Health problems, workplace hazards and health needs of artisans in Ibadan, Nigeri

Abstract

Background: Artisans constitute a significant proportion of the workforce in Nigeria and arc exposed to workplace hazards which pose a risk to their health. Little or no occupational health services are provided for these workers who are mainly in the informal sector. Aims: To assess health problems, workplace hazards and health care needs of artisans as a basis for developing occupational health services for these workers Methods: A community-based cross sectional study was carried out. A total sampling of artisans in Ward 3 of Ibadan North Local Government area was done. A semi-structure d interviewer administered questionnaire was utilized to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression at 5% level of significance. Results: A total of 509 artisans were interviewed comprising tailors, mechanics, hairdressers, welders and carpenters. Reported work related health problems include musculo-skeletal/joint pain (63.3%) and low back pain (54.7%). Needle pricks was the commonest accident mostly among tailors (79.9%) and hairdressers (57.8%). Cuts and lacerations were the commonest injuries mostly among carpenters (96.7%) and mechanics (90.9%). Hazards reported were physical; noise (71.0%), chemical; fumes (43.4%), mechanical; sharp metals (85.9%), biological, insect bites (91.0%) and psychosocial; low income (68.9%). These hazards differed by occupational groups. Singles were more likely to have work place accidents. Respondents working for > 8 hours per day were more likely to experience occupational injury compared to those working for < 8 hours per day. Conclusion: Occupational health services and health education on control of workplace hazards and accident prevention is needed for this group of workers.