Sexual practices and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among hairdressers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.

The environment in salons provides hairdressers the opportunity to discuss sexual exploits which may promote unhealthy sexual behaviour and increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim of the study was to determine sexual practices and knowledge and experience of STIs among hairdressers. The study was carried out in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. A total of 1700 hairdressers were selected by cluster sampling technique. Predictors of risky sexual behaviour, knowledge and experience of STIs were identified. Their mean age was 27.0 ± 8.1 years, 860 (50.6%) were single. Majority of them, 1453(85.5%) had ever had sex. The mean age at sexual debut was 15.9 years. Mean knowledge score of STIs was 14.0 out of 25. Only 158(9.3%) experienced symptoms of STIs in the last 12 months. Among singles, senior secondary education was a predictor of ever had sex (odds ratio [OR]: 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-3.13), good knowledge of STIs (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.45-2.83) and experience of STIs in the last 12 months (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.53-3.13). Hairdressers, especially singles, are a vulnerable group at risk of reproductive health morbidities. There is a need to focus reproductive health interventions on this occupational group.

Sanitary conditions of abattoirs in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The environment in the abattoir is of public health concern because of its implications on the quality of meat sold in the markets. The poor sanitary states of abattoirs have been reported in the literature. Very few studies have provided a comprehensive assessment of the sanitary conditions in the abattoir premises. This study sought to assess the compliance of abattoirs in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria with standards set by Federal Ministry of Environment. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Ibadan using an observational checklist adapted from Policy guidelines on market and abattoir sanitation by the Federal Ministry of Environment. Twelve (12) abattoirs in Ibadan metropolis were assessed. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Concerning general inspection, only one (8.3%) of the abattoirs had adequate access route, potable water supply and functional drainage system. Many had poor solid waste management practices as heaps of refuse littered the surroundings. Internal inspection of the abattoirs revealed that two (16.7%) had adequate space and facilities. Ten (83.3%) had first aid posts even though they were not equipped with materials. Eleven (91.7%) abattoirs had toilet facilities that were either poorly kept or abandoned. CONCLUSION: This study showed that most of the abattoirs in Ibadan metropolis were operating under unhygienic and sub-standard conditions and lacked basic requirements for a good abattoir as stipulated in the Policy Guidelines on Market and Abattoir Sanitation. There is an urgent need to enforce the minimum standards as stipulated in the policy guidelines.

Perception and practice of child labour among parents of school-aged children in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The problem of child labour has lingered on in many countries because of the complex combination of social, cultural and economic factors involved. Parents play a critical role in child labour as it provides much needed extra income for the family. This study was carried out among parents of school-aged children in an urban, low-income community to determine the factors associated with child labour and attitudes to child labour in the community. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in an urban community in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to parents of school-aged children. RESULTS: A total of 473 parents were interviewed. They were aged between 23 and 56 years, mean 37.9 years. Thirty-nine per cent of parents indicated that they thought their school-aged children should work. More women than men, those from polygamous homes and those with lower educational status held this view. Reasons given for wanting their children to work were to supplement family income, 45%, to gain experience, 35% and to help in family business, 10%. In all, 236 (50%) respondents reported that their school-aged children were working. Parental factors associated with practice of child labour were polygamous marriage, low educational status, unskilled or partly skilled occupation and large family size. Seventeen per cent of parents with working children were not satisfied with their children's work conditions and complained of low earnings, long working hours, work on school days and unsafe work environment. Measures suggested to control child labour include addressing the issue of household poverty, public enlightenment about the ills of child labour and free education up to junior secondary level. Enforcement of child labour laws was the least mentioned. CONCLUSION: We conclude that control of child labour should be a multifaceted approach involving poverty alleviation, family planning to reduce family size and free, compulsory education up to junior secondary level. Public enlightenment especially for mothers will be of additional benefit.

