Assessment of workplace hazards among working children in al amen city, Baghdad

Abstract

Back ground: One out of six children in the
world today is involved in child labor, doing
work that is damaging to his or her mental,
physical and emotional development.
Objective: Assessment of some health
problems among the studied working children.
Method; A cross-sectional study was
conducted in Al Amen Primary Health Care
(PHCC) during the period from January to
August 2009, a sample of 6048 children were
selected randomly(3218girls and2866 boys age
between 5-17 years ) and interviewed to collect
information using a structured questionnaire
form, information related to different aspects
of child labor prevention were included in the
form as well as a general medical examination
and laboratory assessment.
Results:. The frequency of child labor was
10.95% among the children study, and the
detection of work related illnesses among
working children was observed in 402 working
children(60.36%).While work related accidents
was 264(39.63%).Both sexes showed
difference in frequency of labor (77% boys
and 23% girls).there was association
between malnutrition and child labor(x2
=64.11
,df=1,p-value<0.05)also such a association
with smoking habit (x2
=98.53,df=1,p-value
<0.05) .The highest frequency of child labor
(32%)was found among 15-17 years age group
of boys. While the highest frequency of child
labor (11.71%)was found among 9-11 years
age group of girls. Out of 666 working
children there are 26 child with lead
poisoning(3.90%).
Conclusion: Child labor can induce many
health problems among the studied working
children