1
|
Birhan GS, Wossoro HE, Admassu NF, Eticha BL. Ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in small-scale industries in Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia, 2023. Inj Prev 2024:ip-2024-045246. [PMID: 39025668 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2024-045246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Good eye protection is the most important factor in preventing eye injuries. Most eye injuries are due to the improper use or lack of use of eye protection equipment. Therefore, this study aims to assess eye protection practice and associated factors among welders in small-scale industries in Hosanna town of Southern Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 welders between 14 August and 14 September 2023. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data entered into Epi-data V.4.6 and analysed using a statistical package for social science V.25.0. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the characteristics of study participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with eye protection practice. Finally, the OR with a corresponding 95% CI was computed to show the strength of the association. A p value <0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. RESULTS A total of 420 study participants were included. Good eye protection practice was 43.6% (95% CI 43.41 to 43.79). Monthly income between 4000 and 8000 and above 8000 Ethiopian birr, knowledge (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.90, 95% CI 1.96 to 7.78), permanent work pattern (AOR=2.86, 95% CI 1.59 to 5.17), previous ocular trauma (AOR=3.09, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.22) were positively associated with good eye protection practice. CONCLUSION The results of this study revealed poor eye protection practice among welders. Factors such as monthly income, previous ocular injury, work pattern and knowledge of eye Personal Protective Equipment were significantly associated with eye protection practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Getenet Shumet Birhan
- Department of Optometry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Nebiyat Feleke Admassu
- Department of Optometry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Biruk Lelisa Eticha
- Department of Optometry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Atalay YA, Gebeyehu NA, Gelaw KA. Systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence, pattern, and factors associated with ocular protection practices among welders in sub-Saharan Africa. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1397578. [PMID: 38952737 PMCID: PMC11215141 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1397578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Due to hazardous working conditions, welders are more likely to be exposed to mild to severe eye issues during the welding process. Globally, this issue is a major contributor to vision loss and blindness. One of the most frequent causes of unilateral blindness in the globe is ocular injury. Objective This review aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Databases including PubMed, Scopus, web of Science, Google Scholar, and the African Journals Online were systematically searched for relevant literature. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA data analysis software version 14, while Microsoft Excel was used for data abstraction. We checked publication bias using a funnel plot and Egger and Begg regression tests. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant, suggesting the presence of presence publication bias. The I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity between studies. The study's overall effect was evaluated using the random effects model. Results From retrieved 2,326 original studies, 17 studies were included in the final pooled prevalence analysis. The overall prevalence of ocular protection practice among small-scale welders in sub-Saharan Africa was 53.71% (95% CI: 42.54, 64.88). Having pre and in-service training [AOR: 4.97, 95% CI: (2.64, 9.36)], having work experience as a welder [AOR: 4.94, 95% CI: (3.24, 7.54)], and having a history of ocular injury [AOR: 2.99, 95% CI: (1.58, 5.66)] were significantly associated with the ocular protection practices. Conclusions In sub-Saharan African countries, the ocular protection practices among small-scale welders were low. Furthermore, the current meta-analysis found ocular protection practice to be significantly associated with on-the-job training, work experience of welders, and a history of ocular injury in the past year of small-scale welders in sub-Saharan Africa. This review will serve as baseline data for further studies to generate inputs for eye care providers and policymakers to improve good practice levels about ocular protection. Policies should be put in place to ensure all welders use proper personal-protective equipment, and receive regular health training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yibeltal Assefa Atalay
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Natnael Atnafu Gebeyehu
- School of Midwifery, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Kelemu Abebe Gelaw
- School of Midwifery, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Asiedu MT, Opoku DA, Ayisi-Boateng NK, Osarfo J, Sulemana A, Mohammed A, Amissah J, Ashilevi J, Mate-Kole A, Opoku FA, Yankson IK, Nakua EK. Prevalence and associated factors of occupational injuries in an industrial city in Ghana. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301339. [PMID: 38547303 PMCID: PMC10977681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workers are exposed to workplace hazards which increase their risk of occupational injury. Data on occupational injuries and associated factors are important for planning and informing national policy regarding workplace health and safety. This study sought to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with occupational injuries among workers in an industrial city in Ghana. