ABSTRACT

Background In Uganda, the informal sector, particularly public markets, presents a concerning array of unregulated workplace hazards, predominantly affecting female traders. These hazards pose significant threats to the health of female market traders, who make up the majority of the workforce. However, there has been limited attention given to identifying and addressing the occupational risks faced by these women. This study aimed to assess the occupational hazards and the contributing factors to health effects among female market traders in Nakasero market, central Kampala.

Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among female market traders in Nakasero market, central Kampala. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection involved face-to-face, interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using EPIDATA 3.02, STATA 14, and Microsoft Excel, while qualitative data were subjected to deductive thematic analysis.

Results The hazards encompassed biological risks, where a significant proportion reported suffering from mosquito bites within the market (87.36%), and urinary tract infections (UTIs) attributed to microorganisms stemming from unclean toilet facilities (80.46%). Furthermore, the investigation revealed the presence of physical, ergonomic, and psychological hazards, all of which posed a threat to the health of female market traders.

Various factors contributed to the health effects experienced by these traders. Notably, many of them endured prolonged working hours without adequate rest or sleep, with 47% of female market traders spending over 12 hours in the market. The study also found that a majority of respondents failed to use personal protective equipment (PPE), totaling 70.49%. Additionally, a substantial portion (42%) admitted to not practicing proper hand hygiene while in the market. Issues related to sanitary facilities were prevalent, including a shortage of toilet stalls, unclean conditions, and occasional water shortages. Poor market infrastructure, inadequate working space, and overcrowding further compounded the challenges faced by female market traders.

The health effects and problems reported by these traders encompassed a spectrum of issues, including musculoskeletal pain, malaria, UTIs, respiratory problems, COVID-19, skin conditions, headaches, and obesity.

Conclusion This study underscores the ongoing occupational hazards and health effects faced by female market traders in public markets throughout Uganda, arising from a combination of various contributing factors. Addressing these issues is crucial to safeguard the well-being of these women and improve their working conditions.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This study did not receive any funding

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Higher Degrees Research and Ethics Committee of Makerere University School of Public Health and Nakasero market administration offices to allow for the research to be conducted at their sites.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

Data Availability

All data produced in the present work are contained in the manuscript

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONSWIEGOWomen In Informal Employment: Globalizing and OrganizingILOInternational Labour OrganizationCOSDOHCommission on Social Determinants of HealthKCCAKampala Capital City AuthorityWHOWorld Health OrganizationPPEPersonal Protective EquipmentMSDsMusculoskeletal DisordersOSHOccupational Safety and HealthLMISLabor Market Information StatusSANITATIONthe practice of keeping places clean and healthySSASub Saharan AfricaSDstandard deviationKIkey informantKIIkey informant interviewUTIurinary tract infections.