O-150 Treatment Pathways for Occupational Health Problems Among Informal Automobile Artisans in Nigeria

Introduction Occupational health problems (OHPs) are a major concern in developing countries, especially for informal workers. This study examines how informal automobile artisans in Nigeria treat OHPs and how they choose their ‘pathway’ for health care providers. It focuses on their choice between orthodox and traditional medicine, self-care and professional care, and private and public healthcare providers. Method This study purposively collected data from 43 informal automobile artisans in Osun State, Nigeria, using an interpretive approach. Specifically, in-depth interviews were used to collect the data. Thematic analysis was done using MAXQDA 2020 software. Results It shows that the treatment sought depends on the type, the severity, and the perceived cause of the OHP. Self-care is used for treating minor OHPs, while professional care is sought for serious/very serious OHPs. Moreover, the artisans prefer private healthcare providers to public healthcare providers in providing healthcare for serious OHPs. The artisans’ rational and non-rational explanations of the causes of OHPs usually determined the endpoint of treatment. Discussion The study revealed some determinants of the pathway to healthcare. They are characteristics of the subject (the artisans), characteristics of the disorder (the severity and the perceived cause of the OHP), and characteristics of the health service (expected income, proximity, perceived quality of treatment, and the potency of the medicine). Conclusion To improve the health condition of workers in the sector, policymakers and artisanal associations should be aware of the considerations that informed the artisans’ choices on how to treat OHP.