Abstract

PROBLEMS FACED BY PREGNANT GARMENT WORKERS IN DIFFERENT READYMADE GARMENTS (RMG) IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH

Mst Mohsina Begum, Tripti Chowdhury, Habibur Rahman, Md Zulfiker Ali, Md Ebrahim Khalil, Probal Kumar Mondal, Afsana Anwar and Abu Ansar Md Rizwan*

Abstract

Background: Readymade garment factories play a vital role in the economic development of Bangladesh and women workers are the main driving force of it. Due to unsuitable situations in the garment factory, women face different problems, especially during their pregnancy. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the problems faced by pregnant workers at different garments factories in Dhaka city. Methodology: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant garment workers of six selected garments in Dhaka city from September 2021 to October 2021. The study population was the pregnant women and/or the women who delivered babies 6 months before the date of the interview. 107 respondents were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and by conducting a face-to-face interview. Data entry, cleaning, and analysis were done by using SPSS. Results: Pregnant workers of all factories revealed that they had to work in a hot and uncomfortable situation. Due to the long sitting and standing position of work, respondents faced the problem of back pain, abdominal pain, leg pain, chest pain, swelling of feet, weakness, and vertigo. Most of the respondents performed overtime which caused a problem for them. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate the need for awareness among the workers and concern among the authorities about the health and safety of pregnant workers. Thus, it can be recommended to take necessary initiatives to address these problems appropriately and effectively to ensure safety and good health for pregnant workers.

Keywords: Problems, pregnant, garment workers, Dhaka, Bangladesh.