A Study of the Socio-Demographic Profile and Health Seeking Behaviour of the Vegetable Vendors, New Delhi

Abstract

Background: In developing nations, street vending is playing a vital role in the shadow economy. They have become an essential and irrefutable part of the urban setting. The paper aims to study the demographic and socio-economic profile of the street vendors of Delhi. Methodology: Structured schedule, observation (participant and nonparticipant), Focused Group Discussion (FGD) were used to collect data from 150 vendors of Okhla Sabzi Mandi. Findings: The findings revealed that monthly income levels and educational qualification have statistically significant association (<0.05) with socio-demographic and health-seeking behaviour of vegetable vendors. Long working hours in order to earn a little more put the health in menace. Poor conditions of the vendors have forced them to adopt the malpractice of consuming tobacco, alcohol or smoking to cope up with hunger and sleep due to longer working hours. They cannot afford more than two meals in a day; it leads them to compromise with appetite. Therefore, they are ending up consuming intoxicating substances. Conclusion: They lack awareness about the policies and schemes for their welfare. It is required to adopt new strategies for spreading awareness among this section. There should also be accountability for their occupation to improve their status in society.

How to cite this article:

Singh S, Quazi M, Kaur H, Sanatombi NG, Vizo M, Banita L et al. A Study of the Socio-Demographic Profile and Health Seeking Behaviour of the Vegetable Vendors, New Delhi. Int J HealthCare Edu & Med Inform 2020; 7(1&2): 21-27.