Perceived effect of Kitchen hazards for elderly women living without children in the rural areas of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Council, Enugu state, Nigeria

The study aims to examine the perceived effect of Kitchen hazards for elderly women living without children in the rural areas of Igbo-Etiti Council Area of Enugu State, South east, Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative cross-sectional research design with In-depth Interview administered to 24 participants within the ages of 60 and above and resident in the area for at least six months prior to commencement of the study. Data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings from the study reveals that the major forms of hazards commonly experienced by participants include; falls, cuts, burns, electric shocks and others. Deteriorating physical functioning, low socio-economic status, inappropriate housing designs, low educational backgrounds or poor knowledge/skills on application of modern kitchen equipments amongst others were revealed as potential risk factors in the self determination of elderly women to carry out kitchen activities. The study concludes that issues related to Kitchen hazards are not given desired attention in many rural areas of Nigeria and other developing countries. It was therefore recommended that adequate surveillance system and expanded educational programmes be undertaken by various public institutions in addition to making the current kitchen area to align with the needs of older adults.