Assessment of Job Satisfaction among Fishermen in Southern-East Costal Area of Mumbai, India

Fishery is one of the important unorganised sectors in India. It provides emp loyment to millions of people and contributes to food security of the country. But fishermen are facing number of problems like underemployment, low income, and dangerous job conditions, mental stress, harsh weather and working conditions, major threat to self esteem, psychological sense of mastery, self-reported stress levels (loss of temper, back pain, forgetfulness). However there are no occupational health services for fishermen, and there is no mandatory health screening for fishermen as in for other s ea workers. Present community based descriptive study was carried out during January to June 2011 in Trombay village area of Mumbai to assess Job satisfaction among them. Total 500 fishermen were interviewed out of which 62 % fishermen were in the age group of 15 to 42. The average age was 34.9+SD 14.9. Significant association was found between Job satisfaction and Job stress, marital status, depth of sea fishing, socio-economic status and type of job. Thus reduction in factors responsible for job stress should be carried out. Periodical health education sessions comprising of psychological training program are required to support personal competence of fishermen so that they can handle job stress effectively.