Alcohol consumption and work-related health problems: Exploring the perceptions of Nigerian informal automobile artisans

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is one of the leading factors that lead to work-related health problems worldwide. However, alcohol consumption among informal workers in developing countries is unknown. Using a qualitative method; this study explores the perception of the informal automobile artisans in Nigeria about alcohol consumption and its contribution to workplace health problems among the working population. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 43 automobile artisans from Osun State. Thematic analysis was done using MAXQDA 2020 software. The artisans identified a range of injuries and illnesses. They described the severity of these work-related health problems (WHPs) as either minor, serious or very serious. Moreover, the study shows the prevalence of alcohol consumption among the group. The artisans noted that alcohol consumption is one of the major causes of accidents and injuries among members. They further explained that members take alcohol to get strength for their tasks. The study concluded that using the workplace as a platform to address alcohol consumption is critical to promoting a healthy and productive work environment.