Chimere May Ohajinwa | Leiden University (original) (raw)
Papers by Chimere May Ohajinwa
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019
Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is incre... more Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is increasing, because e-waste contains some hazardous substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which is used as flame retardants in electronics. There is dearth of information on the concentrations of PBDEs and the pattern of distribution at the various e-waste recycling sites in Nigeria. This study therefore measured the concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners, in top soils (0–10 cm) and in various dust samples from different e-waste recycling sites (burning, dismantling, repair). PBDE concentrations at e-waste sites were compared with the concentrations in samples from corresponding control sites in three study locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, and Aba). There were significant differences in the level of PBDEs congeners between each of the e-waste recycling sites and the corresponding control sites. The levels of PBDEs at the e-waste recycling sites exceeded the levels at the ...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019
Concerns about the adverse public health consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recy... more Concerns about the adverse public health consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling are increasing. This study adopted a cross-sectional study design to gain insights into health risks (cancer and non-cancer risks) associated with exposure to e-waste chemicals among informal e-waste workers via three main routes: Dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. The e-waste chemicals (PBDE and metals) were measured in the dust and top soils at e-waste sites (burning, dismantling, and repair sites). Adverse health risks were calculated using the EPA model developed by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States. The concentrations of the e-waste chemicals and the health risks at the e-waste sites increased as the intensity of the e-waste recycling activities increased: control sites < repair sites < dismantling sites < burning sites. Dermal contact was the main route of exposure while exposure via inhalation was negligible for both carcinogenic and n...
Environmental Research, 2018
License: Article 25fa pilot End User Agreement This publication is distributed under the terms of... more License: Article 25fa pilot End User Agreement This publication is distributed under the terms of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act (Auteurswet) with explicit consent by the author. Dutch law entitles the maker of a short scientific work funded either wholly or partially by Dutch public funds to make that work publicly available for no consideration following a reasonable period of time after the work was first published, provided that clear reference is made to the source of the first publication of the work. This publication is distributed under The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) 'Article 25fa implementation' pilot project. In this pilot research outputs of researchers employed by Dutch Universities that comply with the legal requirements of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act are distributed online and free of cost or other barriers in institutional repositories. Research outputs are distributed six months after their first online publication in the original published version and with proper attribution to the source of the original publication. You are permitted to download and use the publication for personal purposes. All rights remain with the author(s) and/or copyrights owner(s) of this work. Any use of the publication other than authorised under this licence or copyright law is prohibited. If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2017
Insight into the health risk awareness levels of e-waste workers is important as it may offer opp... more Insight into the health risk awareness levels of e-waste workers is important as it may offer opportunities for better e-waste recycling management strategies to reduce the health effects of informal e-waste recycling. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with occupational health risk awareness of e-waste workers compared with a control group (butchers) in the informal sector in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was used to assess health risk awareness of 279 e-waste workers (repairers and dismantlers) and 221 butchers from the informal sector in three locations in Nigeria in 2015. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic backgrounds, occupational history, knowledge, attitude, and work practices. The data was analysed using Analysis of Variance. The three job designations had significantly different knowledge, attitude, and practice mean scores (p = 0.000), with butchers consistently having the highest mean scores. Only 43% of e-waste workers could mention one or more Personal Protective Equipment needed for their job compared with 70% of the butchers. The health risk awareness level of the e-waste workers was significantly lower compared with their counterparts in the same informal sector. A positive correlation existed between the workers' knowledge and their attitude and practice. Therefore, increasing the workers' knowledge may decrease risky practices.
Public Health Nutrition, 2015
ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortif... more ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortification during biannual Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Week (MNCHW) events, as a strategy to improve young child nutrition.DesignWe evaluated the coverage, delivery, use and adherence of MNP, and associated behaviour change communication (BCC) materials and social mobilization, through cross-sectional surveys of caregivers attending health-service distribution events and health workers involved in MNP distribution, facility-based observations of MNP distribution activities and a repeated survey of caregivers in their homes who received MNP for their child.SettingFour Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria.SubjectsCaregivers of children 6–59 months of age attending health-service distribution events.ResultsThe 8 million MNP delivered in this pilot during three distribution events were estimated to reach about one-third of eligible children in the area at each event. Programme...
