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Open Access
A study on the assessment of occupational health hazards among cobblers
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2020-02) Pandey, Deepika; Vats, Aditi
Among the various categories of unorganized sector, there exists a class of craftsman who specializes in repairing of footwears, known as cobblers. The repairing works carried out by cobblers include sewing and mending activities done using only hand operated tools. Various researches have shown that postures adopted during hand sewing tasks in different occupation possess a risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. So, the present study was undertaken to know about the existing conditions of cobblers and to study the different risk factors in their working environment. The study was carried out purposively in Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. For descriptive data, 100 samples were taken and 30 per cent of the respondents were selected for experimental study. The findings of the study revealed that maximum of the respondents were in 31-45 years of age group (44%), illiterate (32%), married (85%) and having 1-15 years of work experience (38%). For majority (75%) of the respondents, cobbling work was the family occupation and for 64 per cent, it was the only source of income. It was analyzed that 81 per cent of the respondents belonged to poor socioeconomic status. The different tasks carried out by respondents were polishing, stitching and repairing of shoes, slippers, bags, luggage, repairing of sole, chains, belts, umbrella, jackets etc. According to body mapping, the different identified pain/discomfort regions were neck (96%), shoulder (68%), upper back (64%), elbow (65%), lower back (100%), wrist/hand (69%), hips/thigh (42%), knee (47%) and ankle/feet (70%). For all the reported discomfort regions, majority of the respondents suffered from moderate intensity of pain/discomfort. Stiffness (50%), tingling sensation (56%), numbness (31%) and visual discomforts (58%) were the reported hazards caused due to adopted work postures. Skin allergy due to the use of polish/glue was found among 43 per cent. Respondents were in frequent risk of cut and piercing injuries (96%) due to the sharp and pointed tools. The analysis done using RULA and REBA revealed that the respondents were under high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to the awkward postures adopted while carrying out task. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in the grip strength of left hand and right hand as well as in the pinch strength (p<0.05) for tip, palmer and lateral positions. Sensitization sessions were conducted to make the respondents aware about various health risk factors at workplace and various exercises to cope up with discomforts. This study suggests a workstation design (done using AutoCAD) for cobblers to provide them space which would help in reducing their discomforts and improving their workplace wellbeing.
Open Access
To study the work culture among young entrepreneurs in selected districts of Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2020-02) Pandey, Rohini; Sharma, Promila
Startups are key economic indicator of any country. Start- up do not only help in growth and development of a person but also fasten the development of country. Entrepreneurship not only promotes the economical aspect of society but also develop the social aspect. It enhances the money movement in a country, provides opportunities of employment, and eventually increases the GDP of the country. Therefore the present investigation was done to understand the work Culture of Startups in Uttarakhand State. The study included research on traits, challenges faced, work addiction, work stress among entrepreneurs of Uttarakhand and on the basis of investigation a book was created. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, descriptive cum action research design was planned. A total of 50 samples of entrepreneurs were selected from Uttrakhand via snowball sampling method. The results of investigation indicated highest percentage of entrepreneurs were highly competitive in nature and it was also found that Risk taking ability was moderate in majority of entrepreneurs. Challenges that were faced commonly by entrepreneurs of Uttarakhand were team formation and searching for idea to start business. However very less percentage of entrepreneurs had issues with infrastructure facilities. The results of WorkBAT (Spence & Robbins, 1992) scale in entrepreneurs of Uttrakhand revealed that majority of entrepreneurs were highly work addicted. It was also reported that because of work addiction, the work pressure of entrepreneurs of raising high. Entrepreneurs were seen to be situations facing with irritation in life hassles, irritation, anger. Thus considering all the problems and specially for the challenges faced by entrepreneurs a book was created consisting the experience and journey of successful startups and also guidelines for future entrepreneurs.
