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Nancy Muturi, PhD, Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC), University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica, 876-977-1397, nancy.muturi@uwimona.edu.jm and Ron Page, MPH, Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Men in metal-working industries (such as the automotive sector and welding) are constantly exposed to metals, gases, and chemicals that have been identified as hazardous to the male reproductive system. Some health problems related to male reproductive hazards include low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, altered sperm transfer, altered hormones and sexual performance, impotence and various disorders affecting offspring. Toxicants might also affect other phases of the reproductive system including the genetic integrity of the sperm cell, neuroendocrine function, and sexual function (Schrader, S. (1992).
In Jamaica occupational and environmental lead poisoning is one of the problems associated with the metal working industries. A 1987 evaluation (CDC, 1989) indicates that 86% of children hospitalised with lead poisoning in Kingston lived near small automobile battery repair shops.
Reproductive health information and education for men and women is a basic human right as emphasized in the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD. Whereas women have access to reproductive health information and education through the media and interpersonal channels encouraging women to seek reproductive health prevention care, or from their doctors once they attend routine check-up, it is unlikely that men would seek or receive that kind of information or services unless they have experienced certain illnesses. This paper focuses on the awareness, knowledge level and practices of male workers in the car repair shops in Jamaica regarding occupational hazards as well as their practices in the prevention of reproductive health problems associated with occupational reproductive hazards.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.