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Mekonnen B, Solomon N, Wondimu W, Tesfaye M, Negash S. Work-related disease symptoms and occupational injuries among coffee processing industry workers in Bench-Sheko and Kaffa Zones Southwest, Ethiopia: A mixed-method study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1034957. [PMID: 36620283 PMCID: PMC9813667 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1034957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational injuries have become one of the most critical rooting causes paying to infirmities and life-threatening conditions in developed and developing countries. Workers in the coffee industry face some occupational health and safety issues. However, there is limited evidence on this important public health issue. Hence, this research was conducted to assess work-related disease symptoms and occupational injuries among coffee processing workers in Southwest, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study supplemented with a qualitative method was done. A total of 721 workers were involved in the study for quantitative information. In addition, we performed a total of 22 in-depth and five key informant interviews for generating qualitative evidence. Quantitative data was collected by an interview-based questionnaire which is adapted from similar studies. We conducted descriptive, binary logistic, and multivariable regression analysis as necessary, to ascertain the factors affecting occupational injuries. We collected qualitative data guided by an interview guide, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using ATLAS ti version-8 by applying a content analysis approach. Finally, quotes from participants that had exemplary ideas were triangulated along with quantitative findings. Result The overall prevalence rate of work-related symptoms and occupational injuries among coffee processing workers were 21.7 and 13.4% respectively. Age group 30-39 and 40-49 (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.95, 95% CI 1.37, 2.79, (AOR 3.28, 95% CI 1.89, 5.69, respectively, income level (AOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.16, 0.36, p = 0.000), experience (AOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.04, 2.60, p = 0.034), and smoking cigarette (AOR 5.59, 95% CI 2.78, 11.26, p = 0.000) were significantly associated with the work-related symptom. In addition, training related to the job (AOR 11.88, 95% CI1.34, 105.57, p = 0.026) was significantly associated with occupational injuries among coffee processing industry workers. Conclusion The prevalence of work-related symptoms and occupational injuries was high among coffee processing industry workers in southwest Ethiopia. Therefore, there is a need for regulations for both government and industry owners to advance the occupational conditions and ergonomic structure of coffee processing industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Besufekad Mekonnen
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia,*Correspondence: Besufekad Mekonnen ✉
| | - Nahom Solomon
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Wondimagegn Wondimu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamsew Tesfaye
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Negash
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
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Viegas C, Gomes B, Oliveira F, Dias M, Cervantes R, Pena P, Gomes AQ, Caetano LA, Carolino E, de Andrade ET, Viegas S. Microbial Contamination in the Coffee Industry: An Occupational Menace besides a Food Safety Concern? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13488. [PMID: 36294069 PMCID: PMC9602572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory abnormalities among workers at coffee roasting and packaging facilities have already been reported; however, little is known about microbiological contamination inside coffee production facilities. This study intends to assess the microbial contamination (fungi and bacteria) in two coffee industries from Brazil with a multi-approach protocol for sampling and for subsequent analyses using four main sources of samples: filtering respiratory protection devices (FRPD) used by workers, settled dust, electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) and coffee beans. The fungal contamination in the assessed industries was also characterized through the molecular detection of toxigenic species and antifungal resistance. Total bacteria contamination presented the highest values in FRPD collected from both industries (7.45 × 104 CFU·m-2; 1.09 × 104 CFU·m-2). Aspergillus genera was widespread in all the environmental samples collected and sections with clinical relevance (Fumigati) and with toxigenic potential (Nigri and Circumdati) were recovered from FRPD. Circumdati section was observed in 4 mg/mL itraconazole. Sections Circumdati (EDC, coffee beans and settled dust) and Nidulantes (EDC, coffee beans and FRPD) were detected by qPCR. Some of the targeted Aspergillus sections that have been identified microscopically were not detected by qPCR and vice-versa. Overall, this study revealed that microbial contamination is a potential occupational risk in the milling stage and should be tackled when assessing exposure and performing risk assessment. In addition, a multi-sampling campaign should be the approach to follow when assessing microbial contamination and FRPD should be included in this campaign. Occupational exposure to mycotoxins should be considered due to high fungal diversity and contamination. A One Health approach should address these issues in order to prevent consumption of coffee crops and beans infected by fungi and, more specifically, to avoid widespread azole resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H & TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bianca Gomes
- H & TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipe Oliveira
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras 37203-202, Brazil
| | - Marta Dias
- H & TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Renata Cervantes
- H & TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pena
- H & TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anita Quintal Gomes
- H & TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H & TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.uLisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H & TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ednilton Tavares de Andrade
