The magnitude of injury problems among child labourers in a rural community of Bangladesh: findings from an injury surveillance system

Abstract

Child labour is an important topic in contemporary society. In this study we have tried to explore the magnitude of injury problems among child labourers in Bangladesh using an injury surveillance system. An injury surveillance system (ISS) was performed under the Prevention of Child Injuries through Social intervention and Education (PRECISE) project in Bangladesh during 2006–2010 in three sub-districts covering a population of more than 700 000. We used the ISS for assessing child labour. Appropriate epidemiological methods were considered in the study. Considering the reported main occupation of the children, 30% of children from the surveillance households were identified as child labourers. More than two thirds of child labourers were educated to primary or secondary level. The majority of boys worked as unskilled labourers and girls were employed in domestic work. The incidence of injury and deaths among child labourers was estimated as 24 per 100 000 children years. More than 19 injury related illnesses of moderate to severe intensity were found among 1000 child labourers in a year. Fractures, sprains, dislocations, cuts/wounds, animal bites, abrasions or lacerations, burns, head injuries and internal organ injuries are most common among child labourers. Working children are at risk of injury, death and illness in Bangladesh. Child labourers are now even more clearly tied to quantified morbidity and mortality.