Quality of Life Among Tea Plantation Workers in Darjeeling, West Bengal

Abstract

Tea cultivation is a significant economic activity in the district of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. However, little attention has been given to the quality of life (QoL) of the tea workers, who are contributing most to this industry. This study aimed to examine the QoL of tea plantation workers in Darjeeling using the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment questionnaire. A cross-sectional research design consisting of both quantitative and qualitative techniques was employed on 123 study samples aged 18–55 years between May and June 2023 across five tea gardens in district Darjeeling. The study investigated various dimensions of QoL, including physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships and environmental factors. The study found that tea workers in the tea plantation industry of district Darjeeling were not satisfied with their overall health and QoL. The study concluded that the factors studied (physical health, psychological health, social relationships and the environment) could be useful factors to assess the QoL of tea workers. The findings of the study provided valuable insights into the overall well-being of tea workers in Darjeeling and highlighted areas that need improvement.

Keywords: Quality of Life, WHOQOL-BREF, Tea Plantation Workers, Darjeeling, West Bengal

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