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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Nuwamanya E, Byamugisha D, Nakiguli CK, Angiro C, Khanakwa AV, Omara T, Ocakacon S, Onen P, Omoding D, Opio B, Nimusiima D, Ntambi E. Exposure and Health Risks Posed by Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils of Metal Fabrication Workshops in Mbarara City, Uganda. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:176-192. [PMID: 38390991 PMCID: PMC10885048 DOI: 10.3390/jox14010011] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metal fabrication workshops (MFWs) are common businesses in Ugandan cities, and especially those producing metallic security gates, window and door frames (burglar-proof), and balcony and staircase rails. The objective of this study was to comparatively assess the pollution levels and potential health risks of manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pd) and nickel (Ni) in pooled surface soil samples from four 5-, 7-, 8-, and 10-year-old MFWs (n = 28) and a control site (n = 8) in Mbarara City, Uganda. The concentration of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) was determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Contamination, ecological, and human health risk assessment indices and models were used to identify any risks that the PTEs could pose to the pristine environment and humans. Our results showed that PTE pollution of soils is occuring in the MFWs than at the control site. The mean concentrations of the PTEs (mg kg-1) in the samples were: Mn (2012.75 ± 0.23-3377.14 ± 0.31), Cr (237.55 ± 0.29-424.93 ± 0.31), Cd (0.73 ± 0.13-1.29 ± 0.02), Pb (107.80 ± 0.23-262.01 ± 0.19), and Ni (74.85 ± 0.25-211.37 ± 0.14). These results indicate that the PTEs could plausibly derive from the fabrication activities in these workshops, which is supported by the high values of contamination factors, index of geoaccumulation, and the overall increase in pollution load indices with the number of years of operation of the MFWs. Human health risk assessment showed that there are non-carcinogenic health risks that could be experienced by children who ingest PTEs in the soils from the 7-, 8- and 10-year-old MFWs. The incremental life cancer risk assessment suggested that there are potential cancerous health effects of Cd and Ni that could be experienced in children (who ingest soils from all the four MFWs) and adults (ingesting soils from the 8- and 10-year-old MFWs). This study underscores the need to implement regulatory guidelines on the operation and location of MFWs in Uganda. Further research should be undertaken to investigate the emission of the PTEs during welding operations in the MFWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Nuwamanya
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
| | - Denis Byamugisha
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
| | - Caroline K Nakiguli
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
| | - Christopher Angiro
- Centre for Water, Environment and Development, School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Alice V Khanakwa
- Department of Environmental Health and Disease Prevention, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira P.O. Box 1035, Uganda
| | - Timothy Omara
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Simon Ocakacon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Patrick Onen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, India
| | - Daniel Omoding
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Boniface Opio
- Department of Science and Vocational Education, Lira University, Lira P.O. Box 1035, Uganda
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003, India
| | - Daniel Nimusiima
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Ntambi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
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Nalugya A, Kiguli J, Wafula ST, Nuwematsiko R, Mugambe RK, Oputan P, Tigaiza A, Isunju JB, Ssekamatte T. Knowledge, attitude and practices related to the use of personal protective equipment among welders in small-scale metal workshops in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda. Health Psychol Behav Med 2022; 10:731-747. [PMID: 35957958 PMCID: PMC9359178 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2022.2106987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the risks involved in welding, there is limited evidence of the knowledge, attitude and practices related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among welders in small-scale metal workshops. We assessed the level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to PPE use among welders in small-scale workshops in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso district, Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 329 welders. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on welder knowledge and attitude while an observation checklist was used to establish utilization of PPE. Ten key informant interviews were conducted to further understand welders’ knowledge, attitude and PPE-related practices. A ‘modified Poisson’ regression analysis was done to establish the independent factors associated with PPE KAP. NVivo 12 was used for the management of qualitative data. A thematic content approach guided qualitative data analysis. Results About 61.4% (202/329) of the respondents had a high level of knowledge, 68.7% (226/329) had a negative attitude, and only 37.1% (122/329) exhibited good PPE-related practices. Knowledge of PPE use was associated with the type of training (aPR = 1.52, CI = 1.29–1.80). Attitude toward PPE use was associated with the level of education (aPR = 2.31, CI = 1.28–4.14), duration of work experience (aPR = 2.37, CI = 1.01–5.55), (aPR = 2.79, CI = 1.13–6.89), and level of knowledge (aPR = 1.73, CI = 1.13–2.65). PPE-related practices were associated with the type of training (aPR = 2.91, CI = 2.14–3.96) and attitude (aPR = 1.45, CI = 1.08–1.93). Conclusion While the welders’ level of knowledge of PPE was found to be high, the majority exhibited a negative attitude and poor PPE-related practices. A high level of knowledge was associated with a positive attitude. In turn, a positive attitude was associated with good PPE practices. Welders need to be sensitized on the health risks that may arise from the non-use of PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Nalugya
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Juliet Kiguli
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Solomon T. Wafula
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rebecca Nuwematsiko
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard K. Mugambe
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patience Oputan
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Arnold Tigaiza
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Bosco Isunju
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tonny Ssekamatte
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Daba C, Atamo A, Gebrehiwot M. Small Scale Enterprise Workers Require Attention: What Predicts the Level of Occupational Injuries? ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2022; 16:11786302221104949. [PMID: 35694430 PMCID: PMC9178732 DOI: 10.1177/11786302221104949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational injuries are among the foremost public health problems that small scale enterprise workers are encountering. Most foregoing occupational injury studies focused on construction or welding industry workers which could underestimate the real level of occupational injuries recorded in small scale enterprises. Conversely, others deal with a combined level of injuries from both small scale and large scale enterprises. Therefore, this study examined the magnitude and predictors of occupational injuries among various categories of small scale enterprise workers in Ambo town (Ethiopia). METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed among 408 small scale enterprise workers from September to October 2021. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was computed to identify factors associated with occupational injuries. Variables with P-value less than .05 were considered as significantly associated with occupational injuries. RESULTS The 1-year prevalence of occupational injuries was 39.5% (95% CI: 35-44). Age greater than 40 years (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.53-5.28), working for more than 8 hours per day (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.61-4.95), working during the night time (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.22-3.47), lack of workplace supervision (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.23-5.28), alcohol use (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.24-3.06), chewing khat (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.27-3.2), non-utilization of personal protective equipment (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.03-2.87), and lack of health and safety training (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.26-4.37) were important predictors of occupational injuries. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated a substantial proportion of small scale enterprise workers experienced occupational injuries during the last year. Provision of health and safety training, continuous workplace supervisions, and provision and utilization of personal protective equipment are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chala Daba
- Chala Daba, Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, P. O. Box. 1145, Dessie 1145, Ethiopia.
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