Health problems of charcoal workers in Igbo-ora community of Oyo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Introduction: Charcoal production has been in existence in Igbo-Ora and neighbouring Elekookan and Igangan communities of Oyo State, Nigeria, for a long time, but has recently become a lucrative and fast expanding business. This study was therefore conducted to identify the common health problems of charcoal workers in the study population, and to assess their awareness of hazards in their workplace.
Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of all charcoal workers in Igbo-Ora and its neighbouring communities. Interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information from 98 consenting respondents. Data was analysed using SPSS 11, and associations tested using chi-square.
Results: Of the 98 respondents, 65 (66.3%) were males while 33 (33. 7%) were females. Their mean age was 31.6 ± 12.9 years. The most commonly reported health problems were backaches (13.7%) and other joints pain (13.3%). Others included headaches (12.0%) and undue tiredness (11.5%). Respondents who had worked for ≥ 6 years were more likely to complain of chest pain 3 (100%) compared to those who had worked for s < 6years 34 37%) (Fisher exact: p =0.05). Boots were the most commonly used protective device (21.4%) and gloves (3.5%) the least used device.
Conclusion: The most commonly reported health problem in this study population was backache. Working for ≥ 6years was marginally significantly associated with developing chest pain. Though most of the respondents were aware of the hazards in their work place, only few used protective devices. There is the need to educate this study population on the risks associated with their work and how to mitigate them. They also need to be encouraged to use protective devices.