ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RISK AND AWARENESS OF SCAVENGERS TO COVID-19 IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL, NIGERIA

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational health risk of scavengers and their awareness to covid-19 in Abuja Municipal Area Council of the FCT a view to acknowledge the vulnerability of scavengers in the pandemic and how they simultaneously pose a threat to the general public. Methodology: A descriptive survey research was employed for the study. The population consisted of 277 scavengers, from 12 sites in Abuja Municipal Area Council. The instrument used for this study was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into five sections. The first section collected information on socioeconomic characteristics of scavengers. The second section collected information on awareness on Covid 19 and sources of information. The third section was on use of safety tools and hygiene practices of scavengers. The forth section was on occupational injuries and diseases associated with scavenging and the fifth section was on measures taken to reduce health effects of scavenging. The questionnaire was interview-administered to the scavengers.  Findings: The study revealed that 82.6 % of scavengers believe in the existence of Covid-19 pandemic. About 58.4% do no use hand gloves and 64.6 % do not wear boots during work. Majority (90 %) of scavengers have sustained injuries from glass and sharp objects and about 71 %  form nails .Occupational disease associated with scavenging include skin rash and (83.4 %), back pain, (71.6%), chest pain, (61.4 %), Diarrhoeal ( 56.5 %  and cough (45.20%). Majority (80.7 %) of the scavengers were not prepared to change  their jobs, only about 30.4 % of them were prepared to purchase and  use personal protective equipment as a measure to reduce  occupational injury and diseases. About 53.9 % of them use illicit drugs (mainly marijuana) to overcome the stress of the job. Recommendations: The study, recommend that scavenging be legalized, so that the government and nongovernmental organizations can help in educating the scavengers on the importance of personal hygiene and personal protective equipment in reducing occupational injuries and diseases.