Reported occupational hazards and illnesses among hairdressers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hairdressers work in small scale enterprises with little or no health supervision in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: To identify workplace hazards and health problems of workers in this trade. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in hairdressing salons in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to a total of 355 hairdressers by trained interviewers. Information on work conditions, workplace hazards, accidents and current illnesses was obtained. RESULTS: All respondents were females comprising 295 qualified hairdressers and 60 apprentices. They were aged 15-49 years, mean 29 +/- 6.9 years. With respect to work conditions, hairdressers complained of long working hours, poor earnings and prolonged standing. Occupational hazards identified included needles used for fixing hair attachments, 157 (44%), hair relaxing creams, 114 (32%), blades, 38 (11%), handling hot water, 16 (4%) and electrical equipment, 8 (2%). Types of accidents reported were needle pricks, cuts, accidents involving hot water and electric shock. Joint pains (21%) and low back pain (19%) were the most frequently reported illnesses among hairdressers. Hand dermatitis was reported by 5% of hairdressers. CONCLUSION: The hairdressers' work environment has predominantly mechanical and chemical hazards. Long working hours and poor earnings in a physically demanding job, as highlighted in this study are characteristic of small scale enterprises. The regulation of work conditions in this sector continues to pose a challenge to occupational health authorities in developing countries.

Contraceptive use among hairdressers in South-west Nigeria.

Hairdressers and their apprentices are mostly women in their reproductive years. The social environment in hairdressing salons provides the opportunity to discuss sexual exploits among peers and may influence decisions on sexual behavior. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and use of contraceptives among hairdressers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics and knowledge and use of contraceptive methods among hairdressers in Ibadan, South-west Nigeria. A total of 355 hairdressers were interviewed: 60 apprentices (17%) and 295 qualified hairdressers (83%); 110 (31%) single and 240 (67%) married. They were females aged 15 - 49 years (mean 29 +/- 6.9 years). Some 70% of single women had regular sexual partners. A total of 24 single women (21%) had been pregnant and 20 (18%) had abortions. Some 121 (34%) of the study population were currently using contraceptives: 27 single and 94 married respondents. The prevalence of contraceptive use among sexually active single women was 34%. The condom was the most known and used contraceptive method. The major reasons for non-use of contraceptives were fear of side-effects (23%); need for more children (16%); or respondents were not engaged in sexual activity (12%). Contraceptive use among sexually active single hairdressers is lower than the national average. Workplace educational intervention is needed to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among these young women.

Perception of cigarette smoking and advertisement among senior secondary school students in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking among youths is increasingly a public health concern. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine the prevalence of smoking among secondary school students and to assess their perception of smoking and cigarette advertisement. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 1,223 senior secondary school students in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking among this population was 41 (3.4%) with 115 (9.4%) reporting that they had ever smoked. Mean age of smoking initiation was 14.2 years. Smoking was greater among males than females and in higher secondary school classes. Only 700 (57%) of students knew that smoking was harmful to their health and 477 (39%) reported that they had been taught about the harmful effects of smoking in the school teaching programme. Twenty-six percent of students had an item with a cigarette brand name on it and 19% had been offered a free cigarette by a cigarette representative. One hundred and twenty-two (10%) of the students indicated that they will smoke when they leave school. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of smoking among students was low, exposure to cigarette advertisements may encourage them to smoke.

Perceptions of child labour among working children in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The adverse effects of child labour on the children's psychological development continue to raise concerns about this public health problem worldwide. Several views have been presented by child health authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international agencies. Few studies have focused on the children themselves. This study sought to determine working children's perspective of child labour, its benefits and disadvantages and the working children's perceptions of themselves, and their aspirations for the future. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among working children in a large market in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to all consenting children. RESULTS: A total of 225 children, 132 females and 93 males, participated in the survey. Their age range was 8-17 years. A total of 103 respondents (46%) were currently in school while 117 (52%) were out of school. Five respondents (2%) had never attended school. A total of 104 (46%) thought that children should not work. However, when asked about the benefits of working, 81 working children (36%) felt that work provided a source of income for them, 52 (23%) indicated that it was a way of helping their parents and 39 (17%) thought it was part of their training to be responsible adults. Bad company, ill health and road traffic accidents were the perceived ill effects of child labour. The majority of the children interviewed were aspiring towards artisan trades and very few towards professional or office jobs. A total of 106 (47%) children perceived themselves as less fortunate than their peers. Fifty-five children (24%) thought that child labour was a sign of deprivation. The perception that child labour is a sign of deprivation was more prevalent among child workers whose highest educational attainment was primary school, child workers who had worked for more than 6 months and those whose earnings were small. CONCLUSION: We recommend that school education for children should be a priority even when the harsh economic realities in their families force parents to send them to work outside the home.