Injury Prevention, 2016
workers in a semiconductor manufacturing industry reported abnormal health effects of hazard expo... more workers in a semiconductor manufacturing industry reported abnormal health effects of hazard exposure such as abortion, ectopic pregnancy, or stillbirth. In four textile establishments in the Philippines showed high concentration of cotton dust, high level of noise in the weaving areas, and toxic chemicals in bleaching, dyeing, printing and finishing processes. Women in the garment industry were found to be exposed to extreme heat, dust from textile fibres, and ergonomic hazards. In a study conducted in major leather tanneries in the Philippines, results showed that tanneries were unhygienic, damp, with pungent odour, had poor housekeeping, and practiced improper disposal of chemicals. Workers were not given personal protective equipment even when handling toxic chemicals such as sulfuric and formic acids, ammonia, and chromium. In the mines, workers reported of being hit by falling objects, suffocation from chemical fumes, and crushing injuries. The study also looked into small scale and informal industries such as tanning, laundry shops, pyrotechnique manufacturing and the like. Special segments of the labour force including the women workers, child labourers and migrant workers were also covered. In all these sectors and industries, the study showed attendant occupational diseases and injuries arising from occupational hazards. Conclusions The study tried to show more complete data on occupational health and safety in the Philippines considering that there is insufficient collection of OHS data by concerned government agencies.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019
Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is incre... more Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is increasing, because e-waste contains some hazardous substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which is used as flame retardants in electronics. There is dearth of information on the concentrations of PBDEs and the pattern of distribution at the various e-waste recycling sites in Nigeria. This study therefore measured the concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners, in top soils (0-10 cm) and in various dust samples from different e-waste recycling sites (burning, dismantling, repair). PBDE concentrations at e-waste sites were compared with the concentrations in samples from corresponding control sites in three study locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, and Aba). There were significant differences in the level of PBDEs congeners between each of the e-waste recycling sites and the corresponding control sites. The levels of PBDEs at the e-waste recycling sites exceeded the levels at the ...
A B S T R A C T Electronic and electrical equipment contains over 1000 different substances, incl... more A B S T R A C T Electronic and electrical equipment contains over 1000 different substances, including metals. During informal e-waste recycling some of these substances such as metals, are released into the environment causing environmental pollution. This study assessed the impact of different informal e-waste recycling activities (burning, dismantling, and repairing) on metal concentrations in top soils and various dust. A comparative cross-sectional study design was adopted to assess metal concentrations in top soils and in various dust samples from multiple e-waste recycling sites. Metal concentrations at e-waste recycling sites were compared to the concentrations at control sites in three study locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, and Aba). In the three study locations, mean metal concentrations at the e-waste recycling sites exceeded the concentrations at the control sites and the Nigerian standard guideline values by 100 s to 1000 s times. Burning sites showed the highest pollution level, followed by dismantling sites, then repair sites. Our findings show serious environmental and public health concerns. The metal concentrations were also higher than levels reported in other studies at the same locations in Nigeria, indicating that the situation is worsening. This study provides scientific evidence for an urgent need to develop effective strategies to strengthen enforcement of existing e-waste regulations in Nigeria.
Injury Prevention
Despite the large volume of e-waste recycled informally, the prevalence of work-related injuries ... more Despite the large volume of e-waste recycled informally, the prevalence of work-related injuries among e-waste workers is unknown. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with occupational injuries among e-waste workers in the informal sector in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study adopted a multistage sampling method to select 279 respondents from three cities (Ibadan, Lagos and Aba) in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographics, work practices and injury occurrences from the respondents in 2015. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and standard logistic regression. We found high injury prevalence of 38% and 68% in 1-2 weeks and 6 months preceding the study, respectively. The most common injuries were cuts (59%). Injuries were mainly caused by sharp objects (77%). The majority (82%) of the injuries occurred on the hands/fingers. Despite the high occurrence of injury, only 18% of the workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) and 51% of those that use PPE got at least an injury in 1-2 weeks and 88% got at least an injury in 6 months preceding the study. The factors associated with injury in 1-2 weeks were job designation and the geographical location, while the factors associated with injury in 6 months were job designation, geographical location and age. There is a high prevalence of injury and low use of PPE among the e-waste workers in Nigeria. Occupational injury can be reduced through health education and safety promotion programmes for e-waste workers.
