Socio-Economic Drivers and Occupational Health Risks of Child labor in Kalar City

,Issue 3 ,November 2026 ,Pages 223-236 , Received :3 November 2026

Authors

Seewan Othman Ibrahim 1 ; Dina Mahmood Star 2

1 Higher Diploma in Social Sciences, Member of Kurdistan Children Nest Organization (KCN)/ Gramin Office

2 Departments of Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Science, University of Garmian, Kalar, Garmian, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

DOI logo 10.17656/jzsb.12611

Keywords

Abstract

         The societal and economic problems of child labour, especially in areas affected by poverty and financial insecurity, are serious issues. This study was conducted to study socio-demographic characteristics, educational level, employment status, working hours, and occupational health conditions of child labourers in the city of Kalar, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This descriptive cross-sectional quantitative approach used 50 children, between the ages of 6-17, who were selected using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Structured face-to-face interviews were used for data collection, and frequencies and percentages were used for data analysis. The results revealed that 82% of the respondents were men while 18% were women. The highest number of children were between 15-17 years of age (42%) and 11-14 years of age (40%). Most of the participants were school-going, but some had dropped out, and some never went to school; poverty was the greatest reported cause of non-school attendance. The most frequent occupations were those of herders (28%), vocational trades (26%), and street vendors (18%). The majority of the participants were working for their families (72%). In addition, 52% had between 4 and 8 hours of work each day and 22% had over 8 hours of work each day. 12% reported that they had suffered abuse at work and 28% had a health complaint, such as tiredness and back pain. The results indicate the importance of providing financial aid, educational assistance, and better child protection and workplace safety.

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