Open Access
Assessment of architects’ knowledge regarding the housing bye-laws of residential buildings at Bareilly Mahanagar
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2009-06) Saxena, Rakhi; Shukla, Chhaya
Housing bye-laws are the formulation of adequate housing. Housing bye-laws are essential for harmonious, respectable and peaceful living thereby to promote a healthy, happy, and brotherly environment among all residential buildings. In general housing structure is built by somebody else (architect) and used by somebody else. So, a lot of considerations are required for adequate housing. There is a huge gap between bye-laws given by various government agencies and their practical applications at the time of construction. One of the major reasons behind that may be architects’ knowledge level regarding the housing Bye-Laws. The need was felt to assess the knowledge level of architects’ regarding housing bye-laws of residential buildings. The snow ball sampling technique with combination of purposive and random sampling technique design was used to select the respondents. A total sample of 70 architects from Bareilly Mahanagar, Uttar Pradesh. The descriptive data was collected with the help of interview schedule through personal interview method in Bareilly Mahanagar of Uttar Pradesh. The collected data was tabulated and analyzed with the help of subjective (Frequencies, percentage and mean) and relational statistics (Chi-square test) were calculated. It was concluded that the overall knowledge level regarding housing bye-laws of residential buildings at Bareilly Mahanagar was average for majority of respondents. The knowledge level pertaining specifically to technical terminology was found excellent to outstanding. Contrary to this majority of respondents were found to have below average knowledge level with regard to bye-laws related with construction of building. The knowledge level pertaining bye-laws related with safety of building was found average to good of majority of respondents. There were found a lot of deviation in housing bye-laws at the time of construction of residential buildings. Customer interest and customer choice along with financial limitations were the major factors responsible for these deviations. Deviations were found in terms of additions and deletions in doorways, windows and shelves of various areas of residential buildings. Financial factors along with value and belief of customer werefound the major limitations in implementation of housing bye-laws. Statistical analysis resulted in no association among architects’ knowledge and their age, present job experience and educational qualification.
Open Access
Ergonomic assessment of architectural activities among architects in two districts of Uttrakhand
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-08) Dadwal, Mehak; Sharma, Promila
Architects, who works in the architectural studios, doing the different activities like site analysis, planning, designing, developing and inspect construction etc, in continuous sitting posture and spent most of the time on computer workstations therefore they are at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Architects majorly do the work on computers which is very much affecting their vision. Architects working in architectural studios withstand pressure and stress because of their long working hours. An occupational hazards includes headache, eye pain, lower back pain were majorly seen in the architects. Environmental conditions of the architectural studios are slightly below the average as it is mentioned that there were poor natural and artificial light, inadequate space, and noisy working area. A total 30 architects were selected from 2 districts of Uttrakhand for collection of descriptive and experimental data using interview schedule and experimental tables. It was found that architectural studios were not equipped with ergonomically designed workstation. Architects had to adjust themselves according to this workstation which led to musculoskeletal discomfort. Architects work for long duration of time in architectural studios in fixed positions, sometimes architects had to work overtime due to excessive load of work. It was also investigated from the study that their physical health status was deteriorating as they were working in poor sitting posture for long hour and hence used to face problems like lower back ache, neck pain and eye irritation, etc. It was also reported that there were inappropriate environmental parameters like lighting, temperature, sound etc. which caused physiological stress among architects, therefore hindering to their concentration on job and also lowering down the working capacity. The correlation coefficient values shows that visual acuity of architects was dependent on their age and had as significant relationship hence null hypothesis was rejected and alternate hypothesis was accepted. Similarly it was found that health prevalence of architects and job duration of architects had a significant relationship.
