Lifestyle Risks and Health Conditions among Working Women in Odisha: Implications for Women's Livelihoods and Sustainable Development

Abstract

Introduction:
Lifestyle-related risk behaviours, including tobacco consumption and alcohol use, have emerged as significant public health concerns in India, particularly among women of working age. These behaviours are influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, and occupational contexts, rather than solely by individual choice. In Odisha, where women predominantly participate in informal and agricultural work, factors such as poverty, limited health awareness, and traditional norms intensify their exposure to these risks. Comprehending the impact of these behaviours on health outcomes is essential for the formulation of effective policy interventions.
Aim and Objectives: This study examined the association between lifestyle risk factors and selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among working women in Odisha, utilizing data from the NFHS-5 (2019–2021). The objectives of the study were threefold: (i) to analyze the socio-demographic and occupational characteristics of working women; (ii) to assess the prevalence of lifestyle risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol consumption; and (iii) to investigate the relationship of these factors with health outcomes such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, and chronic respiratory diseases..
Materials and Methods: Using data from the NFHS-5 (2019-21) survey, which encompassed 1,262 employed women aged 15 to 49 years, descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed to assess the associations between lifestyle risks and health outcomes. The independent variables included tobacco and alcohol consumption, while the dependent variables encompassed diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases.
Findings: Tobacco use (22.5%) and alcohol consumption (6.9%) were prevalent among the respondents. The rates of hypertension (5.5%), diabetes (1.6%), thyroid disorders (2.1%), and chronic respiratory diseases (1.6%) indicate a rising NCD burden. Tobacco use was significantly associated with chronic respiratory disease (χ² = 10.64, p = 0.005) and thyroid disorders (χ² = 7.87, p = 0.020).
Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive health strategies focusing on behavioral risk reduction, regular screening, and workplace wellness programs to improve the health outcomes of femaleworkers in Odisha.