Abstract:

Occupational wellness is essential for cocoa farmers’ health and productivity since a significant proportion of their time is spent at work. It is a measure of individual wellbeing, focusing on the psychosocial status as it relates to individuals’ profession. This study assessed occupational wellness and its determinants among cocoa farmers in the South-West region of Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to study 244 cocoa farmers in Ekiti and Osun States. Also, the local government areas were purposively selected as being well known for cocoa production. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on sociodemographic characteristics and occupational wellness. Occupational wellness was scored based on their response to eight sets of questions with a 4-point Likert scale response. Association between the farmers’ characteristics and occupational wellness was assessed using Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests. Determinants of occupational wellness were assessed using quantile regression. The median occupational wellness score was 25.0 (IQR = 24.0 – 29.0). People of low educational status had higher occupational wellness scores, p < 0.001. Significant associations were also observed between other characteristics like sex, religion, marital status, geographical location, farm ownership, and occupational wellness. Farm ownership was also a significant determinant of occupational wellness. The occupational wellness status is due to a complex mix of occupational factors, sociodemographic factors, and geographic factors. Health promotion will be key in maintaining a balance of the mix to enhance the general wellbeing and productivity of the farmers.

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