1
|
Seidu RK, Ofori EA, Eghan B, Fobiri GK, Afriyie AO, Acquaye R. A systematic review of work-related health problems of factory workers in the textile and fashion industry. J Occup Health 2024; 66:uiae007. [PMID: 38289711 PMCID: PMC10964409 DOI: 10.1093/joccuh/uiae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to present a systematic review of the health-related problems of factory workers in the textile and fashion industry. These workers endure long sitting postures, poor workspace conditions, and long working hours to complete their overload of tasks. This situation results in several health problems that affect the productivity, mental health, and well-being of the workers. METHODS The relevant data (21 article publications) were obtained from the Scopus database. Analysis of the 21 articles was grouped under 3 research themes based on the critical reading of the content and abstracts: respiratory problems, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological stressors and other health issues. RESULTS The findings show that factory workers are exposed to dust particles of cotton and other raw materials, fumes, and chemicals from manufacturing processes. This prolonged exposure without the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) leads to respiratory diseases like byssinosis that affect the workers' health. Additionally, working in a particular posture due to the workstation design for prolonged hours causes musculoskeletal disorders or pains. Workers also suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress from workload and pressure, hence making them unstable with reduced productivity. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study reinforce the need for a safe workspace and spacious work environment, provision of PPE, training in occupational hazards, frequent health checks, and ergonomic assessment of workstations to reduce prolonged work postures. Stakeholders, employers, policymakers, and governments should collaborate to safeguard and protect the well-being and health of the workers at these factories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Kanyire Seidu
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Emmanuel Abankwah Ofori
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Hubei University of Automotive Technology, Shiyan, 442002, Hubei, China
| | - Benjamin Eghan
- Department of Industrial Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AOK447, Ghana
| | - George Kwame Fobiri
- Department of Fashion Design and Textiles Studies, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, AK040, Ghana
| | - Alex Osei Afriyie
- Department of Industrial Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AOK447, Ghana
| | - Richard Acquaye
- Department of Textile Design and Technology, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, WK200, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ashuro Z, Hareru HE, Soboksa NE, Abaya SW, Zele YT. Occupational exposure to dust and respiratory symptoms among Ethiopian factory workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284551. [PMID: 37478114 PMCID: PMC10361507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational respiratory disorders are a major global public health concern among workers exposed to dust particles in dust-generating workplaces. Despite fragmented research findings on the magnitude of respiratory problems and the lack of a national occupational respiratory disease recording and reporting system at the Ethiopian factory, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among factory workers were unknown. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize and pool estimates from studies that reported the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and predictors among Ethiopian factory workers who worked in dusty environments. METHODS A systematic literature searches were conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, African Journals Online, and Web of Science). The primary and secondary outcomes were prevalence of respiratory symptoms and predictors, respectively. The STATA version 17 was used to analyze the data. A random effect meta-analysis model was used. Eggers test with p-value less than 5%, as well as the funnel plot, were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS The searches yielded 1596 articles, 15 of which were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Ethiopian factory workers was 54.96% [95% confidence interval (CI):49.33-60.59%]. Lack of occupational health and safety (OSH) training [Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.34, 95%CI:1.56-3.52], work experience of over 5 years [OR = 3.19, 95%CI: 1.33-7.65], not using personal protective equipment (PPE) [OR = 1.76, 95%CI:1.30-2.39], and working more than eight hours per day [OR = 1.89, 95%CI:1.16-3.05] were all significant predictors of respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSION The prevalence of respiratory symptom was found to be high in Ethiopian factory workers. To prevent workers from being exposed to dust, regular provision and monitoring of PPE use, workers OSH training, and adequate ventilation in the workplace should be implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zemachu Ashuro
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Endashaw Hareru
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Negasa Eshete Soboksa
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yifokire Tefera Zele
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Daba C, Debela SA, Atamo A, Desye B, Necho M, Tefera YM, Yeshanew F, Gebrehiwot M. Prevalence of occupational respiratory symptoms and associated factors among industry workers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288238. [PMID: 37440513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational respiratory diseases are major global public health problems, particularly for industry workers. Several studies have investigated occupational respiratory symptoms in various parts of Ethiopia. The findings have been inconsistent and inconclusive, and there is no nationally representative data on the subject. