Health conditions of women working in the clothing industry

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate aspects of living conditions and health of female workers in the textile industry. This is a descriptive exploratory study conducted in the northwest of Paraná, in four municipalities selected for convenience. Data were collected in October and November 2011, in the workplace, through self-administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of 177 women working in the textile industries, aged between 18 and 60 years; 83.9% of women have more than eight years of study and have an average household income of R$1,662.34. Regarding lifestyle, 44.2% practice physical actives, 80.2% do not use alcohol and only 6.7% are smokers. The lifestyle allied with poor working conditions, may favor the onset of diseases, so policies of workers’ health must contemplate actions to promote health and better working conditions.