Peer-reviewed article
Toward Eradication of Child Labour
Adaobi Ijeoma Bisi-Onyemaechi, Ugo Nnenna Chikani, Pascal U. Chime, Ngozi Rita Mbanefo, Obinna Chukwuebuka Nduagubam et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001A cross-sectional study in Enugu, Nigeria examined the types of child labour and associated harms affecting children aged 6 to 18 years. The most common forms of work were hawking and shopkeeping, with most children working to support their families. Children experienced multiple adverse conditions including prolonged work hours, assault, hunger, sexual abuse, and accidents. Younger children aged 6 to 12 faced significantly higher risk of sexual abuse.
Key points
- Hawking (39.2%) and shopkeeping (22.8%) were the most common forms of child labour
- All participating children experienced prolonged work hours (100%)
- Sexual abuse (14.6%), assault (15.8%), and hunger (15.2%) were common adverse effects
- Children aged 6–12 years had 2.46 times higher odds of experiencing sexual abuse compared to older children (P = 0.005)
- Most children worked to support their families
Limitations
This cross-sectional study describes patterns and associations but cannot establish causality or temporal relationships. The findings are limited to Enugu and may not represent child labour experiences in other regions of Nigeria or other countries.
Abstract
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.