ABSTRACT Biomedical wastes (BMWs) generated during diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseases... more ABSTRACT Biomedical wastes (BMWs) generated during diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseases in humans and animals contributes to infection spread. In Nigeria, there is dearth of information about BMW handling practices and vulnerability to sharp-induced injuries among healthcare workers (HCWs). The study assessed wastes handling practices and determined the prevalence of sharps-induced injuries among HCWs in Ibadan. This descriptive cross-sectional study randomly sampled five healthcare facilities (HCFs) and information was obtained from 426 respondents. Observational checklist and in-depth interview (IDI) documented handling practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyse data. Overall mean age was 37.3±9.2 years and the majority (73.9%) of the participants were females. Respondents’ (58.8%) disagreed that it is the responsibility of waste generators to segregate waste. On protective wears practices, 87.4% always use hand gloves; nose mask (26.8%), aprons (23.3%), boots (13.5%), goggles (5.4%,) and 7.7% employed no protective devices. Factors significantly associated with inappropriate handling of sharp wastes include being male health worker (OR=1.98, CI=1.25-3.15, p<0.05), below post-secondary education (OR=1.91, CI=1.14-3.20, p<0.05) and lack of formal training on waste handling (OR=1.95, CI=1.24–3.06, p<0.05). The prevalence of sharps-induced injuries six months preceding the study was 71.8% overall, among wastes handlers (62.7%) and generators (20.1%) p<0.05. Needles caused 73.4% of the injuries and 86.4% of injuries occurred on the fingers. The HCFs had no policy on BMW handling, wastes were not segregated at the point of generation and colour-coded waste bins were not provided. The HCFs lacked incinerators and used private waste disposal companies. The low level of knowledge and inappropriate handling of BMWs predisposes HCWs to risk of sharps-induced injuries. HCFs need to regularly train their staff on appropriate BMWs handling and provide standard equipment and protective wears to reduce sharps-induced injuries and health-related risks associated with indiscriminate BMWs disposal.
Public Health Nutrition, 2015
To determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortification d... more To determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortification during biannual Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Week (MNCHW) events, as a strategy to improve young child nutrition. We evaluated the coverage, delivery, use and adherence of MNP, and associated behaviour change communication (BCC) materials and social mobilization, through cross-sectional surveys of caregivers attending health-service distribution events and health workers involved in MNP distribution, facility-based observations of MNP distribution activities and a repeated survey of caregivers in their homes who received MNP for their child. Four Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria. Caregivers of children 6-59 months of age attending health-service distribution events. The 8 million MNP delivered in this pilot during three distribution events were estimated to reach about one-third of eligible children in the area at each event. Programme fidelity was limited by shortages of MNP, BCC materials and inadequate social mobilization, with some limitations in health worker training and engagement. MNP use was consistent with the recommended two or three sachets per week among 51-69 % of caregivers surveyed at home. MNP coverage was low, but consistent with that typically achieved with other services delivered through MNCHW in Benue. Among caregivers who received MNP, acceptance and use among targeted children was high. While some weaknesses in knowledge and delivery of MNP by health workers were observed, health system strengthening and more extensive social mobilization would be key to achieving higher coverage with MNP and other health services provided through MNCHW.
