Health problems and other characteristics of child workers in a market in Ibadan

A cross sectional study was conducted on child workers in a large market in Ibadan to determine their social and demographic characteristics and identify their health problems. Two hundred and twenty-five children were interviewed using a questionnaire which sought information on demographic characteristics, occupational and marital status of parents and educational status of children. Information on current illness and injuries occurring within the last three months was obtained. Interview was followed by a physical examination, measurement of packed cell volume and urine examination for schistosoma ova. Of the total of 225 children interviewed 132 (59%) were females and 93 (41%) were males. One hundred and twenty four (55%) of them were from monogamous homes and 95 (42%) were from polygamous homes. Six children did not give a response to this question. Thirty two (14%) had lost one parent. One hundred and sixty three (72%) lived with their parents, 55 (24%) lived with relations, 7(3%) lived with non relatives and 1 lived on the street. One hundred and three (46%) were currently in school, 117 (52%) were out of school and 5 (2%) had never been to school. The most common reason for taking up child work was to earn money needed by parents. Sixty-four children (28%) reported that they had injuries at the time of the survey. Current health problems reported were skin infection (12%), diarrhoea (3%), fever (21%), upper respiratory tract infection (15%), visual problems 4% and musculoskeletal disorders (19%). Thirty six percent ofthese children were underweight. Thirty one children (14%) had schistosoma ova in their urine. One hundred and nineteen children (53%) had at least one health problem. The prevalence of at least one health problem was higher among children who were out of school compared to those in school, 61% and 48% respectively (P < 0.05). The factors responsible for the health and social problems of child workers are complex and the solutions are not simple. Provision of free education by the government will greatly reduce the financial burden on parents and may reduce the number of children on the streets. School attendance and concomitant improvement in parental care may improve the health status of these children.