Assessment of Paper Dust Exposure and Chronic Respiratory Symptoms among Paper Factories Workers in Ethiopia, 2020: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: workers in paper and pulp factories are continuously exposed to paper dust.
Excessive exposure to paper dust can cause respiratory disease. The prevalence of chronic
respiratory symptoms and dust exposure level among workers in paper and pulp factories
were not available in Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess personal dust exposure level, prevalence of chronic respiratory
symptoms and their associated factors among workers of paper factories in Ethiopia, 2020.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to
October 2020. A total of 40 dust measurements was carried out on 20 randomly selected
production workers from two paper factories. To assess chronic respiratory symptoms and
associated factor a total of 448 workers from paper factories and control were interviewed
using standard questionnaire adapted from American Thoracic Society (ATS). For data entry
and analysis, Epi-Info Version.7.2 and SPSS Version.20 statistical software were used
respectively. Gravimetric analysis of the filters were done by using a standard microbalance.
The total dust concentration was described in mg/m
3
and compared with Occupational
Exposure Limit Value (OEL). The descriptive statistics were described using tables. Poisson
regression was performed for comparing prevalence of the two groups. Bivariate and
multivariable analyses were used for association factor.
Result: The arithmetic mean (AM) and geometric mean (GM) of dust exposure level among
paper factories workers were 11.3 (±7.7) and 10.2 (±1.4) mg/m
3
respectively. About 35% of
workers exposure level exceeded the threshold limit value recommended for total dust (10
mg/m
3
). The prevalence ratio of developing chronic respiratory symptoms among paper
factory workers was 5.6 times (PR = 5.6, 95% CL: 3.58 - 8.77) higher than control. Chronic
respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with factors such as educational status
less than grade 9, nearly all work sections of paper factories, work experience 5 years and
above, more than 8 working hour per day, past history of occupation and respiratory illnesses.
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among
paper factory workers as compared to control was high. This was more common and
determinant factors among less educational status, all work section of paper factories except
pulp and recycle paper milling, longer work experience and working hours per day, having
past history of occupational and respiratory illness. MoLSA should be give supportive
supervision and solution to mitigate exposure and improve working environment.
Description
Keywords
Paper dust exposure, chronic respiratory symptoms, paper worker