Readme file for data deposit

Working conditions and public health risks in slaughterhouses in western Kenya 
Published in BMC Public Health


This collection of files contains the data associated with the above publication.  There are two MS Excel format files in this collection:

cook etal shdatasetforBMCPH Ð Cook et al slaughter house data set for BMC Public Health: contains data and data descriptors for the dataset relating to the slaughterhouse facilities in the study

cook etal shwdatasetforBMCPH - Cook et al slaughter house worker data set for BMC Public Health: contains data and data descriptors for the dataset relating to the slaughterhouse workers sampled in each of the facilities in the study


Abstract of the paper:
Background: Inadequate facilities and hygiene at slaughterhouses can result in contamination of meat and occupational hazards to workers. The objectives of this study were to assess current conditions in slaughterhouses in western Kenya and the knowledge, and practices of the slaughterhouse workers toward hygiene and sanitation.?Methods: Between February and October 2012 all consenting slaughterhouses in the study area in western Kenya were recruited. A standardised questionnaire relating to facilities and practices in the slaughterhouse was administered to the foreperson at each site. A second questionnaire tool was used to capture individual slaughterhouse workers' knowledge, practices and recent health events.?Results: A total of 738 slaughterhouse workers from 142 slaughterhouses in western Kenya completed questionnaires. Many slaughterhouses had poor infrastructure, with 65% (95% CI 63%-67%) having a roof, cement floor and walls; 60% (95% CI 57-62%) had a toilet and only 20% (95% CI 18-22%) had hand-washing facilities. Only a third of workers wore personal protective clothing - 32% (95% CI 29-34%) wore protective coats and 34% (95% CI 31-36%) wore rubber boots. The meat inspector visited 90% (95% CI 92-95%) of slaughterhouses but antemortem inspection was practiced at only 7% (95% CI 6-8%). Knowledge of zoonotic disease was low with only 31% (95% CI 29- 33%) of workers aware that disease could be transmitted from animals.?Conclusions: The current working conditions in slaughterhouses in western Kenya do not adhere to the recommendations outlined by the Meat Control Act of Kenya. Current practices may increase occupational exposure to disease or injury and contaminated meat may enter the consumer market. Improvements need to be made to facilities and practices in all slaughterhouses to improve worker safety and reduce the risk of food contamination. The findings of this study could enable the development of appropriate interventions to minimise public health risks. The development of a training programme is recommended to improve awareness for workers, managers and inspectors of the risks of meat contamination and disease transmission.