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and factors associated with occupational respiratory symptoms among industry workers in Ethiopia (2010-2022). METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis framework Guidelines, search was conducted on several international databases including PubMed, CINAHL, African Journals Online, Hinari, Global Health, and Google scholar. The extracted data was analyzed using STATA 14. Random effect model was used to estimate the effect size. Egger regression test and I2 statistics were used to determine potential publication bias and heterogeneity, respectively among the reviewed articles. RESULTS The meta-analysis included a total of 15 studies with 5,135 participants, revealing a pooled prevalence of 51.6% (95% CI: 43.6-59.6) for occupational respiratory symptoms among industry workers in Ethiopia. The absence of personal protective equipment (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: [1.17-3.32]), lack of occupational health and safety training (OR = 3.04, 95% CI: [2.36-3.93]), previous dust exposure (OR = 3.17, 95% CI: [2.3-4.37]), poor working environment (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: [1.7-3.2]), work experience greater than five years (OR = 4.04, 95% CI: [1.61-10.16]), smoking (OR = 6.91, 95% CI: [2.94-16.2]), and previous respiratory illness (OR = 4.25, 95% CI: [2.44-7.42]) were found to associate with the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of occupational respiratory symptoms among industry workers in Ethiopia underscores the urgent need for effective interventions. The provision of personal protective equipment and improvement of working environments by the government, industry owners, and other stakeholders are crucial in reducing occupational respiratory symptoms. Additionally, prioritizing occupational health and safety training for industry workers can help prevent and mitigate the impact of occupational respiratory diseases. REGISTRATION This systematic review has been registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) with a specific registration number CRD42022383745.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chala Daba
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay Abebe Debela
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Salale University, Fitche, Ethiopia
| | - Amanuel Atamo
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Belay Desye
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia
| | - Mogesie Necho
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Yonatal Mesfin Tefera
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Fanos Yeshanew
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Gebrehiwot
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Carmona J, deMarcken M, Trinh P, Frisbie L, Ramirez V, Palmandez P, Vedal S, Sack C, Rabinowitz P. A Cross Sectional Study of Respiratory and Allergy Status in Dairy Workers. J Agromedicine 2023; 28:545-552. [PMID: 36704933 PMCID: PMC10421462 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2023.2171522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Workers on dairy farms face exposures to organic dusts and endotoxin. At the same time, a number of studies of farmers have reported a lower prevalence of asthma in farmworkers compared to persons without farm contact. The "hygiene hypothesis" suggests that early life exposures on farms could be protective against allergic disease and asthma. Such protective relationships are less well studied in adult farm workers. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of respiratory function and allergy status was performed in a sample of dairy farm workers (n = 42) and community controls (n = 40). Measures of respiratory status (spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide FeNO, self-reported symptoms) and levels of total and bovine-specific IgE were compared between the groups. RESULTS Prevalence of self-reported asthma and most respiratory symptoms was similar in the two groups, with the exception of increased report of dyspnea among dairy workers. In the dairy workers, level of lung function was not reduced and FeNO was not increased. In unadjusted and adjusted models, dairy work was not associated with reduced lung function or increased airway inflammation. Mean IgE levels did not differ significantly between workers and controls, but elevated bovine-specific IgE was detected only among dairy workers, with an apparent association between elevated bovine IgE and increased FeNO. CONCLUSION While dairy workers did not demonstrate increased asthma prevalence compared to controls, sensitization to bovine antigen in several workers appeared to be associated with airway inflammation. Occupational health programs for dairy workers should consider the risk of animal allergy as part of respiratory health protection efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Carmona
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Marine deMarcken
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pauline Trinh
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lauren Frisbie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Vickie Ramirez
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pablo Palmandez
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sverre Vedal
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Coralynn Sack
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Peter Rabinowitz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Demeke D, Tesfa E. Prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric result at different workplaces in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1359. [PMID: 37359412 PMCID: PMC10288973 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1359] [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: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Burdens of occupational exposure like insoluble dust particles and chemicals in the respiratory tract leads to impaired clearance. This study aims to assess the prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric result in Ethiopia at different workplaces. Methods Five electronic databases such as: PubMed, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched in studies conducted from 2010 to 2021. In this study, we used STATA 14 software for data analysis and the quality of included studies were appraised using the New Castle Ottawa quality assessment tool. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric results were estimated using effect size and standardized mean differences (SMD). Results A total representative of 3511 participants was included in this study. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in occupational exposure at different workplaces was found 13.04% (95% CI: 7.96, 18.12, I 2 = 89.2%). On the other hand, the pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in controls was 4.10% (95% CI: 1.86, 6.34, I 2 = 76.8%). SMD of spirometric results was significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls. The SMD of FVC in a litter (L) at 95% of CI: -0.50 (-0.70, -0.30, I 2 = 87.7%), SMD of FEV1 in (L) at 95% CI: -0.54 (-0.72, -0.36, I 2 = 84.9%), SMD of FEF25%-50% in litter per second (L/s) at 95% of CI: -0.42 (-0.67, -0.17, I 2 = 81.9%) and SMD of PEFR in L/s at 95% CI: -0.45 (-0.68, -0.21, I 2 = 78.4%) were significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls. Conclusion The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung pattern was higher in people who are working at different workplace that generating dusts and chemicals. The SMD of actual spirometric results were reduced in cases than controls. Therefore, to alleviate this problem appropriate preventive measure would be warranted for those people who are working in different dust and chemical generating environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dessalegn Demeke
