Evaluating the nutritional status and awareness of hygiene practices among housemaids: A review study of Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal City

Abstract

Housemaids are integral to the informal workforce, often facing socioeconomic and health disparities. This review study evaluates the nutritional status, awareness of hygiene practices, and the reach and effectiveness of government welfare programs among housemaids in the Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand. The paper highlights dietary patterns, nutritional deficiencies, and personal and environmental hygiene knowledge. It also assesses the extent of utilization of government welfare schemes aimed at improving their quality of life. Findings reveal significant nutritional knowledge and hygiene gaps, underscoring the need for targeted interventions, including education, policy support, and program delivery. Recommendations include community-based awareness campaigns, better implementation of welfare programs, and regular health monitoring to enhance the well-being of this vulnerable group.