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras 37203-202, Brazil
| | - Susana Viegas
- H & TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
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Bråtveit M, Abaya SW, Sakwari G, Moen BE. Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health Among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Front Public Health 2021; 9:730201. [PMID: 34616708 PMCID: PMC8488214 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.730201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In primary coffee factories the coffee beans are cleaned and sorted. Studies from the 80- and 90-ties indicated respiratory health effects among the workers, but these results may not represent the present status. Our aim was to review recent studies on dust exposure and respiratory health among coffee factory workers in Tanzania and Ethiopia, two major coffee producing countries in Africa. Methods: This study merged data from cross-sectional studies from 2010 to 2019 in 4 and 12 factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia, respectively. Personal samples of “total” dust and endotoxin were taken in the breathing zone. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American Thoracic Society (ATS) questionnaire. Lung function was measured by a spirometer in accordance with ATS guidelines. Results: Dust exposure among male production workers was higher in Ethiopia (GM 12 mg/m3; range 1.1–81) than in Tanzania (2.5; 0.24–36). Exposure to endotoxins was high (3,500; 42–75,083) compared to the Dutch OEL of 90 EU/m3. The male workers had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms than controls. The highest symptom prevalence and odds ratio were found for cough (48.4%; OR = 11.3), while for breathlessness and wheezing the odds ratios were 3.2 and 2.4, respectively. There was a significant difference between the male coffee workers and controls in the adjusted FEV1 (0.26 l/s) and FVC (0.21 l) and in the prevalence of airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC < 0.7) (6.3 vs. 0.9%). Among the male coffee workers, there was a significant association between cumulative dust exposure and the lung function variables FEV1 and FVC, respectively. Conclusions: The results suggest that coffee production workers are at risk of developing chronic respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function, and that the findings are related to high dust levels. Measures to reduce dust exposure should be targeted to factors identified as significant determinants of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gloria Sakwari
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abaya SW, Bråtveit M, Deressa W, Kumie A, Tenna A, Moen BE. Microbial contamination of coffee during postharvest on farm processing: A concern for the respiratory health of production workers. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2019; 75:201-208. [PMID: 30929620 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2019.1592094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Coffee workers respiratory health problems, found to be associated with dust exposure in the coffee factories, but the content of the dust is not well known. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the microbial contamination of coffee in dry and wet coffee process, from four farms in two regions of Ethiopia. A total of 36 samples of coffee were collected for laboratory investigation. The microbial load in the dry process ranged from 6.9 × 102 to 7.2 × 105 colony forming units (CFU)/mL while the microbial load in wet process ranged from 2.5 × 102 to 4.6 × 105 CFU/mL. The results indicate the presence of gram negative bacteria in dried and stored beans from both the wet and dry process. During further coffee processing possible release of endotoxin from coffee contaminated by gram negative bacteria might affect coffee workers respiratory health. Further studies are required to assess the relation between bacterial contamination of coffee and endotoxin level in coffee factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abiyot Tenna
- Addis Ababa Region Public Health Research and Emergency Management Core Process, Research Department, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente E Moen
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abaya SW, Bråtveit M, Deressa W, Kumie A, Moen BE. Reduced Lung Function among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15112415. [PMID: 30384429 PMCID: PMC6266034 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dust exposure is one of the major risk factors for respiratory health in many workplaces, including coffee factories. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function reduction among workers in Ethiopian primary coffee processing factories, compared to a control group of workers. A total of 115 coffee workers and 110 water bottling workers were involved in this study, from 12 coffee and 3 water bottling factories in Ethiopia, respectively. The chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a structured interview, using a standardized questionnaire adopted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). The lung function tests were performed according to the ATS recommendation for spirometry. The coffee workers had a significantly higher prevalence of coughing, coughing with sputum, breathlessness, work-related shortness of breath, and wheezing compared with the controls. The prevalence ratio of work-related shortness of breath (PR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6–8.7) and wheezing (PR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3–8.4) was significantly higher for the coffee workers compared to the controls. The coffee workers in the age groups 28–39 years and ≥40 years, had a significantly lower forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s compared to the controls in the similar age groups. The findings indicated the need for longitudinal studies on the possible effect of coffee dust on respiratory health of coffee production workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 90861000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 90861000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 90861000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Bente E Moen
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
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