Suitability of Measurement Tools for Assessing the Prevalence of Child Domestic Work: A Rapid Systematic Review.

Nicola S Pocock,Cathy Zimmerman,Clara W Chan

doi:10.3390/ijerph18052357

Abstract

Child domestic work (CDW) is a hidden form of child labour. Globally, there were an estimated 17.2 million CDWs aged 5–17 in 2012, but there has been little critical analysis of methods and survey instruments used to capture prevalence of CDW. This rapid systematic review identified and critically reviewed the measurement tools used to estimate CDWs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD42019148702). Fourteen studies were included. In nationally representative surveys, CDW prevalence ranged from 17% among 13–24-year-old females in Haiti to 2% of children aged 10–17 in Brazil. Two good quality studies and one good quality measurement tool were identified. CDW prevalence was assessed using occupation-based methods (n = 9/14), household roster (n = 7) and industry methods (n = 4). Six studies combined approaches. Four studies included task-based questions; one study used this method to formally calculate prevalence. The task-based study estimated 30,000 more CDWs compared to other methods. CDWs are probably being undercounted, based on current standard measurement approaches. We recommend use of more sensitive, task-based methods for inclusion in household surveys. The cognitive and pilot testing of newly developed task-based questions is essential to ensure comprehension. In analyses, researchers should consider CDWs who may be disguised as distant or non-relatives.

Highlights

Child domestic work is a largely invisible form of child labour, and a neglected type of domestic work compared to adult domestic work [1]
Because of the relatively hidden nature of child domestic work, Child domestic work (CDW) are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation in private households, where they almost always fall outside the remit of national employment legislation
Our review findings suggest that the current methods have led to underreporting of global prevalence of CDWs

Summary

Introduction

Child domestic work is a largely invisible form of child labour, and a neglected type of domestic work compared to adult domestic work [1]. There were an estimated 17.2 million child domestic workers (CDWs) in 2012, of whom two thirds were girls and approximately 65% were aged 5–14. Because of the relatively hidden nature of child domestic work, CDWs are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation in private households, where they almost always fall outside the remit of national employment legislation. CDWs, especially those who are trafficked, are vulnerable to sexual, physical and psychological violence and coercion, which is often perpetrated by employers. Restrictions on their freedom of movement is common and it means that most CDWs have limited or no access to healthcare, education, other types of support services or job opportunities.

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