Examining the knowledge level of the health implications of street hawking on the boy-child in Nsukka, Nigeria, and its practice implications for social work

Abstract

Street hawking cuts across developing nations like Nigeria as a succor for survival to majority of families is increasing daily. Despite the vital role of street hawking to cushion socio-economic hardship situations, its negative health impacts are too significant to be ignored. This study examines the knowledge level of the health implications of street hawking on the boy-child in Nsukka, Nigeria, and the practice implications for social work. A cross-sectional survey was adopted using quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data were collected from a convenience sampling of 50 male street hawkers between 7-18 years old through a structured questionnaire, and purposively selected 5 parents and 2 pediatricians for qualitative data. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. The theoretical framework was drawn from the tenets of the Health Belief Model. The result shows that the general knowledge level of participants on the health impacts of street hawking on boy-child was low (46.0%) and health challenges encountered include pneumonia & frequent colds, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, pains, etc. Thus, the study argued that until the awareness of the impact of street hawking on boy-child is drastically addressed and social workers are involved, the health problems and their concomitant negative effects may perpetuate continuously.