over a long period of time affect the health of the weavers. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the health status and the relationship between various factors and the health status of women in the sedge mat weaving occupation in Phonngam Sub-district, Nonghan District, Udonthani Province. The sample group consisted of 44 people. Data were collected using questionnaires and ergonomic assessments using the RULA technique. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data and the relationship using Fisher's Exact Test, with a significance level of P<0.05. The results showed that most women had a moderate health status. Work arrangements and postures for each body part, and workplace design were inappropriate, with a Grand Total Score of 7.00 ± 0.82. Personal factors were significantly related to health status, namely, body mass index (BMI), at a high level (p = 0.032, 2-tailed). Work factors, including average working hours/day and average working days/week, were significantly related to health status. Inappropriate work conditions and inappropriate working postures were significantly associated with health status at a moderate level with statistical significance (p = 0.014 and 0.022, 2-tailed). Relevant agencies should provide reed mat weavers with appropriate occupational health promotion to prevent work-related illnesses.