Child abuse as an inhibiting factor for family planning
Fahim, H.I.; Faris, R.
Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association 67(1-2): 1-11
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0013-2446 PMID: 1295939 Document Number: 328065
Even though the UN in 1959 showed concern about child labor, developing countries still require the economic contribution of children. It is estimated that 100 million children 15 years of age are economically active. The estimate for Egypt was 6.5% of children 6-14 years in 1980. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of the problem of child labor in Egypt. The goal is to provide legal restrictions on children working, considering this situation a form of child abuse. Focus groups comprised of 10 women, aged 30-35 years, and of similar socioeconomic background who were noncontraceptors, were conducted in urban and rural areas. An additional sample of 340 urban women and 400 rural women completed a questionnaire in 1991. Demographic characteristics of the women and 80% of rural women were illiterate. 70% of urban women and 100% of rural women were housewives. All women had 5 children and had been married 10-20 years. Children in urban areas worked as mechanics helpers, hair dressers, beggars, or in factories, bakeries, shops, or restaurants. Rural children all worked in agriculture. Salaries ranged from L.E. 30-40 per week in urban areas and L.E. 15-20 per week in rural areas.