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Submitted
May 6, 2023
Accepted
June 21, 2023
Published
June 29, 2023
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Abstract

 Background: Compliance with occupational health and safety policies, monitoring, and evaluation are critical components of a safe workplace. Occupational hazards among community health workers have rarely been studied. This study aimed to assess compliance with occupational health and safety among community health workers in Western Kenya.


Methods: This cross-sectional study used a quantitative data-collection method. A sample of 309 community health workers and community health extension workers was selected using purposive and simple random sampling from 47 counties in Kenya and community health units, respectively. All community health workers in the sampled community units in the administrative locations were included as study participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants.


Results: Approximately one-third of the participants were females, 211(75.9%). Participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 68 years, with a mean of 36.8 years and a peak of 41-50 years, 113 (40.6%). The mean compliance to occupational level was 15.5, with a standard deviation of 6.7. Nearly three-quarters (76.6%) of the participants had low compliance with occupational health policy. A relatively high compliance score was in the 20-30 age group, with a mean score of 2.86±1.07 SD.


Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the implementation of an occupational health policy to improve the care and safety of community health workers in Kenya.

Keywords

Policy Community Health Health Works Occupational Health Safety Compliance community-based participatory research

Article Details

How to Cite
Njororai, F., Ganu, D., Cholo , W., & Kogutu Nyaranga, C. (2023). Occupational Health and Safety Policy Compliance among Community Health Workers in Western Kenya. Pan-African Journal of Health and Environmental Science, 2(1). Retrieved from https://journals.aua.ke/ajhes/article/view/357
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