Browsing by Author "Getahun,Firehiwot"

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    Occupational lead exposure and renal function impairment among garage workers Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional study.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-03) Getahun,Firehiwot; Gezu,Meaza(PhD); Abegaz,Teferi (PhD)
    Background: Lead exposure is a major occupational hazard in the automotive industry, where workers routinely handle lead-containing materials. Chronic kidney disease is a serious health risk associated with lead exposure. Objective: This study aimed to assess the blood lead levels and renal function test parameters of garage workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: A comparative cross-sectional study involving 120 exposed garage workers and 110 non-exposed water bottling factory workers. Data collection included questionnaires, blood samples, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure measurements. Blood analyses determined blood lead level and renal function parameters. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 software. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences in blood lead levels and renal function parameters between groups. In addition, a generalized linear regression model was employed to examine the association between the glomerular filtration rate and independent variables. The significance level was set at (P < 0.05). Result: The median blood lead level of garage workers (11.98 μg/dL) (IQR) = 5.78ug/dL – 21.54ug/dL) was significantly higher than water bottling factory workers (6.87 μg/dL) (IQR = 4.17ug/dL– 10.13 ug/dL) (p < 0.001). Workers in mechanic and welding departments have higher blood lead levels than the comparison group. Creatinine levels were statistically higher in garage workers compared to the comparison group (p<0.030). In addition, the estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower among garage workers (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) between garage workers and water-bottling factory workers. Diastolic blood pressure, older age, and higher body mass index were associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Conclusion: Garage workers had significantly higher blood lead levels, indicating possible occupational exposure to garage workers compared to water bottling workers. In addition, serum creatinine was significantly higher among garage workers. So, preventive methods should be implemented to reduce lead exposure in garage workshops.