Comparative study of physiological and anthropometric characteristics of high and low productivity workers in northern West Bengal,India

Lung functiion, selected hematological traits, blood pressures, and anthropometric dimensions were measured on adult Oraon tea garden laborers of both sexes from two tea gardens of Jaipaiguri district, northern West Bengal, India. The laborers were classified into two groups on the basis of work output or productivity, measured in terms of the quantity of green leaves plucked per day. The groups were similar in income, dietary pattern, and self-reported morbidity. Relationships between the measured variables and productivity were evaluated. The results show several significant relationships, but do not conclusively demonstrate that the independent variables under study have any effects on work output. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.