Factors Associated with Child Labor in Cultivation and Production of Tobacco among Burley Farmers in Lower Northern Thailand

Background Many tobacco-growing countries are facing the issue of child labor in tobacco farming and production, which involve a high risk of various adverse health effects. Thailand has limited information about these circumstances. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the prevalence and factors related to child labor in tobacco farming among the Burley growers in Thailand. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done with ۷۲۰ Burley tobacco farmers in lower Northern Thailand, selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire, designed by the researchers, was used to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes. SPSS software version ۱۷.۰ was applied for data analysis, involving the use of descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Eighty-three households (۱۲.۴%) employed underage youth in tobacco cultivation. The most common process involving child labor was that of tobacco leaf collection, harvest, and drying. In multivariable analysis, child labor has never been investigated (ORAdj: ۵.۶۲; ۹۵% CI: ۳.۱۷-۹.۹۷; p = ۰.۰۴۶); having a low level of knowledge about negative health consequences on child workers (ORAdj: ۲.۱۱, ۹۵% CI: ۱.۲۹-۳.۴۴, p = ۰.۰۰۱); and having a high level of positive attitudes towards child labor (ORAdj: ۱.۶۹; ۹۵% CI ۱.۰۱-۲.۸۴; p = ۰.۰۰۳) were associated with child labor behavior. Conclusion Based on the results, underage youths were still employed in tobacco agriculture. The farmers who had not been inspected for child labor, had poor knowledge about health risks, and high positive attitudes towards child labor were more likely to employ this young group. It is important to systematically monitor the potential health impacts on these child workers in the cultivation of tobacco.