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 459 workers in the Tema industrial enclave in Ghana from 22nd December 2020 to 27th February 2021. Participants were recruited using a two-stage sampling technique. Eight communities were randomly selected from twenty-five communities in the first stage while households in each community were randomly selected in the second stage. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, occupational health and safety and occupational injuries were collected. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between occupational injuries and associated factors. RESULTS The mean age of the workers was 33.9 (±6.8) years with a range of 21-53 while over 18.1% of them were working at the Port and Harbour. The prevalence of occupational injury among the workers in the preceding twelve months was 64.7%. The mechanism of injury was mainly the use of working tools (45.8%) and hot surfaces, substances or chemicals (14.1%). Being a casual staff (AOR: 2.26, 95%CI: 1.04-4.92), working at Port and Harbour (AOR: 3.77, 95%CI: 1.70-8.39), no health and safety training (AOR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.08-4.39), dissatisfaction with health and safety measures (AOR: 4.31, 95%CI: 2.12-8.78) and tertiary education (AOR: 0.03, 95%CI: 0.01-0.10) were significantly associated with occupational injuries. CONCLUSION The prevalence of occupational injuries in this study was high. Promoting machine tools' safety, health and safety training, and satisfaction with health and safety measures through rewarding workers who do not sustain injuries could be key to employees' health and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tetteh Asiedu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Douglas Aninng Opoku
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Allen Clinic, Family Healthcare Services, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph Osarfo
- Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Health Science, Ho, Ghana
| | - Alhassan Sulemana
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Aliyu Mohammed
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - John Amissah
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jennifer Ashilevi
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ayongo Mate-Kole
- Family Medicine Sub BMC, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Felix Agyemang Opoku
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kofi Yankson
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Building and Road Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kweku Nakua
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Belete YA, Assefa NL, Tegegn MT. Ocular Protection Practice and Associated Factors Among Ethiopian Welders: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study. CLINICAL OPTOMETRY 2023; 15:175-184. [PMID: 37719028 PMCID: PMC10503522 DOI: 10.2147/opto.s424522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Work-related ocular injury is a global public health problem, particularly among welders and is reduced through proper ocular protection practice. No previous studies have explored ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in Ethiopia or in the study area. Objective This study aimed to assess the proportion of ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 welders in Gondar city, selected using systematic random sampling with an interval of 2, from July 6 to 23, 2021. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ocular protection practice and association was expressed using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Of 396 participated welders, 81.8% worked without job training, and 33.1% had faced ocular injury. Nearly 86% of welders had access to personal protective eyewear but their knowledge and attitude towards personal protective eyewear were 48.2% (95% CI: 44.8, 51.4) and 61.4% (95% CI: 57.6, 64.7), respectively. The proportion of a good-level of ocular protection practice was 56.8% (95% CI: 52.8, 61.9). Being gas welder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.26, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.53), work experience (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.21), job training (AOR = 4.90, 95% CI: 2.32, 10.35), welders rated the cost of personal protective eyewear as fair (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.20) and history ocular injury (AOR = 4.20, 95% CI: 2.40, 6.97) were positively associated with a good-level proportion of ocular protection practice. Conclusion This study found that the proportion of a good-level of ocular protection practice of welders was fair. Being gas welder, job training, work experience, history of ocular injury and welders rated the cost of personal protective eyewear as fair were significantly associated with a good-level of ocular protection practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yared Ayelign Belete
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Natnael Lakachew Assefa
- Department of Optometry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Temeselew Tegegn
- Department of Optometry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muruganandam N, Mahalingam S, Narayanan R, Rajadurai E. Meandered and muddled: a systematic review on the impact of air pollution on ocular health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:64872-64890. [PMID: 37097565 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27079-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
