Waluma, Samson(MSc, MPH, Ph.D)Belachew, Ayele(MD, MPH )Jabur, Belaynesh2020-02-172023-11-052020-02-172023-11-052019-10http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/20649As thesis research advisor, I hereby certify that I have read and evaluate this thesis prepared under my guidance by Belayneh Jabur entitled ‗‗Assessment of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters among large scale wood factory workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia‖ a comparative cross-sectional study is recommended to be submitted as fulfilling the thesis requirement and regulations of the University and meets the accepted standards with respect to originality and quality.Background: Occupational exposure to wood dust could cause numerous health problems including chronic respiratory symptoms and reduction of lung function parameters. However, information regarding prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters among large scale wood factory workers in Ethiopia is limited. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function parameters and associated factors among large scale wood factory workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: An Institution based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2019. A total of 464 (232 wood workers and 232 Moha soft drink industry workers as control group) were included in the study. Chronic respiratory symptoms assessment was conducted in all participants from both groups while lung function test was conducted on 50 participants from each wood factory and soft drink industry. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select wood workers and controls respectively.Chronic respiratory symptom was assessed using modified American Thoaracic Socity (ATS) questionnaire while lung function test was done using Easy on-pc spirometer. The data was entered in to a computer using Epi-data software version 4.4.2 then exported to SPSS version 23 and analyzed.Poisson regression, Multiple linear regressions and Multivariable logistic regression were performed. Results: In this study the prevalence ratio of overall chronic respiratory symptoms (PR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.51–3.12) was significantly higher among wood workers (65.7%) compared to controls (23.3%).Moreover, sex, previous respiratory disease, not use of respiratory protective device and working department were associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. The wood workers had significantly lower FVC and FEV compared with controls. Conclusion: The wood workers had a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and lower lung function parameters compared with controls, these reducing lung capacity.Therefore, respiratory protective devices should be provided to take preventive measures.en-USWood dust, Chronic respiratory symptoms, Lung function test, Workers,Thesis