Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Naoyo Mori

Abstract

Maintaining due diligence on safety practices at the workplace of battery technicians is the most cost-effective intervention against lead-related hazards. The safety practice on lead poisoning in Nigeria is below average, and the compliance level is far from the expected target of 90%. Using Dejoy's workplace self-protective behavior theory, this study investigated multilevel factors that influence safety practices on lead poisoning and compared the rate of utilization of personal protective equipment by battery technicians in the organized and roadside settings. The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, and a multistage and systematic sampling technique was used to select 293 adult battery technicians aged 18 years and above. Hypotheses were tested with chi-square and multivariate logistic regressions at the significant level of p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. The outcome of the safety practice status of battery technicians is 20%, and the rate of utilization of personal protective equipment is 18% in Lagos, Nigeria. Findings revealed that workplace conditions, blood lead levels, knowledge, education, and the rate of utilization of personal protective equipment are predictors of the safety practice status of battery technicians. There was no significant difference between battery technicians in the organized and roadside setting considering the perceived risk of lead poisoning and utilization of personal protective equipment. The positive social change implications of this study include recommendations for battery technicians to use the evolved alternative safety approaches to reduce lead-related hazards. Public health professional and policymakers should invest resources towards reducing the impact of lead poisoning on battery technicians at the workplace.

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