From the years 1970-2023, a systematic overview of the diverse consequences of particulate matter on eye health and a disease classification according to acute, chronic, and genetic are presented using the PubMed, Research Gate, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases. Various studies on medical aspects correlate with the eye and health. However, from an application perspective, there is limited research on the ocular surface and air pollution. The main objective of the study is to uncover the relationship between eye health and air pollution, particularly particulate matter, along with other external factors acting as aggravators. The secondary goal of the work is to examine the existing models for mimicking human eyes. The study is followed by a questionnaire survey in a workshop, in which the exposure-based investigation was tagged based on their activity. This paper establishes a relationship between particulate matter and its influence on human health, leading to numerous eye diseases like dry eyes, conjunctivitis, myopia, glaucoma, and trachoma. The results of the questionnaire survey indicate that about 68% of the people working in the workshop are symptomatic with tears, blurred vision, and mood swings, while 32% of the people were asymptomatic. Although there are approaches for conducting experiments, the evaluation is not well defined; empirical and numerical solutions for particle deposition on the eye are needed. There prevails a broad gap in the arena of ocular deposition modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niveditha Muruganandam
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Anna University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sneha Mahalingam
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Anna University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramsundram Narayanan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Khorshed EAE, El-Naggar SA, El-Gohary SS, Awad AMB, Ahmed AS. Occupational ocular health problems among marble workers at Shaq El Tho'ban industrial area in Egypt. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:37445-37457. [PMID: 35066853 PMCID: PMC9106598 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18410-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Eye health of the working population is an essential condition for productivity. Marble industry is processed at large scale at Shaq El Tho'ban area where much dust, crushed pieces of stone, and fluctuating temperatures are endangering employees' health generally and eye health specifically. The objectives of this study were assessing the prevalence of the most common ocular health problems associated with marble industry and investigating the impact of the working environment and occupational risk factors on the oculo-visual status of marble workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 workers, working at Shaq El Tho'ban area in Egypt during the period from August 2020 to September 2021, using a semi-structured questionnaire and eye examination comprised of full ocular history, visual acuity testing (unaided/aided), slit lamp examination, ophthalmoscopy, and Schirmer's type I and tear break up time tests. The current study showed that gritty sensation (65.2%) and eye dryness (51.2%) were the commonest symptoms complained. By examination, conjunctival hyperemia (59.6%) was the most prevalent finding. By performing dry eye tests, dry eye was diagnosed in 60.4% and 51.2% of workers by Schirmer's test and tear break up time test respectively. The study's results indicated that age, working category, smoking, and diabetes had significant impact on development of ocular symptoms, while working duration, diabetes, smoking, ocular symptoms, and ocular foreign body had significant impact on development of dry eye disease. Implementation of engineering control measures, proper designing, and supply of eye PPE together with adequate health education to all workers about occupational health risks and preventive measures are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enjy A E Khorshed
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Safaa A El-Naggar
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Samia S El-Gohary
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M B Awad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Amani S Ahmed
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ezinne NE, Ekemiri KK, Nwanali Daniel MA. Occupational Ocular Injuries and Utilization of Eye Protective Devices among Sawmill Workers in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Vision (Basel) 2021; 5:vision5040060. [PMID: 34941655 PMCID: PMC8706099 DOI: 10.3390/vision5040060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we carried out a cross-sectional study to assess occupational ocular injuries and utilization of eye protective devices among sawmill workers in the Ojo local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria A structured questionnaire was used to conduct face-to-face interviews among the sawmill workers. Pearson’s chi-squared test and t-test were used to test associations between variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 215 sawmill workers with a mean age of 37.08 ± 12.07 years participated in the study. A majority (55.8%) of the participants were male (93.7%), and a majority were 21–40 years old (55.8%). Of the participants, 78.6% were aware of occupational ocular injuries and 17.7% used ocular safety devices. The major barrier to the use of eye protective devices was unavailability (43%). Workers who were ≥20 years old (p < 0.001), who received a monthly salary of less than USD 100 (p < 0.043), who had work experience of ≥10 years (p < 0.04), who were aware of ocular hazards (p < 0.03), and who did not use protective eye devices (p < 0.02) were significantly associated with occupational ocular injuries compared to others. The prevalence of occupational ocular injuries and the utilization of eye safety devices among the sawmill workers in the current study were comparable to findings from other studies. Based on the results of our study, we advise the provision of ocular protective devices for sawmill workers and policies to enforce regular utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngozika E. Ezinne
- Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences, Saint Augustine Campus, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 999183, Trinidad and Tobago;
- Department of Optometry, Madonna University Elele, Elele 5001, Rivers State, Nigeria;
- Correspondence:
| | - Kingsley K. Ekemiri
- Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences, Saint Augustine Campus, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 999183, Trinidad and Tobago;
| | | |
Collapse
|