Environmental Degradation in Garment-Producing Areas and its Impact on Workers' Mental Health: A Mixed-Methods Study from Bangladesh


Authors : Md. Shohel Rana; Partha Sarathi Barman

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 7 - July


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mr9f3nhf

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/49chd2am

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1957

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Abstract : This study investigates the overlooked intersection between environmental degradation and mental health outcomes among garment industry workers. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach involving environmental data analysis, standardized mental health surveys (DASS-21), and in-depth interviews, we examine conditions in Savar and Gazipur, two major garment-producing zones in Bangladesh. The findings reveal significant environmental pollution—including poor air and water quality—and high incidences of anxiety, depression, and stress among workers and its effect on their personal life. The study underscores the need for integrated industrial policies that recognize the human cost of environmental degradation. Recommendations include policy reform, corporate accountability, and mental health interventions.

Keywords : Environmental Degradation, Garment Industry, Mental Health, Bangladesh, Occupational Stress, Industrial Pollution, Mixed-Methods Research.

References :

  1. Ahmed, M., & Chowdhury, M. A. (2025). Workplace environment and employee performance in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh. Theseus. https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/884290/Ahmed_Chowdhury.pdf
  2. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). (2024). Garment industry overview. https://www.bgmea.com.bd/
  3. Evans, G. W. (2003). The built environment and mental health. Journal of Urban Health, 80(4), 536–555. https://doi.org/10.1093/jurban/jtg063
  4. International Labour Organization (ILO). (2023). Employment trends in Bangladesh’s garment sector. ILO Dhaka. Bangladesh - International Labour Organization
  5. Lovibond, S. H., & Lovibond, P. F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (2nd ed.). Psychology Foundation of Australia. Book reference (DASS-21 available at: https://www2.psy.unsw.edu.au/dass)
  6. Shamsi, T. (2024). Current socio-economic conditions and mental health of female RMG workers: A narrative review. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38460679
  7. Statista. (2023). Value of the global apparel market from 2012 to 2027.  https://www.statista.com/statistics/875389/global-apparel-market-value/
  8. World Bank. (2022). The environmental cost of fast fashion in South Asia. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/04/12/the-environmental-cost-of-fast-fashion
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). (1998). Wellbeing measures in primary health care: The DepCare Project. WHO Regional Office for Europe. https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/130750/E60246.pdf
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Mental health in the workplace: Issues and policies. Geneva: WHO. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/mental-health-in-the-workplace
  11. World Medical Association (WMA). (2013). Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA, 310(20), 2191–2194.  https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.281053
  12. AirVisual. (2023). Bangladesh air quality report: 2023 annual review. IQAir. https://www.iqair.com/world-air-quality

This study investigates the overlooked intersection between environmental degradation and mental health outcomes among garment industry workers. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach involving environmental data analysis, standardized mental health surveys (DASS-21), and in-depth interviews, we examine conditions in Savar and Gazipur, two major garment-producing zones in Bangladesh. The findings reveal significant environmental pollution—including poor air and water quality—and high incidences of anxiety, depression, and stress among workers and its effect on their personal life. The study underscores the need for integrated industrial policies that recognize the human cost of environmental degradation. Recommendations include policy reform, corporate accountability, and mental health interventions.

Keywords : Environmental Degradation, Garment Industry, Mental Health, Bangladesh, Occupational Stress, Industrial Pollution, Mixed-Methods Research.

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Paper Submission Last Date
31 - December - 2025

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