Beyond the Tea Gardens: A Critical Appraisal of Health and Hygiene Status Among Tea Tribes in Sivasagar, Assam

Abstract

The present study titled “Beyond the Tea Gardens: A Critical Appraisal of Health and Hygiene Status among Tea Tribes in Sivasagar, Assam” was conducted in Chandbecha village, Sivasagar district, Assam. Tea tribes constitute a vital labour force of Assam’s tea industry but continue to experience health and developmental disparities. The objectives of the study were to assess the health and hygiene status of tea tribe households and to examine the relationship between environmental conditions and health and hygiene status. The study adopted a quantitative research design. Primary data were collected from 100 respondents through a semi-structured questionnaire covering environmental and health-related indicators. Data were processed and analyzed using Jamovi statistical software. Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine relationships between variables. The results revealed a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between environmental conditions and health and hygiene status, r(98)=0.601, p<.001, 95% CI [0.458, 0.713]. The null hypothesis was rejected. The findings suggest that better environmental conditions are associated with better health and hygiene. The study suggests improving basic amenities, strengthening healthcare services, and promoting health awareness through community-based interventions to sustainably improve the health status of tea tribes.