Insight into the health risk awareness levels of e-waste workers is important as it may offer opp... more Insight into the health risk awareness levels of e-waste workers is important as it may offer opportunities for better e-waste recycling management strategies to reduce the health effects of informal e-waste recycling. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with occupational health risk awareness of e-waste workers compared with a control group (butchers) in the informal sector in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was used to assess health risk awareness of 279 e-waste workers (repairers and dismantlers) and 221 butchers from the informal sector in three locations in Nigeria in 2015. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic backgrounds, occupational history, knowledge, attitude, and work practices. The data was analysed using Analysis of Variance. The three job designations had significantly different knowledge, attitude, and practice mean scores (p = 0.000), with butchers consistently having the highest mean scores. Only 43% of e-waste workers could mention one or more Personal Protective Equipment needed for their job compared with 70% of the butchers. The health risk awareness level of the e-waste workers was significantly lower compared with their counterparts in the same informal sector. A positive correlation existed between the workers' knowledge and their attitude and practice. Therefore, increasing the workers' knowledge may decrease risky practices.
Abstract Background Despite the large volume of e-waste recycled informally, the prevalence of wo... more Abstract
Background Despite the large volume of e-waste recycled informally, the prevalence of work-related injuries among e-waste workers is unknown. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with occupational injuries among e-waste workers in the informal sector in Nigeria.
Methods This cross-sectional study adopted a multistage sampling method to select 279 respondents from three cities (Ibadan, Lagos and Aba) in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographics, work practices and injury occurrences from the respondents in 2015. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and standard logistic regression.
Results We found high injury prevalence of 38% and 68% in 1–2 weeks and 6 months preceding the study, respectively. The most common injuries were cuts (59%). Injuries were mainly caused by sharp objects (77%). The majority (82%) of the injuries occurred on the hands/fingers. Despite the high occurrence of injury, only 18% of the workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) and 51% of those that use PPE got at least an injury in 1–2 weeks and 88% got at least an injury in 6 months preceding the study. The factors associated with injury in 1–2 weeks were job designation and the geographical location, while the factors associated with injury in 6 months were job designation, geographical location and age.
Conclusions There is a high prevalence of injury and low use of PPE among the e-waste workers in Nigeria. Occupational injury can be reduced through health education and safety promotion programmes for e-waste workers.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2016-042265
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019
Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is incre... more Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is increasing, because e-waste contains some hazardous substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which is used as flame retardants in electronics. There is dearth of information on the concentrations of PBDEs and the pattern of distribution at the various e-waste recycling sites in Nigeria. This study therefore measured the concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners, in top soils (0–10 cm) and in various dust samples from different e-waste recycling sites (burning, dismantling, repair). PBDE concentrations at e-waste sites were compared with the concentrations in samples from corresponding control sites in three study locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, and Aba). There were significant differences in the level of PBDEs congeners between each of the e-waste recycling sites and the corresponding control sites. The levels of PBDEs at the e-waste recycling sites exceeded the levels at the ...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019
Concerns about the adverse public health consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recy... more Concerns about the adverse public health consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling are increasing. This study adopted a cross-sectional study design to gain insights into health risks (cancer and non-cancer risks) associated with exposure to e-waste chemicals among informal e-waste workers via three main routes: Dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. The e-waste chemicals (PBDE and metals) were measured in the dust and top soils at e-waste sites (burning, dismantling, and repair sites). Adverse health risks were calculated using the EPA model developed by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States. The concentrations of the e-waste chemicals and the health risks at the e-waste sites increased as the intensity of the e-waste recycling activities increased: control sites < repair sites < dismantling sites < burning sites. Dermal contact was the main route of exposure while exposure via inhalation was negligible for both carcinogenic and n...
