Respiratory Morbidity among Jute Mill Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Selected Jute Mill of West Bengal 2024–2025

Abstract

Jute mill workers are chronically exposed to organic dust containing plant fibers, endotoxins, and microbial contaminants, increasing their risk of respiratory morbidity. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of both symptomatic and spirometry-confirmed respiratory morbidity among 125 randomly selected workers in a jute mill in Howrah, West Bengal, between September 2024 and February 2025. Data on sociodemographic profile, occupational exposure, tobacco use, respiratory symptoms, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use were collected through structured interviews. Spirometry was performed using recorders and medicare systems (RMS) Helios 401 according to standardized guidelines. Nearly half of the workers (47.2%) reported at least one chronic respiratory symptom. Spirometry detected respiratory morbidity in 26.4% workers, predominantly restrictive (13.6%), followed by obstructive (8.8%) and mixed patterns (4.0%). Regular PPE use was reported by only 6.4% of workers. Multivariable logistic regression showed increasing age to be the only independent predictor of spirometry-confirmed morbidity (AOR 5.36; 95% CI 1.56–18.51). These findings highlight a substantial burden of occupational respiratory morbidity among jute mill workers and underscore the need for improved dust control, consistent PPE use, and periodic respiratory health surveillance.