Belachew Tekleyohannes Wogayehu*, Tadesse Sisay, Asmamaw Malede, Mesfin Gebrehiwot, Gete Berihun, Awoke Keleb, Nigatu Sebsbie*, Genanew Mulugeta Kassaw, Abebe Kassa Geto, Helmut Kloos and Metadel Adane
Background: Inhalable wood dust is one of the most common causes of chronic respiratory disorders. Globally, more than 2.4 million workers die from work-related illnesses and accidents annually. Few studies on occupational health hazards have been conducted in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function parameters, and associated factors among workers in small wood manufacturing shops in Debre Berhan city in Ethiopia.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 357 woodworkers in Debre Berhan city from June 20 to August 10, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was used to select woodworkers. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire adapted from the American Thoracic Society, an observational checklist, and a wet spirometer were used to collect data. Collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 14. A multivariable binary logistic regression model with 95% CI and p value<0.05 was employed to identify associated factors of chronic respiratory symptoms.
Results: The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among woodworkers of Debre Berhan was 59% (95% CI: 54.3-64.5). Not utilizing respiratory protective equipment (AOR=4.29, 95% CI: 2.283-8.062), work experience between 5 and 9 years (AOR=4.77, 95% CI: 2.216-10.276), work experience equal to or greater than 10 years (AOR=9.51, 95% CI: 3.699-24.428), and not obtaining occupational health and safety training (AOR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.534-5.779) were significant factors of chronic respiratory symptoms. The mean ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity among woodworkers who developed chronic respiratory symptoms was 66.3 ± 1.93.
Conclusion: Prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among woodworkers was high. Not utilizing respiratory protective equipment, long work experience, and not taking occupational health and safety training were identified factors. In addition, air circulation was limited at work places of woodworkers who developed symptoms. Preventive programs need to emphasize the utilization of respiratory protective equipment and ventilation systems at work places.
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