Environmental Research, 2018
License: Article 25fa pilot End User Agreement This publication is distributed under the terms of... more License: Article 25fa pilot End User Agreement This publication is distributed under the terms of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act (Auteurswet) with explicit consent by the author. Dutch law entitles the maker of a short scientific work funded either wholly or partially by Dutch public funds to make that work publicly available for no consideration following a reasonable period of time after the work was first published, provided that clear reference is made to the source of the first publication of the work. This publication is distributed under The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) 'Article 25fa implementation' pilot project. In this pilot research outputs of researchers employed by Dutch Universities that comply with the legal requirements of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act are distributed online and free of cost or other barriers in institutional repositories. Research outputs are distributed six months after their first online publication in the original published version and with proper attribution to the source of the original publication. You are permitted to download and use the publication for personal purposes. All rights remain with the author(s) and/or copyrights owner(s) of this work. Any use of the publication other than authorised under this licence or copyright law is prohibited. If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2017
Insight into the health risk awareness levels of e-waste workers is important as it may offer opp... more Insight into the health risk awareness levels of e-waste workers is important as it may offer opportunities for better e-waste recycling management strategies to reduce the health effects of informal e-waste recycling. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with occupational health risk awareness of e-waste workers compared with a control group (butchers) in the informal sector in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was used to assess health risk awareness of 279 e-waste workers (repairers and dismantlers) and 221 butchers from the informal sector in three locations in Nigeria in 2015. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic backgrounds, occupational history, knowledge, attitude, and work practices. The data was analysed using Analysis of Variance. The three job designations had significantly different knowledge, attitude, and practice mean scores (p = 0.000), with butchers consistently having the highest mean scores. Only 43% of e-waste workers could mention one or more Personal Protective Equipment needed for their job compared with 70% of the butchers. The health risk awareness level of the e-waste workers was significantly lower compared with their counterparts in the same informal sector. A positive correlation existed between the workers' knowledge and their attitude and practice. Therefore, increasing the workers' knowledge may decrease risky practices.
Public Health Nutrition, 2015
ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortif... more ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortification during biannual Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Week (MNCHW) events, as a strategy to improve young child nutrition.DesignWe evaluated the coverage, delivery, use and adherence of MNP, and associated behaviour change communication (BCC) materials and social mobilization, through cross-sectional surveys of caregivers attending health-service distribution events and health workers involved in MNP distribution, facility-based observations of MNP distribution activities and a repeated survey of caregivers in their homes who received MNP for their child.SettingFour Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria.SubjectsCaregivers of children 6–59 months of age attending health-service distribution events.ResultsThe 8 million MNP delivered in this pilot during three distribution events were estimated to reach about one-third of eligible children in the area at each event. Programme...
Injury Prevention, 2016
workers in a semiconductor manufacturing industry reported abnormal health effects of hazard expo... more workers in a semiconductor manufacturing industry reported abnormal health effects of hazard exposure such as abortion, ectopic pregnancy, or stillbirth. In four textile establishments in the Philippines showed high concentration of cotton dust, high level of noise in the weaving areas, and toxic chemicals in bleaching, dyeing, printing and finishing processes. Women in the garment industry were found to be exposed to extreme heat, dust from textile fibres, and ergonomic hazards. In a study conducted in major leather tanneries in the Philippines, results showed that tanneries were unhygienic, damp, with pungent odour, had poor housekeeping, and practiced improper disposal of chemicals. Workers were not given personal protective equipment even when handling toxic chemicals such as sulfuric and formic acids, ammonia, and chromium. In the mines, workers reported of being hit by falling objects, suffocation from chemical fumes, and crushing injuries. The study also looked into small scale and informal industries such as tanning, laundry shops, pyrotechnique manufacturing and the like. Special segments of the labour force including the women workers, child labourers and migrant workers were also covered. In all these sectors and industries, the study showed attendant occupational diseases and injuries arising from occupational hazards. Conclusions The study tried to show more complete data on occupational health and safety in the Philippines considering that there is insufficient collection of OHS data by concerned government agencies.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019
Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is incre... more Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is increasing, because e-waste contains some hazardous substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which is used as flame retardants in electronics. There is dearth of information on the concentrations of PBDEs and the pattern of distribution at the various e-waste recycling sites in Nigeria. This study therefore measured the concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners, in top soils (0-10 cm) and in various dust samples from different e-waste recycling sites (burning, dismantling, repair). PBDE concentrations at e-waste sites were compared with the concentrations in samples from corresponding control sites in three study locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, and Aba). There were significant differences in the level of PBDEs congeners between each of the e-waste recycling sites and the corresponding control sites. The levels of PBDEs at the e-waste recycling sites exceeded the levels at the ...
