Child labor and health: a systematic literature review of the impacts of child labor on child’s health in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Ibrahim, A., Abdalla, S. M., Jafer, M., Abdelgadir, J., de Vries, N.
Journal: Medicine and Public Health Research Journal (MPHRJ), ISSN 1694-4593
Citation: MPHRJ 3(1), 2022-08-04.
DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy018
Type: Original Research
Abstract
This systematic literature review (SLR) assesses the existing evidence on the health impact of child labor in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023403328). We searched six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) using keywords such as “child labor,” “child health,” and “LMICs.” Studies published from January 2000 to December 2022 were included. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review of eligible articles. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. A total of 105 studies were included, with the majority being quantitative (96.2%; n = 101). Africa had the highest number of included studies (52.4%; n = 55), followed by Asia (24.8%; n = 26). The median sample size was 831 (interquartile range, 342–2,187). Most of the included studies indicated that child labor negatively affects the physical and mental health of children. The most reported negative impacts were musculoskeletal problems, respiratory problems, injuries, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The review highlights a critical global health problem, emphasizing the urgent need for multisectoral interventions to protect children from the detrimental health consequences of child labor. Establishing a robust surveillance system for child labor and its health outcomes is crucial to inform policy and intervention strategies. Methodologically sound primary studies with longitudinal designs are needed to strengthen the evidence base and unravel causal pathways.
Keywords
Child labor, Child health, Low- and middle-income countries, Systematic literature review, Health impact
Full Text
This systematic literature review (SLR) assesses the existing evidence on the health impact of child labor in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023403328). We searched six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) using keywords such as “child labor,” “child health,” and “LMICs.” Studies published from January 2000 to December 2022 were included. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review of eligible articles. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. A total of 105 studies were included, with the majority being quantitative (96.2%; n = 101). Africa had the highest number of included studies (52.4%; n = 55), followed by Asia (24.8%; n = 26). The median sample size was 831 (interquartile range, 342–2,187). Most of the included studies indicated that child labor negatively affects the physical and mental health of children. The most reported negative impacts were musculoskeletal problems, respiratory problems, injuries, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The review highlights a critical global health problem, emphasizing the urgent need for multisectoral interventions to protect children from the detrimental health consequences of child labor. Establishing a robust surveillance system for child labor and its health outcomes is crucial to inform policy and intervention strategies. Methodologically sound primary studies with longitudinal designs are needed to strengthen the evidence base and unravel causal pathways.