Correlates of self-reported physical health status of students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Young people including university students are a justifiable target for health status assessment as they form a large group that only recently escaped the adverse mortality experiences of childhood. This study was conducted in the University of Ibadan to determine the state and correlates of students' physical health. STUDY DESIGN: Seven hundred and fifty students were randomly selected from all eleven halls of residence by multi stage sampling. Questionnaires derived from the Duke Health Profile, a generic health instrument were administered by trained student peers and responses scored using the recommended guidelines. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 96.5%. The sample consisted of 484 males and 240 females; 602 undergraduate and 122 graduate students giving a male:female ratio of 2:1 and undergraduate:graduate student ratio of 5:1, similar to the ratio in the 18,690 strong general student body. All the university's faculties were represented. Most (92.3%) of the respondents were single. The group had a mean age of 23.8 years (SD 4.6). The mean physical health score was 7.9 (SD 1.67) out of a possible maximum of 10. High scores were significantly associated with male gender and frequent exercise. Sixteen students (2.2%) reported a physical handicap and 122 (16.3%) a medically diagnosed chronic illness. A mean of 1.14 days of disability occurred among the students in the month preceding the survey. Common causes of morbidity reported included fever (59.8%), nervousness (12.4%), cough (12.3%) and sleeping disorders (11.2%). CONCLUSION: The high mean physical health score recorded in this study indicates that students have an overall good level of functioning. However physical health status was associated with several lifestyle and personal factors.

Health problems of mill operators in a tropical African population.

The study reports a questionnaire based survey on mill operators in a large market in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. One hundred and twenty respondents, 65 males and 55 females aged between 18 and 65 years were interviewed and noise measurements were done at various work stations. Health problems reported by these workers include headaches 73%, backache 53% and respiratory symptoms such as cough 37% rhinitis 63% and wheezing 13%. Thirty four respondents (28%) reported a difficulty in hearing mostly due to tinnitus. Four complained of deafness. Twenty-three (19%) had raised blood pressure of 140/90Hg and above. In spite of the high levels of dust in the work environment only 15 (13%) of workers used a face cloth to cover their noses. Noise levels at the work stations ranged from 88-90dB from smaller machines and 101-105 dB for larger machines. None of the workers used hearing protection in any form. Health education of workers and the provision of low cost protective equipment may alleviate the suffering of these workers.

Job satisfaction among primary health care workers in three selected local government areas in southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The primary health care system in Nigeria has been impaired by lack of dedicated workers who are willing to work in the rural areas. This study was carried out to examine factors that enhance job satisfaction among health workers in the primary health care system in Nigeria. METHOD: The study is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in May 2002. The respondents were selected from three local government areas in southwest Nigeria by multistage sampling technique. A standardized structured pre-coded close-ended self-administered questionnaire to collect relevant information on their socio-demographic characteristics and extent of job satisfaction of respondents. RESULT: A total of 125 health workers were interviewed in all. The mean score on job satisfaction was 26.15 out of the total possible score of 49. There was no statistically significant relationship in job satisfaction among the various cadres of health workers considered (p = 0.824). A larger proportion (66.4%) of the health workers were involved with the community based preventive services when compared with the health centre based curative care 33.4% (p < 0.05), there is however no significant difference in satisfaction between this two groups of personnel (p = 0.133). Age and marital status were found to be statistically significant in relation to job satisfaction (p = 0.000 and 0.034 respectively). CONCLUSION: The study shows no significant difference in job satisfaction among the various cadres of health workers in southwest Nigeria. However age and marital status were found to be significant factors influencing job satisfaction among the primary health care workers in Nigeria.

Health related practices of students of the University of Ibadan.

