| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2022 | Volume
: 31
| Issue : 5 | Page : 515-520 |
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Toward eradication of child labour: Assessment of the present situation in a Nigerian City
Adaobi Ijeoma Bisi-Onyemaechi1, Ugo Nnenna Chikani1, Pascal Uwadiegwu Chime1, Ngozi Rita Mbanefo1, Obinna Chukwuebuka Nduagubam2, Ndubuisi Anyele Uwaezuoke1
1 Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla, Nigeria
2 Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Adaobi Ijeoma Bisi-Onyemaechi
Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/NJM.NJM_67_22
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Background: Child labour deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity and is harmful to their physical and mental development. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and adverse effects associated with child labour in Enugu, Nigeria. Patients, Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using an in-depth interviewer-administered questionnaire guide on child labour and adverse effects among children aged 6 to <18 years. Results: The most common labour was hawking (39.2%) and shopkeeping (22.8%). Majority of the children work to support their families. Adverse conditions experienced by the participants include prolonged work hours (100%), assault (15.8%), hunger (15.2%), sexual abuse (14.6%), and accidents (9.9%). Children aged 6–12 years were at a higher risk of sexual abuse (P = 0.005, odds ratio = 2.463, 95% confidence interval = 1.311–4.630). Conclusion: Children in Enugu are still involved in the various forms of child labour which have detrimental effects on their well-being.
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