Work-Related Health Problems and Health Seeking Behaviour of Battery Technicians and Office Workers in Western Nigeria: A Comparative Study

Battery technicians are exposed to work-related health risks, and their health-seeking behavior plays a critical role in determining health outcomes. This study assessed work-related health problems and health-seeking behaviors among battery technicians and office workers in Lagos State. A cross-sectional design was employed using multi-stage sampling and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20, and results were presented in tables. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine significance at p ≤ 0.05. Battery technicians reported significantly higher rates of memory loss, drowsiness, limb numbness, constipation, and easy fatigability, as well as skin itching, breathing difficulty, sneezing, and runny nose, compared to office workers. Conversely, cough was more common among office workers. Health-seeking behaviors also differed: battery technicians were more likely to rely on chemist shops and self-medication than formal health facilities, a difference that was statistically significant. Memory loss was positively associated with years of work among technicians, while limb numbness was negatively associated with daily working hours of office workers. Easy fatigability was inversely related to technicians’ monthly income, and skin redness was negatively associated with years of work. Sneezing showed mixed associations, being negatively related to technicians’ income and office workers’ years of service but positively associated with technicians’ years of work. These findings underscore the need for targeted occupational health education, regular training, and improved access to qualified healthcare services for battery technicians. Strengthening workplace safety and promoting healthier health-seeking behaviors are essential for safeguarding this vulnerable workforce.