University students are predisposed by environmental factors to adoption of habits that impact on their health Smoking, alcohol abuse, a sedentary lifestyle and failure to use health services appropriately may all impair current or future health. These students represent a large population of young persons but have not been recognised as a specific concern among health care planners except in the area of reproductive health and sexuality. Seven hundred and fifty students of the University of Ibadan were randomly selected from the halls of residence by multi stage sampling. Verbal consent was obtained and trained student peers administered questionnaires to the subjects Seven hundred and twenty-four students returned completed questionnaires, an overall response rate of 96.5% The respondents consisted of 484 males and 240 females Six hundred and two were undergraduate and 122 were graduate students. All the university's faculties were represented. Most (92.3%) of the respondents were single The mean age of the group was 23.8 years (SD 4.6). Current and ever used smoking prevalence was 5.7% and 23.2% respectively. Smokers were predominantly males pursuing degrees in the Arts and Humanities. Current and ever use of alcohol were reported by 24.7% and 46.1% respectively of the students. Main associations with alcohol consumption were with male gender, age less than 30 years, single marital status and non-medical course of study. Only 12 students (1.8%) exercise daily. This study demonstrates the need for continued surveillance of health related habits of young persons, not only for the benefit of the individual students but also for the general population for whom these educated persons represent lifestyle models.

Socio-economic determinants of child labour and attitudes to child labour among school children in Ibadan.

This cross sectional study was designed to compare the characteristics of working and non-working school children. Two hundred and thirty one working and 236 non-working children were interviewed. The socio economic factors associated with child labour were trading as mother's occupation, father's educational status, religion, family type (monogamous vs polygamous) and type of residence. Family type (OR = 0.562, 95% C.I. 0.353-0.897, p = 0.016), religion (OR = 0.559, 95% C.I. 0.361-0.867, p = 0.009) and trading as mother's occupation (O.R = 2.49, 95% CI 1.68-3.68, p = 0.000) were sustained on logistic regression analysis. With regard to attitude to child work, 186 (40%) of all respondents thought that children should be allowed to work. The majority of those who held this opinion 150, were child workers. Ten percent of working children had themselves chosen to work without any parental influence to do so. Seventy five respondents had ever repeated a class. Forty nine of these were working children a prevalence of 21% of repeaters compared to 26 non working children, (11%.) p = 0.004. Sixty eight percent of children aspiring to careers in artisan trades were child workers. Road traffic accidents and poor school performance were the commonest adverse effects of child labour indicated by school children. Parents should be educated about the adverse effects of child labour on child development. As poverty is one of the major root causes of child labour, free and compulsory primary education may help to reduce the notion of child work as an option for survival in poor families.

Risk factors for low back pain among office workers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is the most common musculo-skeletal problem in the workplace. Data from low-income countries are scant. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for low back pain among office workers in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Questionnaires were distributed among office workers in the civil service in Ibadan, Nigeria. RESULTS: Eight hundred and forty questionnaires were analysed, with a response rate of 66%. The 12 month prevalence of low back pain was 38% and the point prevalence was 20%. Low back pain was significantly associated with senior staff grade and smoking. Severity of low back pain was associated with sitting for >3 h. Only 16 respondents (5%) reported sickness absence due to back pain in the previous year. A total of 75 days were lost, a mean of 4.7 days per year. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of low back pain in this study is comparable with that reported in studies from more industrialized countries, but does not constitute a major cause of sickness absence in this group of workers.

Psychosocial problems of pre-clinical students in the University of Ibadan Medical School.

Recent changes in the psychosocial environment of the university campus such as the steep rise in student numbers, the high cost of living standards and the increase in violence and cult activities has prompted the need to assess the impact of these changes on the students. A cross sectional study was carried out among pre-clinical medical students to identify their psychosocial problems. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information about socio-demographic variables including age, sex, sources of financial support, type of accommodation, smoking and drinking habits and use of recreational facilities. Causes of insecurity and depression among students were also recorded. The General Health Questionnaire GHQ-12 was used to assess their mental health status. One hundred and seventy-six students responded to the enquiry, 94 males (53%) and 80 females (45%). One hundred and thirty-seven (79%) live on the campus while 37 (21%) live off campus. Only 9 of the students (5%) were smokers and 28 (16%) were drinkers. Monthly pocket money ranged from Naira 1,000 to Naira 25,000. Forty-one (23%) thought their pocket money was adequate, 92 (52%) thought it was fair and 39 (22%) thought it was inadequate. Causes of insecurity on the campus were cultism 34 (19%), lack of money 27 (15%), lack of textbooks 13 (7%) and stealing 10 (6%). Causes of depression include fear of failure of examinations, 62 (35%), lack of money, 48 (27%) and family problems 17 (10%). Mental health scores ranged from 1 to 10. Using a cut off point of 3 to delineate those with traits of poor mental health, 35 (21%) fell into the category 15 boys and 20 girls. Mean mental health score were higher for females, those living on campus, smokers and drinkers but this was not statistically significant. Fear of failure of examinations, cultism and lack of money are major concerns among medical students on the main university campus. Counselling services should be provided to assist students with these problems.

