Psychological Health of Children Engaged in Hazardous Labor: A Study in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the psychological health of children engaged in hazardous labor conditions in Lahore, Pakistan. Despite being a crucial asset to the nation's future, children in Pakistan face numerous challenges including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to education and healthcare. Alarmingly, approximately 20% of children aged 13-17 are involved in child labor, often subjected to hazardous working conditions that pose risks to their physical, social, and psychological well-being. This quantitative cross-sectional study utilized a multistage sampling method, focusing on Samanabad Town within Lahore city. From a pool of 35 Union Councils, Babu Sabu Shera Kot (Union Council 100) was selected for the study. A sample of 351 children, aged 5-14 years, engaged in various forms of labor including factory work, workshops, tea stalls, and stores, was included in the study. The research aims to shed light on the psychological impact of hazardous labor on children, considering factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and overall mental well-being. By examining the psychological health of working children in Lahore, the study seeks to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of child labor and advocate for policies and interventions aimed at protecting children's rights and ensuring their holistic development. The study utilized the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SQR-20) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess the psychological health of children engaged in hazardous labor. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, as well as inferential statistics including one-way ANOVA. The findings revealed several key insights into the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the working children. The majority of the children surveyed were between the ages of 12-14 years and had limited educational attainment, typically below the primary level. They predominantly belonged to large families with fathers who had low levels of education and income. Many of these children had been working for 2-3 years, often compelled by their families to contribute financially due to poor socio-economic conditions. Both family pressure and exposure to hazardous working environments emerged as significant factors influencing the psychological health of working children. The stressors associated with balancing work responsibilities with familial expectations, coupled with the inherent dangers of hazardous labor conditions, contributed to adverse psychological outcomes among these children.