Health hazards and risks for abuse among child labor in Jordan

The phenomenon of child labor has become the main concern of developing countries. The literature related to child labor discusses the causes and socioeconomic factors contributing to child labor but few studies examined risks for physical, emotional, and sexual abuse among child labor. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to identify the characteristics of working children as well as identify health risks and risks for abuse associated with child labor. A convenience sample of 41 children working in the industrial city of Irbid were interviewed by using a semistructured interview guide. Findings revealed that children who were engaged in child labor were poor and dropped out of school to assist their families financially. The findings also showed that children were exposed to health hazards such as inhaling chemicals and physical injuries. Physical, verbal, and sexual abuse also were present among these children. The findings from this study concluded that child labor creates an unhealthy environment for socially disadvantaged children. Health professionals, including pediatric and community health care providers, have an instrumental role that needs to be focused on protecting children, enforcing policies, and implementing strategies to help socially and economically disadvantaged children.