Health Effects of Child Labor in the Tourism Sector: A Field Study on Petra City

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand health consequences of children’s labor in tourism sector in Petra city in terms of two components; “negative risks” and “work injuries and diseases”. A purposive sample of 130 male children within the age category of 7 to less than 18 years was interviewed. Data were obtained by using three tools; a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the illiterate or less educated children and an observation of the phenomenon which represents the subject of the study. Data were analyzed by using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Different statistical techniques were used including Chronbach Alpha to determine the internal consistency among items of the questionnaire; descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations; qualitative statistics, including F test, t test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The level of significance was set at alpha = 0.05 or a level of significance of 95%. Regarding the component of negative risks, it was found that the respondent children had a positive concern toward their health status. However, exposure to health risks increases among respondents with younger ages, less education, working for long hours and attendants of transportation animals. In relation to the component of work injuries and diseases, it was found that such injuries and diseases were more common among respondents working as attendants of transportation animals, as well as those belonging to older ages and working for more days a week, and more working years. On the contrary, such injuries and diseases were less common among respondent children living with one or both parents, and working with their families without payment. Upon findings, some recommendations were presented.