Open Access
A comparative study of physical fitness, personality traits, aggression behaviour and happiness level of sports and nonsports students
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-07) Smita; Kwatra, Seema
Physical fitness is the capacity to do prolong hard work and recover to same state of health in short duration of time. It develops health and well-being and it is crucial for cognitive development. Socialization and interaction with peers develop social and emotional skills. The physical fitness test was adopted for eliciting information pertaining to body mass index, physical fitness score, aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and grip strength (with the help of grip dynamometer to find out the change in grip strength). AAHPER test battery (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation) was used for the study. This test consisted of six items used to assess the shoulder strength, muscular strength, agility, explosive strength of legs, speed and endurance. Big Five personality attributes scale developed by McCrae and Costa (1995) was used to determine the five personality traits- extraversion, neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness. Buss and Perry aggression behaviour questionnaire (1992) was used to determine four factors of aggression i.e., physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility. Oxford Happiness Scale developed by Michael Argyle and Peter Hills (2002) was used. Descriptive as well as experimental research design was chosen for the study. The study was carried out in Nainital district and Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. Purposive sampling design was used to select the study area. Thirty percent of the total sample was considered for the study by random sampling. It comprised of 96 respondents (48 sports and 48 non-sports) of age group 13-18 years. For comparing the difference between sports and non-sports category independent sample t-test was applied. For AAHPER test significant difference was found both among male and female respondents in all the six tests. Sports category performed better as compared to non-sports category. For personality traits significant difference was found between sport and non-sport respondents in all the personality traits as sports category respondents were higher for extraversion, openness to experiences, agreeableness and conscientiousness as compared to non-sports students. While non-sports category respondents scored higher in neuroticism. Aggression among sport and non-sport category was compared by using independent sample t-test. Significant difference was found between both the categories in 3 factors i.e., physical aggression, verbal aggression and anger but no significant difference was found in hostility between them. It was found that non-sports category respondents possess higher level of physical aggression, verbal aggression and anger as compared to sports category. There was a significant difference found between happiness level of sports and non-sports category. Results showed that happiness level of sports category was found to be more as compared to non-sports category. Based upon BMI score, PFI and aerobic capacity, sports category students outnumbers in comparison to non-sports category students.
Open Access
Study of occupational health and wellbeing of Glass Manufacturing unit workers: An ergonomic approach
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-08) Tewari, Sonia; Deepa Vinay
The workers of glass manufacturing industries are exposed to physical, psychological, ergonomic, chemical hazards and heat-stress, which is responsible for poor health and wellbeing. The present study was designed to investigate occupational health and wellbeing of glass manufacturing unit workers. The study was carried out in glass manufacturing unit of UP with sample size of 120 workers (descriptive study) and 30 blowers (experimental study). Observations revealed that the mean age of workers was 32.125+7.67yr. Majority have low SES (55.83%) and 1-3yr job experience (33%), reported incidences of pain(91.66%), redness(32.50%), burns(17.50%), cut/laceration (15.83%) etc. as evidence of occupational health hazards. The range of WERA score was 28-44 for all activities. NOAA heat index was 84°F (morning), 87°F(afternoon), and 92°F(evening). WBGT-In was 32.29+1.42°C. Heat stress symptoms reported were rise in body temperature (96.66%), heavy sweating (94.16%), skin hot and dry red face (87.50%), weakness and fatigue (80.83%), headache (61.67%) and dehydration(57.50%). Major respiratory problems were cough (49.17%), body ache (38.33%) and chest pain (32.50%).Positive and significant correlation was found between FEV1(r=0.402), PEFR(r=0.387) and weight. Among experimental and control group, significant difference was found for the means values of FEV1 % predicted (0.032) and FEF 25-75% measured(0.003) and FEF 25-75% predicted % (0.018) at 5% level of significance and also noteworthy variation was found in FEV1 measured(0.026), FEV1 predicted(0.016), FEF25-75 measured(0.018), FEF25-75 predicted(0.047) at 5 % level of significance among these group. Major discomfort regions revealed in body map were wrist (37.50%), lower back (30.83%) and knee (27.50%) and common symptoms were pain (52.50%) and tingling (19.17%).Significant difference between task performed and the discomfort level was found in neck (21.9 at 1%), hand/wrist (24.428 at 1%), shoulder(13.85 at 5%) and lower back(17.01 at 5%). The flexion, extension and TROM for cervical and thoracic region was 34°,17°,33° and 28°,16°,26° respectively. The percentage change in grip strength for right and left hand was 1.22 percent and 0.23 percent respectively. Perceived level of workplace wellbeing was good (52.50%), positively and significantly correlated with workers feeling about work and working environment(r=0.689), work climate (r=0.733), physical environment’s quality and safety (r=0.713). The physiological work load was moderate to heavy. WPAI questionnaire calculated absenteeism (7.5%), presenteeism (27%), worker’s productivity loss (18.33%) and activity impairment (43.67%). A sensitization session was organized for the workers regarding worksite health risk and coping strategies. This study suggests improved design of chair for minimizing health risk and encouraging workplace wellbeing.
