Research Article
Effect of an Occupational Health and Safety Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Practices, Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Injuries Among Oilseed Processing Workers
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
79-91
Received:
4 October 2026
Accepted:
15 October 2026
Published:
29 October 2026
Abstract: Occupational hazards, injuries, work-related illnesses, and fatalities remain core public health challenges in industrial settings. Workers in oilseed processing factories are exposed to multiple occupational risks; however, evidence regarding the effectiveness of occupational health and safety educational interventions in these settings remains limited and not explored and examined. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of educational program on workers occupational health and safety (OHS) knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the prevalence of occupational injuries in oilseed processing (OSP) factories. A quasi-experimental controlled pretest–posttest intervention study design will be conducted among 466 factory workers selected through simple random sampling and equally allocated to intervention and control groups. Around 466 workers recruited from 10 randomly selected OSP factories in Eastern Ethiopia. The factories will be purposively allocated into intervention (n = 5) and control (n = 5) groups based on geographical location, with 233 workers randomly selected from each group (1:1 allocation). Eligible participants will be factory workers aged ≥18 years with at least one year of employment. OHS Educational intervention program will be implemented for 3 months. The intervention consisted of a three-month OHS educational program incorporating health education sessions, on-the-job training, and informational leaflets. Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention. Data will be entered using Epi-Data and analyzed in STATA version 16.1. Between-group differences will be assessed using chi-square, independent t-, and Mann-Whitney tests. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE) will be applied to estimate intervention effects using a difference-in-differences approach. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05. Regarding ethics and dissemination, Ethical approval was obtained from the Jimma University Institute of Health Institutional Review Board (Ref: JUIH/IRPB/217/25). Findings will be disseminated through collaboration with factory management, health professionals, government agencies, community stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations to facilitate the implementation and scale-up of effective workplace OHS interventions. This study will generate robust evidence on the effectiveness of an OHS educational program in enhancing workers OHS knowledge, attitudes, and practices while reducing or not occupational injuries and work-related Musculo-skeletal disorders (WMSDs) among OSP factories workers in Ethiopia. The study is expected to generate context-specific evidence that can inform workplace OHS policies and guide the development of feasible, evidence-based interventions for industrial workers in Ethiopia. At the time of reporting, the intervention is started but not completed, and post-intervention data collection is also not completed.
Abstract: Occupational hazards, injuries, work-related illnesses, and fatalities remain core public health challenges in industrial settings. Workers in oilseed processing factories are exposed to multiple occupational risks; however, evidence regarding the effectiveness of occupational health and safety educational interventions in these settings remains li...
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Research Article
Psychosocial Adaptation and Prosthesis Acceptance Among Male and Female Lower-limb Amputees in Selected Centres in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
92-102
Received:
24 August 2026
Accepted:
4 September 2026
Published:
31 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdh.20260103.12
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Abstract: Lower-limb amputation is associated with substantial physical, psychological, and social challenges that may affect rehabilitation outcomes and prosthesis utilization. In Nigeria, limited rehabilitation services, financial barriers, and sociocultural factors may further influence psychosocial adaptation and prosthesis acceptance among individuals with limb loss. This study examined psychosocial adaptation and prosthesis acceptance among male and female lower-limb amputees in selected rehabilitation centres in Nigeria and determined the influence of social support on rehabilitation outcomes. A comparative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 503 lower-limb amputees recruited from selected rehabilitation centres using a multistage non-probability sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Most participants demonstrated positive psychosocial adaptation and high prosthesis acceptance. Daily prosthesis use was reported by 77.3% of respondents, while functionality recorded the highest satisfaction score (4.02 ± 1.08). Male participants had significantly higher psychosocial adaptation and prosthesis satisfaction scores than females (p < 0.05). Social support was positively correlated with psychosocial adaptation (r = 0.58) and prosthesis acceptance (r = 0.55). Psychosocial adaptation and prosthesis acceptance among lower-limb amputees in Nigeria were positively associated and significantly influenced by social support and gender-related factors. Comprehensive rehabilitation programmes integrating psychological counselling, social support, and patient-centred prosthetic care are recommended to improve long-term functional and psychosocial outcomes.
Abstract: Lower-limb amputation is associated with substantial physical, psychological, and social challenges that may affect rehabilitation outcomes and prosthesis utilization. In Nigeria, limited rehabilitation services, financial barriers, and sociocultural factors may further influence psychosocial adaptation and prosthesis acceptance among individuals w...
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Seblework Mekonen
