Fisherfolk Exposure to Human Health Risks Through Fish Handling and Processing at Kampi Samaki, Lake Baringo, Kenya

Abstract

Globally, almost 2.78 million deaths that occur are attributed to work related hazards. Fishing is an ancient occupation and like many others it is characterized by numerous hazards and risks. The study aimed at assessing the exposure of fisherfolk to human health risks, through fish handling and processing in Lake Baringo, Kenya. A cross-sectional social survey design was used in the study. Systematic random sampling was employed in selection of 100 fisherfolk at Kampi Samaki. A semi-structured stionnaire was used to collect data on fish handling and processing methods, human health risks and hazards associated with fish handling and processing and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Interviews and observation checklist were also used to collect more information on fish handling and processing and WASH attributes. Data was managed by SPSS 20 software. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Inferential statistics included Pearson Chi square (χ2) Test and multinomial logistic regression (MLR). The level of significance was tested at alpha= 0.05. The study was done due to the prevalent Water related diseases (WRDs) and other potential health risks among fisherfolk in Kampi Samaki. The MLR was conducted to assess the relationship between WASH attributes (water sources, drinking water treatment, presence of sanitation facilities) and the dependent variable, waterborne diseases. The study findings reveal that the fisherfolk encountered risks such as cuts, eye irritability, sunburns, skin burn, and musculoskeletal injuries. The results showed that only 12% of the fisherfolk use personal protective equipment (PPE) at work. Pearson χ2 Test analysis showed there was an association between gender and gender roles (χ2=39.517, p<0.05). Additionally, an association was revealed between occupational health risks and gender (χ2 =16.283, p<0.05). However, there was no association revealed between occupational health risk and marital status (χ2 =1.305, p>0.05). Further, results indicate that 61% of the fisherfolk who suffered from occupational health risks, missed work. It can be concluded that all the fisherfolk at Kampi Samaki are exposed to various health risks while working, thus likely to negatively affect their health. From the study results, it can be recommended that there should be public health campaigns to sensitize fisherfolk on the associated risks in fish handling and rocessing. Fisherfolk should also adequately treat drinking water, store, maintain proper hygiene practices aimed at making water safer and thus improving human health not only among the fisherfolk but all the residents of Kampi Samaki.