PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOM AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PUBLIC PRINTING ENTERPRISES WORKERS IN ADDIS ABABA ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Background: Hundreds of millions of people suffer and four million people die prematurely from respiratory diseases each year. Occupational respiratory symptoms are a broad group of respiratory diseases caused by the inhalation of dusts and chemicals. There is gap of study concerning prevalence of respiratory symptoms in printing enterprises in Ethiopia. So, this study tried to assess respiratory symptoms manifested in this sector and identify factors attribute. Methods: Organization based cross sectional designs of study was used. Sample size calculated using the formula for single population proportion taking 50% assumed at 95% confidence interval and margin of error 5%, including 5% non-response rate 403 workers participated in the study. Stratifying technique and simple random sampling method were used to recruit the study participants. Data was collected with modified pre-tested American Thoracic Society (ATS) questionnaire by three trained data collectors under the close supervision of principal investigator. EpiInfo version 7.1 was used to enter data into computer and SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Association of independent variables with outcome variable was determined by binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Respiratory symptoms were highly prevalent among public printing enterprise workers in Addis Ababa, 66.4%, [95% CI: 61.8-71]. The majority of respondents have developed high cough and short breath 158(40.5%) followed by chest tightness 115(29.6%). Ages 36-46 years [AOR: 1.957, 95% CI: 1.060-3.612] and 46-64 years [2.073(1.114-3.858)] and education status grade 8 or below [AOR: 5.48, 95 % CI: 1.527-19.707] found to be risk factors for respiratory symptoms. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study showed high prevalence of respiratory symptoms when compared to available data. Age, educational status and chemical exposure were the predictors of the respiratory symptom. Comprehensive occupational health and safety strengthening measures should be taken by both government and printing enterprises’ managers. Key word: respiratory symptoms, printing enterprises, occupational factors