Comparative Analysis of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards among Seaport Workers in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Seaport workers in developing countries face multiple occupational and environmental hazards that compromise their health and safety. Despite increasing research, evidence remains fragmented and lacks regional comparison. Aims: This study systematically reviews and compares the prevalence, determinants, and impacts of environmental and occupational health hazards among seaport workers in developing countries. Study Design: Systematic review. Methodology: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and AJOL was conducted for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Twenty - eight studies from 15 developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and synthesized following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and the methodological quality of included studies was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. Results: Average occupational noise exposure ranged between 85-110 dB(A), while mean ambient PM2.5 concentrations in port environments exceeded the WHO limit of 23µg/m3 in over 60% of studies. Respiratory disorders (32 - 63%) were the most prevalent health outcomes. Comparative analysis revealed that Asian ports reported higher air pollution-related morbidity, whereas African ports had higher injury prevalence linked to weak enforcement of safety policies and limited PPE use. Conclusion: The review demonstrates that environmental and occupational hazards remain a major but preventable public health challenge in developing country ports. Strengthening occupational safety governance, implementing periodic health surveillance, and enforcing port area environmental monitoring are critical to protect workers and support evidence based policy-making for safer, sustainable maritime operations.