Study on the Assessment of Dietary Intake, Gut Health and Immune Status in Rickshaw Drivers Aged 25-45 Years in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Background: Rickshaw drivers form a vulnerable and often overlooked occupational group exposed to multiple health challenges due to prolonged working hours, sedentary behavior, irregular eating habits, and limited access to healthcare. The interrelationship between dietary intake, gut health, and immune status remains underexplored in this segment of urban informal workers. This study aims to assess these domains and explore their associations to inform targeted nutritional interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 101 male rickshaw drivers aged 25–45 years in Mumbai, Maharashtra, using convenience sampling. Data collection included a 24-hour dietary recall, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Gastrointestinal (GI) Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ), along with self-reported anthropometric and socio-demographic information. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and chi-square tests via SPSS (Version 21). Results: Mean energy and protein intakes were 1646.23 ± 438.07 kcal and 49.11 ± 14.12 g/day respectively, both significantly below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Fiber intake averaged 28.15 ± 9.22 g, reaching approximately 93% of the RDA. The dietary pattern showed frequent consumption of low-nutrient street foods and low intake of diverse whole grains and pulses. GI symptoms were prevalent, indicating compromised gut health in a majority of participants. Immune status was significantly associated with age (p=0.013), marital status (p=0.049), alcohol consumption (p=0.032), and household size (p=0.001), though no significant relationship was found between overall nutrient intake and immune status. Conclusion: This study highlights notable dietary inadequacies, poor gut health, and compromised immunity among rickshaw drivers in Mumbai. The findings suggest that while dietary intake remains suboptimal, immune health may be more strongly influenced by lifestyle and socio-demographic factors. There is a critical need for comprehensive, community-based interventions that promote dietary awareness and improve gut and immune health among Auto Rickshaw Drivers