Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of Staffs Working in Histopathology laboratory and Associated Health risk towards xylene and other potential chemicals safety measures in selected health facilities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Date
2019-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: There have been many reports of the relative hazards of formaldehyde, xylene, and hot paraffin wax fumes in pathology laboratories. Staffs Working in Histopathology laboratory who routinely come in contact with xylene-contaminated solvents in the workplace are the population most likely to be exposed to high levels of xylene.
Objective: To assess KAP of Staffs Working in Histopathology laboratory and associated health risks towards xylene and other potential chemicals safety measures in selected health facilities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was used in quantitative approach by using self-administered structured questionnaire and physical observation by using check lists. A total of 221 Staffs Working in Histopathology laboratory were participated from selected health facilities were included. The level of knowledge categorized as high, moderate and low for those scored>26.25, 17.5-25.9 <17.5 question out of 35 question respectively. Level of attitude classified as positive, neutral and negative for those scored >5.25, 3.5-5.18 and <3.5 of the question out of 7 question respectively. Level of practice classified as good, fair and poor for those scored >6.75, 4.5-6.66 <4.5of the question out of 9 questions respectively. SPSS version 20 software used for analysis and frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and the proportions, with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), of subjects were done.
Result: 121 study participants was included in this study, 67.8% respondents were males. The mean age (SD) of respondents was 33.55 ± 6.597 years, the median duration of working experience was 6years, and 50.5 % were pathology residents. The overall study finding revealed that, only 18(14.9%) of the participant categorized as having high level of knowledge. Huge number of subjects 53(43.8%) have found positive attitude and about 53(43.8%) participants had fair practice towards the safe use of chemicals.
Conclusion: Since the result of the study showed that there is knowledge attitude and practice gap, safety information, safety training and clear presentation of available legislation should be provided for the professionals to enhance as well as improve their knowledge and practice
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Keywords
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Hazard, Organic solvents