A B S T R A C T Electronic and electrical equipment contains over 1000 different substances, incl... more A B S T R A C T Electronic and electrical equipment contains over 1000 different substances, including metals. During informal e-waste recycling some of these substances such as metals, are released into the environment causing environmental pollution. This study assessed the impact of different informal e-waste recycling activities (burning, dismantling, and repairing) on metal concentrations in top soils and various dust. A comparative cross-sectional study design was adopted to assess metal concentrations in top soils and in various dust samples from multiple e-waste recycling sites. Metal concentrations at e-waste recycling sites were compared to the concentrations at control sites in three study locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, and Aba). In the three study locations, mean metal concentrations at the e-waste recycling sites exceeded the concentrations at the control sites and the Nigerian standard guideline values by 100 s to 1000 s times. Burning sites showed the highest pollution level, followed by dismantling sites, then repair sites. Our findings show serious environmental and public health concerns. The metal concentrations were also higher than levels reported in other studies at the same locations in Nigeria, indicating that the situation is worsening. This study provides scientific evidence for an urgent need to develop effective strategies to strengthen enforcement of existing e-waste regulations in Nigeria.
Injury Prevention
Despite the large volume of e-waste recycled informally, the prevalence of work-related injuries ... more Despite the large volume of e-waste recycled informally, the prevalence of work-related injuries among e-waste workers is unknown. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with occupational injuries among e-waste workers in the informal sector in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study adopted a multistage sampling method to select 279 respondents from three cities (Ibadan, Lagos and Aba) in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographics, work practices and injury occurrences from the respondents in 2015. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and standard logistic regression. We found high injury prevalence of 38% and 68% in 1-2 weeks and 6 months preceding the study, respectively. The most common injuries were cuts (59%). Injuries were mainly caused by sharp objects (77%). The majority (82%) of the injuries occurred on the hands/fingers. Despite the high occurrence of injury, only 18% of the workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) and 51% of those that use PPE got at least an injury in 1-2 weeks and 88% got at least an injury in 6 months preceding the study. The factors associated with injury in 1-2 weeks were job designation and the geographical location, while the factors associated with injury in 6 months were job designation, geographical location and age. There is a high prevalence of injury and low use of PPE among the e-waste workers in Nigeria. Occupational injury can be reduced through health education and safety promotion programmes for e-waste workers.
ABSTRACT Biomedical wastes (BMWs) generated during diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseases... more ABSTRACT Biomedical wastes (BMWs) generated during diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseases in humans and animals contributes to infection spread. In Nigeria, there is dearth of information about BMW handling practices and vulnerability to sharp-induced injuries among healthcare workers (HCWs). The study assessed wastes handling practices and determined the prevalence of sharps-induced injuries among HCWs in Ibadan. This descriptive cross-sectional study randomly sampled five healthcare facilities (HCFs) and information was obtained from 426 respondents. Observational checklist and in-depth interview (IDI) documented handling practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyse data. Overall mean age was 37.3±9.2 years and the majority (73.9%) of the participants were females. Respondents’ (58.8%) disagreed that it is the responsibility of waste generators to segregate waste. On protective wears practices, 87.4% always use hand gloves; nose mask (26.8%), aprons (23.3%), boots (13.5%), goggles (5.4%,) and 7.7% employed no protective devices. Factors significantly associated with inappropriate handling of sharp wastes include being male health worker (OR=1.98, CI=1.25-3.15, p<0.05), below post-secondary education (OR=1.91, CI=1.14-3.20, p<0.05) and lack of formal training on waste handling (OR=1.95, CI=1.24–3.06, p<0.05). The prevalence of sharps-induced injuries six months preceding the study was 71.8% overall, among wastes handlers (62.7%) and generators (20.1%) p<0.05. Needles caused 73.4% of the injuries and 86.4% of injuries occurred on the fingers. The HCFs had no policy on BMW handling, wastes were not segregated at the point of generation and colour-coded waste bins were not provided. The HCFs lacked incinerators and used private waste disposal companies. The low level of knowledge and inappropriate handling of BMWs predisposes HCWs to risk of sharps-induced injuries. HCFs need to regularly train their staff on appropriate BMWs handling and provide standard equipment and protective wears to reduce sharps-induced injuries and health-related risks associated with indiscriminate BMWs disposal.