Noise levels in the hospital environment in Ibadan.

Noise levels were measured in 3 hospitals in Ibadan; a teaching hospital with approximately 800 beds and 2 general hospitals with about 200 beds each. A type 2 digital integrating sound level meter was used to measure noise levels in selected sites. Children's clinics and wards in the teaching hospital recorded the highest noise levels, 68-73db(A) and 55-77db(A) respectively, compared to similar facilities for adults. High noise levels 74-89dB(A) were also recorded in the operating rooms. Noise levels above 80db (A) were recorded in service areas such as the boiler room, and laundry and generator rooms in the teaching hospital. Corresponding sites in the general hospitals were less noisy as such services are provided at a minimum in these hospitals. Sleep interference is known to occur at noise levels recorded in this study. Staff conversation makes a large contribution to noise levels in patient care areas. The use of hospital equipment in patient care also contributes to the noise levels especially in operating room. This can be reduced if attention is drawn to this as an important part of patient care. Noise levels in service areas need to be monitored closely and workers in those areas may need hearing protection and regular audiometric assessment.

Psychosocial problems of clinical students in the University of Ibadan Medical School.

A cross sectional study was carried out among medical students in the University of Ibadan to identify their socio economic and psychological problems. Three hundred and sixteen students, 159 males and 157 females participated in the study. The questionnaire, which was self-administered, sought information about sources of financial support, type of accommodation, use of recreational facilities, smoking and drinking habits and sources of stress and insecurity on the campus. The GHQ-12 was used to assess their mental status. Ninety-four percent of students were sponsored by their parents. Average monthly income as pocket money ranged from N800-N15,000. Sixty-three (20%) reported that their pocket money was inadequate and 11 (3.5%) engage in business ventures to supplement their income. Two hundred and fifty-seven (81%) live on the campus, 11 (3.5%) were current smokers and 54 (18%) were current drinkers. Stealing and lack of money were the commonest causes of insecurity on the campus. Lack of money, fear of failure of examinations, family problems and broken relationships were reported as causes of depression among this study population. GHQ scores ranged from 1 to 9 using a cut-off point of 3 scores, 38 students (12.0%) were categorised as having traits of poor mental health. GHQ scores were not associated with age, sex, smoking or drinking status or students' assessment of the adequacy of their pocket money. However, living off campus and poor self-perception were associated with poor mental health (p < 0.01). Counseling services should be provided in the medical school to assist students to handle issues that constitute a source of stress in their psychosocial environment.

Health and safety of laboratory science students in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Laboratory science students are engaged in laboratory practice under supervision during the course of their training programme. They are exposed to the risk of laboratory-acquired infection and need to be adequately informed and equipped with facilities to protect their health. A questionnaire was administered to laboratory science students to determine their perception of hazards in laboratory practice and the observance of safety codes in their work practices. Of 128 students, 118 completed the questionnaire, a response rate of 92%. Sixty of them (51%) were males and 53 (45%) were females; five students did not indicate their sex. The results revealed that only 34 (29%) of the students use gloves for handling biological samples and 26 (22%) use gloves for handling clinical waste. Ninety-four students (80%) reported that they washed their hands after handling specimens. Eighteen of the students (15%) had been immunised against tuberculosis, 80 (68%) against tetanus, six (5%) against hepatitis B, and 18 (15%) against yellow fever. Ninety-six students (81%) thought the greatest hazard in laboratory practice was harmful biological organisms, while 13 (11%) indicated that chemical agents were the greatest hazard. Virology was thought to be the most hazardous specialty by 41 students (35%) while morbid anatomy was ranked as least hazardous by 48 (41%) of the students. These findings indicate that whilst laboratory science students are aware of the hazards in laboratory practice, this knowledge is not translated to safe practices and students may endanger their health as a result of exposure to laboratory practice. They therefore need to be provided with adequate facilities to protect themselves and adequate supervision to ensure that they imbibe safe work practices during their training years.

