Demographic and socio-economic factors associated with exposure to occupational injuries and diseases among informal sector workers in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

Aim Work-related injuries and diseases are usually severe among informal sector workers (ISW) because they work under poor working conditions. However, there are scant studies on the role of demographic and socio-economic factors in predicting occupational injuries and diseases among ISW in Ghana. Subject and methods The purpose of the study was to determine the demographic and socio-economic factors associated with exposure to occupational injuries and diseases among ISW in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. A cross-sectional survey design involving 350 ISW was employed for the study. Findings The study revealed that 38.9% and 60.6% of the respondents were exposed to occupational injuries and diseases respectively in 2016. Females (AOR: 1.144; CI: 0.410-3.193; p = 0.007), those aged 50 years or above (AOR: 1.616; CI: 1.051-7.484; p = 0.014), and those who were not using personal protective devices (PPEs) (AOR: 1.062; CI: 0.604-1.867; p = 0.036) were significantly more likely to be exposed to occupational injuries. Further, females (AOR: 1.504; CI: 0.532-4.253; p = 0.041), those aged 50 years or over (AOR: 1.062, CI: 0.089-12.735; p = 0.032) and those who were not using PPE (AOR: 1.742, CI: 0.817-2.320; p = 0.10) have higher odds of being exposed to occupational diseases. Participants with more than 10 years of work experience were less likely to suffer from occupational diseases (AOR: 0.284, CI: 0.096-0.835, p = 0.022). Conclusion This study suggests the need to consider demographic and socio-economic factors in the formulation and implementation of occupational health and safety policies that aim to lessen exposure to occupational injuries and diseases among ISW in Ghana.