Public Health Nutrition, 2015
To determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortification d... more To determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortification during biannual Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Week (MNCHW) events, as a strategy to improve young child nutrition. We evaluated the coverage, delivery, use and adherence of MNP, and associated behaviour change communication (BCC) materials and social mobilization, through cross-sectional surveys of caregivers attending health-service distribution events and health workers involved in MNP distribution, facility-based observations of MNP distribution activities and a repeated survey of caregivers in their homes who received MNP for their child. Four Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria. Caregivers of children 6-59 months of age attending health-service distribution events. The 8 million MNP delivered in this pilot during three distribution events were estimated to reach about one-third of eligible children in the area at each event. Programme fidelity was limited by shortages of MNP, BCC materials and inadequate social mobilization, with some limitations in health worker training and engagement. MNP use was consistent with the recommended two or three sachets per week among 51-69 % of caregivers surveyed at home. MNP coverage was low, but consistent with that typically achieved with other services delivered through MNCHW in Benue. Among caregivers who received MNP, acceptance and use among targeted children was high. While some weaknesses in knowledge and delivery of MNP by health workers were observed, health system strengthening and more extensive social mobilization would be key to achieving higher coverage with MNP and other health services provided through MNCHW.
Insight into the health risk awareness levels of e-waste workers is important as it may offer opp... more Insight into the health risk awareness levels of e-waste workers is important as it may offer opportunities for better e-waste recycling management strategies to reduce the health effects of informal e-waste recycling. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with occupational health risk awareness of e-waste workers compared with a control group (butchers) in the informal sector in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was used to assess health risk awareness of 279 e-waste workers (repairers and dismantlers) and 221 butchers from the informal sector in three locations in Nigeria in 2015. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic backgrounds, occupational history, knowledge, attitude, and work practices. The data was analysed using Analysis of Variance. The three job designations had significantly different knowledge, attitude, and practice mean scores (p = 0.000), with butchers consistently having the highest mean scores. Only 43% of e-waste workers could mention one or more Personal Protective Equipment needed for their job compared with 70% of the butchers. The health risk awareness level of the e-waste workers was significantly lower compared with their counterparts in the same informal sector. A positive correlation existed between the workers' knowledge and their attitude and practice. Therefore, increasing the workers' knowledge may decrease risky practices.
Abstract Background Despite the large volume of e-waste recycled informally, the prevalence of wo... more Abstract
Background Despite the large volume of e-waste recycled informally, the prevalence of work-related injuries among e-waste workers is unknown. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with occupational injuries among e-waste workers in the informal sector in Nigeria.
Methods This cross-sectional study adopted a multistage sampling method to select 279 respondents from three cities (Ibadan, Lagos and Aba) in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographics, work practices and injury occurrences from the respondents in 2015. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and standard logistic regression.
Results We found high injury prevalence of 38% and 68% in 1–2 weeks and 6 months preceding the study, respectively. The most common injuries were cuts (59%). Injuries were mainly caused by sharp objects (77%). The majority (82%) of the injuries occurred on the hands/fingers. Despite the high occurrence of injury, only 18% of the workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) and 51% of those that use PPE got at least an injury in 1–2 weeks and 88% got at least an injury in 6 months preceding the study. The factors associated with injury in 1–2 weeks were job designation and the geographical location, while the factors associated with injury in 6 months were job designation, geographical location and age.
Conclusions There is a high prevalence of injury and low use of PPE among the e-waste workers in Nigeria. Occupational injury can be reduced through health education and safety promotion programmes for e-waste workers.