Health problems and other characteristics of child workers in a market in Ibadan.

A cross sectional study was conducted on child workers in a large market in Ibadan to determine their social and demographic characteristics and identify their health problems. Two hundred and twenty-five children were interviewed using a questionnaire which sought information on demographic characteristics, occupational and marital status of parents and educational status of children. Information on current illness and injuries occurring within the last three months was obtained. Interview was followed by a physical examination, measurement of packed cell volume and urine examination for schistosoma ova. Of the total of 225 children interviewed 132 (59%) were females and 93 (41%) were males. One hundred and twenty four (55%) of them were from monogamous homes and 95 (42%) were from polygamous homes. Six children did not give a response to this question. Thirty two (14%) had lost one parent. One hundred and sixty three (72%) lived with their parents, 55 (24%) lived with relations, 7(3%) lived with non relatives and 1 lived on the street. One hundred and three (46%) were currently in school, 117 (52%) were out of school and 5 (2%) had never been to school. The most common reason for taking up child work was to earn money needed by parents. Sixty-four children (28%) reported that they had injuries at the time of the survey. Current health problems reported were skin infection (12%), diarrhoea (3%), fever (21%), upper respiratory tract infection (15%), visual problems 4% and musculoskeletal disorders (19%). Thirty six percent ofthese children were underweight. Thirty one children (14%) had schistosoma ova in their urine. One hundred and nineteen children (53%) had at least one health problem. The prevalence of at least one health problem was higher among children who were out of school compared to those in school, 61% and 48% respectively (P < 0.05). The factors responsible for the health and social problems of child workers are complex and the solutions are not simple. Provision of free education by the government will greatly reduce the financial burden on parents and may reduce the number of children on the streets. School attendance and concomitant improvement in parental care may improve the health status of these children.

Prevalence of low back pain among staff in a rural hospital in Nigeria.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural hospital in south-western Nigeria to determine the prevalence of low back pain among its staff. The questionnaire administered to staff sought information on social and demographic characteristics, job history, smoking status, frequency and severity of low back pain and factors predisposing to low back pain. Seventy-four out of a total of 80 workers participated in the study. The prevalence of low back pain among staff was 46%. The highest prevalence of back pain (69%) was recorded among nursing staff, followed by secretaries/administrative staff (55%) and cleaners/aides (47%). Heavy physical work (45%), poor posture (20%) and prolonged standing or sitting (20%) were the most frequent activities reported to be associated with low back pain among these workers. The prevalence of low back pain among these workers is comparable to that of workers in high income countries. Health education on posture and correct lifting techniques can be introduced to reduce the burden of low back pain among these workers.

Environmental hazards of automobile mechanics in Ibadan, Nigeria.

A cross sectional survey was conducted among automobile mechanics and technicians in Ibadan to determine the socio-demographic characteristics and environmental hazards of these workers. Three hundred workers were interviewed. All respondents were males aged between 13 and 72 years of age. Educational attainment was poor, with only 20% of respondents having completed secondary education. Sanitation facilities were inadequate. Forty percent of workshops provided facilities for refuse disposal. Of the 33 workshops visited, only 1 provided toilet facilities. Most workers used facilities in neighbouring residential premises. Only three workshops (9%) had designated eating areas. Occupational exposure to petrol was common to all trades. Other occupational exposures were to petrochemicals such as engine oil and brake oil. Protective clothing was not used by the majority of workers. Only 25 (8%) respondents were wearing overalls at the time of our visit. This findings illustrate the typical work conditions of workers in small scale industries. There is a need for health education programmes about occupational and non-occupational diseases. This and other health promotion activities can be organized through the unions.