Self-reported health status of fish smokers at Abuesi, a fishing community in the Western Region of Ghana

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the reported health problems associated with the burning of biomass fuel for fish smoking. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to May 2017 among fish smokers at Abuesi in the Western Region of Ghana. A total of 434 fish smokers were selected to assess their level of knowledge of health effects associated with fish smoking as well as disease symptoms they have encountered as a result of smoking fish. Additionally, 60 smoke houses were monitored for particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compound concentrations. Measurements were taken at indoor, outdoor and control locations. The highest concentration of (PM2.5) was recorded in the indoor environment. The mean concentration of (PM2.5) between the indoor and control environment was significantly different unlike between the outdoor and control environments. The concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) systematically varied across three locations. The most reported disease symptoms were eye infection and cough. There was a strong positive association between the number of years spent smoking fish and frequency of eye problems reported by the fish smokers. Educational attainment was a significant predictor of the level of knowledge of fish smokers on the health effects associated with fish smoking. There is therefore the need for further studies to explore other energy sources which may have lesser negative effect on human health.