HEALTH RELATED PROBLEMS OF WOMEN CASSAVA PROCESSORS IN ODEDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cassava is largely grown and processed to different products such as gaari and cassava flour (Lafun) by women who are exposed to hydrogen cyanide fumes and thus, experienced health related problems. This study investigates health problems associated with cassava processors in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents used for the study while an interview schedule was used to elicit information from them. Data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages and mean) and inferential statistics (Chi-square (ᵪ2) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC).The findings show that most of the respondents (53.37%) fell within the age range of 21 – 40 years. Majority (76%) were married with a moderate household size of six. About 55% had non-formal education and 78.3% were Christian. Most of the respondents (71.71%) belonged to one social organization or the other. Respondents’ health related problem was significantly influenced by level of education ᵪ 2 = 12.591, P = 0.050. Significant relationship also existed between age (r = 0.231, P =0.011), household size (r = 0.274, p = 0.010) and level of respondents’ health related constraints. The level of health related problems of respondents was high in spite of being matured, married and with a large household size. The study recommends that women Cassava processors should be encouraged to wear protective coverings such as hand gloves, aprons and health care and safety information should be aired on the radio, television and print media. This will avail the women cassava processors with information on how better to prevent health problems.