Seaweed Farmers and Work Fatigue: A Mixed-Method Approach

BACKGROUND: In Indonesia, particularly in the coastal area, there is a growing number of seaweed farmers who work in the informal sector as a home-based industry. It is generally assumed that this sub-group of workers is also experiencing work fatigue. AIM: This research aims to explore information-related factors that are associated with fatigue among seaweed workers. METHODS: The study was conducted in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The research used a mixed- method design combining quantitative and qualitative approach. One hundred sixty-one samples were taken from four districts Mangarabombang, Mappakasunggu, Sanrobone, and North Galesong. RESULTS: More than half of the respondents feel fatigue 67.1%. Furthermore, based on bivariate analysis, it was found that there were significant associations between work hour p = 0.041 and work period p = 0.031 with work fatigue. For the qualitative approach, three focus group discussions were conducted to explore more information related to factors that were found associated with work fatigue from the quantitative study. This research found that a large number of employees experienced work fatigue. CONCLUSION: The factor that associated with work fatigue is work hour and work period. It is suggested that health providers and stakeholders related need to pay attention to this subgroup of the working population regarding their occupational health and safety problems.