CHILD LABOR IN CAR-REPAIR WORKSHOPS: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND HEALTH HAZARDS

Introduction: Child labor has serious impact on physical and psychological development of children. In addition, it affects their educational and academic performance. Aim of Work: to identify the socio-demographic characteristics of children working in car repair workshops in Al-Sadat area of Assiut city and to recognize some of its adverse health consequences. Materials and Methods: A crosssectional design study was conducted in Assiut; Egypt among 160 young workers aged 717 years old currently working at car repair workshops. A structured interview questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic data, occupational history, work-related injuries and illnesses during last 2 years. All children were subjected to clinical and laboratory examinations. Results: About three-quarters (72.5%) of the working children had large-sized families; their parents were illiterate/read and write (72.5% and 87.5% respectively). About one quarter (22.5%) of the studied children was smokers and smoking rate was higher with increase work duration/day. Helping their families in expenditures was the most common reason for starting work (43.1%). About 8% of the working children suffered from allergy-related symptoms especially among car painters group. The prevalence of work-related injuries was about 18% and there was positive correlate between frequency of injury and work duration. About half of the studied group was anemic (56.2%). Conclusion and Recommendations: Children working in car repair workshops are exposed to unsafe working conditions, hence they Elghazally SA et al. 106