Open Access
Impact of stress among post graduate students of GBPUA&T, Pantnagar
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-07) Singh, Sangya; Vats, Aditi
The impact of stress was analysed among students who were pursuing Masters and Ph.D. College time is the best and most creative time for many of us. Students are highly guided by their mentors to set the stage for future action but at the same time e it is a very crucial stage. Today every individual suffers from stress, and it one way or the other influences their life. These critical years can also be crippled by depression, anxiety, moodiness and stress. Students are likely to experience a lot of stressors which include high expectations from parents, competition among peers, balancing a heavy workload, sense of being independent etc. a quantitative method was used in collection and analysis of the data. For this purpose, questionnaires were distributed to 120 respondents. Physiological and psychological problems due to stress were noted and it was seen that more than half of the population suffers from headaches, stomach problems, and sleep disturbances. Four stress scales were used for finding the impact of stress. Most prominent ill effect of stress was found as headaches, jaw clenching, or pain. Perceived level scale was used to know the perception level of the students. Academic stress scale was used to assess the academics related problems which led to stress in them and the major factor which caused stress was academic workload. Seven point students stress rating scale was used to analyze the different stress aspects namely physiological, emotional, social, examination and behavioral stress. Stress can however be managed by the implementation of stress management courses or techniques, and also by engaging in some extracurricular activities. It was revealed from the study that female students are more prone to stress as compared to their male counterparts. Correlation indicates that academic performance has positive impact stress among the respondents taken under consideration.
Open Access
Development and effectiveness of IEC specific to nutritional anaemia in improving KAP among adolescent girls in U.S.Nagar, Uttarakhand
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2018-08) Joshi, Deepa; Kushwaha, Archana
Adolescence (10-19 years) is a bridge between childhood and adulthood. India is a home to 253 million adolescents, out of which, one-third of boys and half of girls are anaemic. Low intake and poor absorption of iron and increased iron requirements for growth, blood losses in menstruation along with multitude of social beliefs and customs are causes of anaemia among adolescent girls in India. It is important to understand the epidemiology in order to plan effective interventions. It will also be helpful in drawing recommendations and rendering suggestions to evaluate and enhance the existing Anemia Control Programmes. There is a lack of up-to-date information on prevalence, correlates of anaemia and effective nutrition education programmes in district U.S. Nagar. A cross sectional study was conducted between March 2017-June 2018 among 880 adolescent girls (10-19 years) in 88 anganwadi (AWC) centers covering three blocks one each from rural, urban and tribal blocks of district U.S. Nagar. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, dietary and menstrual health data on AGs along with their anthropometric and heamoglobin (Hb) measurements. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed using R software between independent variables categorized under socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric, menstrual health and dietary characters versus presence of anaemia. Independent variables which were found to be significantly associated with presence of anaemia, in univariate analysis were further analysed through multiple regression analysis to find predictors of anaemia. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of adolescent girls subject and ICDS functionaries pertaining to anaemia was assessed through questionnaire. On the basis of identified predictors and KAP status of adolescent girls, an IEC module was developed for improving the KAP of adolescent girls and its effectiveness was assessed through nutrition education intervention to a group of 27 adolescent girls(experimental group) compared against control group (n=28). The mean age of study population was 15.4 years. Prevalence of anaemia was found to be 83.18% among adolescent girls with mean Hb value of 10.62±1.5g/dl. Prevalence of anaemia was highest in tribal block (87.43 per cent). In univariate analysis, consumption of iron folic acid supplement (IFA), age, current school status, exposure