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<p>The fisheries sector is integral to India’s economy and food security, yet fishing remains one of the most hazardous occupations globally. Indian fisherfolk navigate a complex interplay of occupational hazards, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities that profoundly impact their health and wellbeing. This study systematically synthesizes qualitative narratives from the People’s Archive of Rural India with empirical evidence from academic literature to identify occupational health challenges, analyse causal relationships between environmental and socioeconomic factors, and propose actionable recommendations. Eight diverse narratives representing lived experiences across Indian coastal and inland regions were triangulated with findings from 20 peer-reviewed studies using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and interconnections. The synthesis reveals a pervasive burden of musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, and respiratory impairments, exacerbated by long working hours, inadequate safety equipment, and harsh environmental conditions. Climate change and pollution are depleting fish stocks, forcing longer and riskier voyages that amplify occupational hazards and delay emergency care. Psychosocial stressors including anxiety and alarmingly high rates of alcohol abuse are prevalent, often linked to economic uncertainty. Non-communicable diseases represent a growing concern, with delayed diagnoses due to financial constraints and incompatible healthcare access. Socioeconomic marginalization, low literacy, and inadequate social security compound these vulnerabilities, while women in post-harvest roles face distinct ergonomic and psychosocial challenges. A critical gap persists between safety awareness and actual practice, alongside disconnects between national policies and grassroots realities. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated, multi-sectoral interventions addressing occupational hazards, environmental protection, accessible healthcare, comprehensive social security, and gender-inclusive policies through community participation and improved governance frameworks.</p>

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Environmental, occupational, and socioeconomic determinants of health among Indian fisherfolk: a qualitative synthesis

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月23日

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  • Satya Kishan Kumar Namala,
  • Nalini Bikkina

摘要

The fisheries sector is integral to India’s economy and food security, yet fishing remains one of the most hazardous occupations globally. Indian fisherfolk navigate a complex interplay of occupational hazards, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities that profoundly impact their health and wellbeing. This study systematically synthesizes qualitative narratives from the People’s Archive of Rural India with empirical evidence from academic literature to identify occupational health challenges, analyse causal relationships between environmental and socioeconomic factors, and propose actionable recommendations. Eight diverse narratives representing lived experiences across Indian coastal and inland regions were triangulated with findings from 20 peer-reviewed studies using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and interconnections. The synthesis reveals a pervasive burden of musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, and respiratory impairments, exacerbated by long working hours, inadequate safety equipment, and harsh environmental conditions. Climate change and pollution are depleting fish stocks, forcing longer and riskier voyages that amplify occupational hazards and delay emergency care. Psychosocial stressors including anxiety and alarmingly high rates of alcohol abuse are prevalent, often linked to economic uncertainty. Non-communicable diseases represent a growing concern, with delayed diagnoses due to financial constraints and incompatible healthcare access. Socioeconomic marginalization, low literacy, and inadequate social security compound these vulnerabilities, while women in post-harvest roles face distinct ergonomic and psychosocial challenges. A critical gap persists between safety awareness and actual practice, alongside disconnects between national policies and grassroots realities. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated, multi-sectoral interventions addressing occupational hazards, environmental protection, accessible healthcare, comprehensive social security, and gender-inclusive policies through community participation and improved governance frameworks.