Factors affecting self-reported occupational health-related problems: a case study on improved traditional shrimp farmers in Bangladesh

This study explores the factors affecting self-reported occupational health problems among improved traditional shrimp farmers in Southwestern Bangladesh. Data was collected from 270 farmers in the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat using a structured questionnaire. According to stepwise and hierarchical logistic regression analyses, health problem reporting was associated with district of residence, education level, training, self-rated health, and occupational health awareness. Health problems were more frequently reported among farmers in Satkhira (aOR = 4.41, 95% CI: 2.06–9.75, p < 0.001) and Khulna (aOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.47–6.39, p < 0.01) than in Bagerhat. Poor self-rated health (aOR = 25.46, p < 0.001) and those with less than secondary education (aOR = 16.72, p < 0.01) were associated with reported issues. Knowledge of occupational safety measures significantly increased the probability of reporting health problems (aOR = 87.13, p < 0.001); trained farmers reported higher health difficulties most likely due to increased awareness (aOR = 0.13 for untrained farmers, p < 0.001). Environmental hazards and incorrect chemical handling continue even with hygienic procedures and personal protection equipment (PPE) laws usually embraced (99.26% of individuals used masks and gloves, for example). These results underscore the need for education-sensitive, locally directed health-safety efforts and imply that more accurate health reporting could follow from better awareness.