to nutrition education on anaemia, mother’s literacy status, number of children in the family, abdominal, behaviour of skipping meals, number of meals per day, duration of menstrual flow and type of menstrual flow were significantly associated with anaemia in adolescent girls. While multiple regression analysis revealed that the strongest predictors of anaemia were non-exposure to nutrition education on anaemia OR (95%CI) 1.76 (1.36, 3.12); mother’s illiteracy OR (95%CI) 1.56(1.17,1.96) and long duration (>5 days) of menstrual flow OR (95%CI) 1.45(1.25, 1.65), and these were significantly associated with increased odds of nutritional anaemia while consumption of IFA OR(95%CI) 0.329(-0.04-0.71), scanty menstrual flow OR (95%CI) 0.692(-0.45,0.95) and late adolescent age OR (95%CI) 0.45(-0.03,0.94) showed a protective effect. About half of girls (52.04 per cent) were having low level of knowledge regarding anaemia, almost equal proportion of adolescent girls had negative (36.82 per cent), neutral (34.2 per cent) and positive (33.07 per cent) attitude towards anaemia, whereas 78.18 per cent of girls were following poor practices. Knowledge level on anaemia: definition, diagnosis, signs & symptom and preventive strategy at individual level, attitude of the adolescent girls towards perceived severity and susceptibility, preventive strategy, treatment of anaemia and dietary practices were found to be associated with presence of anaemia. About 39.7, 12.6 and 9.63 per cent increase in the knowledge, attitude and practices score, respectively was observed post nutrition education intervention in experimental group. Addressing the nutritional anaemia among adolescent girls will require attention to both nutrition education and iron supplementation programs targeting adolescent girls. Nutrition education as a long term strategy to bring desired behavioral changes among adolescents, recommended being a part of current education system and anaemia prophylaxis programmes.
Open Access
Assessment of livelihood security in disaster prone areas of Uttarakhand
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2018-06) Beri, Sulekha; Deepa Vinay
Uttarakhand is highly disaster prone state which witnesses earthquake, landslides, cloudburst, flash flooding, substantial rainfall and forest fire relatively consistently. Expanding event of all these catastrophic events is immensely affecting livelihood security. Therefore the present study was conducted to assess the livelihood security that refers to four subcomponents; viz. food, health, education and income security; focused directly on the constraints to household well-being. A Household Livelihood Security Assessment (HLSA) is an all encompassing and multi disciplinary approach which perceives that poor families normally endure in excess of one issue at a time and frequently need to make significant sacrifices to meet their essential needs. The purposive and random sampling technique was used to select 110 households located in a disaster prone area. The descriptive research design was selected. The data were collected with the help of precoded interview schedule. To measure livelihood security an index was adapted which identify constraints to households. The HHLS approach allowed a rapid look at actual community livelihood status and this immediate way to deal with respondent’s perception regarding climate change and natural disaster, food sources, water sanitation, health behavior, income generating activities etc. The purpose of the indicator was to provide a clear profile of the constraints to family or household livelihood security. To measure the livelihood security it was found that the food security index was having value 43.61 of the total score, 76.54 was calculated as health security index, nearly 83.63 was the value of education security index and income security index was found low i.e. 15 and by computed all these value the livelihood security index launched value 54.69 which is the indicator of secure livelihood but the only drawback is income insecurity. The index of Zimbabwe Household Livelihood Security Assessment, CARE (2009) by John Mazzeo was adapted for the comparison. The other findings indicate that absence of training programme on management of various households/farming exercises have been pinpointed by the majority of the families. For this, the concerned organizations should approach the bestow preparing on the said perspectives and revise their training course according to the need of the families from time to time. This study suggested that government should cater various plan and policies that may increased livelihood security more better.

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