ABSTRACT
The aim of the study is to determine the socioeconomic factors affecting the health of house maids in the urban community of Lahore. This is a cross-sectional survey. The Study is conducted between July 1st, 2004 and July 20th, 2004 in Lahore. It was a community based survey, conducted in Lahore urban population. Convenient sampling methodology was used. 100 respondents were selected and interviewed to assess the socioeconomic factors affecting the health of house maids of Lahore urban community. The mean age of respondents was 32 years. 72% of the house maids earned less Rs. 1500, 30% had more than 6 children, 48% lived in villages while 75% were married. Also, 62% could not afford medicines, 55% were not content with their pay, 45% had previously suffered from a disease, 58% had unemployed husbands, 70% worked for 4 to 8 hours, 35% were the sole bread winner of their households while 76% worked as sweepers and only 39% were satisfied with their employers behaviour. The study reveals an area that needs attention. From the responses obtained, it was evident that low income, large family size, unemployment of husbands, poor housing and sanitation, long working hours, tough physical work, unhygienic practices and bad attitude of the employers were the principle socioeconomic factors posing a risk to the health of the house maids in the Lahore urban community