Perceived Work-Related Health Effects and Associated Factors Among Grinding Workers in Sagamu, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Workers in informal grinding industries are frequently exposed to multiple occupational hazards, yet data on their self-reported health effects remain limited. Understanding these perceptions is critical for designing practical preventive interventions in resource-limited settings.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported health effects among commercial grinding workers in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 347 randomly selected commercial grinding workers in Sagamu, Nigeria, from January to September 2025. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression in SPSS version 25 (p < 0.05). The response rate could not be determined because the number of eligible workers approached was not documented.

Results: Overall, 82.4% of respondents reported health effects, most commonly hearing difficulty (19.9%), respiratory symptoms (16.4%), and musculoskeletal discomfort (16.4%). Longer work experience (AOR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03-1.17), longer working hours (AOR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02-1.29), and smoking (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.05-2.56) were associated with higher odds of self-reported health effects, while Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use was associated with lower odds (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21-0.72).

Conclusion: Self-reported health effects were common among grinding workers, particularly hearing, respiratory, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Longer work experience, working hours, smoking, and PPE use were associated with reported health effects. Further studies using objective exposure and clinical assessments are warranted.