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health SciencesBahir Dar UniversityBahir DarEthiopia
| | - Endalamaw Tesfa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health SciencesBahir Dar UniversityBahir DarEthiopia
- Health Biotechnology Division, Institute of BiotechnologyBahir Dar UniversityBahir DarEthiopia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zele YT, Kumie A, Deressa W, Bråtveit M, Moen BE. Registered health problems and demographic profile of integrated textile factory workers in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1526. [PMID: 34372825 PMCID: PMC8351335 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Textile and garment factories are growing in low and middle-income countries as worldwide demand for inexpensive clothing increases each year. These integrated textile and garment production factories are often built-in areas with few workplaces and environmental regulations, and employees can be regularly exposed to workplace hazards with little regulatory oversight. Consequently, workers' health may be significantly affected due to long term exposure to hazards. This study describes registered health problems and their association to work-related and personal factors among workers in integrated textile factories in Ethiopia. METHODS Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed for this analysis. A one-year recording of worker's clinical diagnoses (between March 2016 and February 2017) was gathered from the factory clinics of three integrated textile factories. Clinical diagnosis data was obtained as factory workers visited the clinics if feeling unwell. Sociodemographic characteristics and work-related information were obtained from the factory's human resource departments. The sociodemographic and clinical diagnosis statuses of 7992 workers were analyzed. The association between the registered diagnoses and workplace factors (work in textile production, garment production and support process) and personal factors (age, sex and educational status) were studied using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The average employee age and years of service were 40 years and 11 years respectively. 60% of workers were females, comprising of 4778 women. 66% of all workers (5276) had 27,320 clinical diagnoses. In total, this caused 16,993 absent working days due to sick leave. Respiratory diseases (34%) and musculoskeletal disorders (29%) were the most prevalent diagnoses, while bodily injuries were the cause of most work absences. Work department, sex and educational status are variables that were most significantly associated with higher prevalence of disease groups. CONCLUSIONS About two-thirds of the integrated textile factory workers were diagnosed with different types of disease. The textile and garment production department workers were affected at a greater rate than the support process workers, indicating that some diseases may be related to workplace exposure. Further study should investigate rare chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, renal diseases and diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifokire Tefera Zele
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P O Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5009, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P O Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P O Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5009, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Oo TW, Thandar M, Htun YM, Soe PP, Lwin TZ, Tun KM, Han ZM. Assessment of respiratory dust exposure and lung functions among workers in textile mill (Thamine), Myanmar: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:673. [PMID: 33827504 PMCID: PMC8028193 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10712-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airborne dusts are being potentially harmful for workers in occupational environment. Exposure to respirable dust is the most important concern in textile workers for the widespread of occupational lung diseases, especially more serious in developing countries. The aim of the study was to assess the respirable dust exposure and associated factors of lung functions among textile workers. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out at a textile mill (Thamine), Yangon Region, from April to December, 2018 and a total of 207 textile workers were randomly selected by using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire for respiratory symptoms, an air sampling pump for assessment of respirable dust exposure, and a spirometer for testing the lung functions. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associated factors of lung functions. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were computed for strength of associations at the significance level of α ≤ 0.05. RESULTS The mean (± standard deviation, SD) respirable dust exposure was 3.3 mg/m3 (± 0.69) and the prevalence of increased respirable dust exposure (> 3 mg/m3) was 50.7%. The level of respirable dust exposure was highest in the textile workers involving at twisting department. The means (± SD) spirometry values were FVC 82.8% (± 17.8), FEV1 83.6% (± 18.5), and FEV1/FVC 0.9 (± 0.1). Overall magnitude of reduced lung functions was 40.1%, and the prevalence of reduced FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were 36.7, 34.3 and 3.9% respectively. The current working at twisting department, > 5 years of service duration, respiratory symptoms and increased respirable dust exposure were associated with reduction in FVC and FEV1. CONCLUSIONS The current working department, service duration, respiratory symptoms and exposure to respirable dust were predictors of lung functions in textile workers. An adequate ventilation, good work practices, hygienic workplace, safety and health training regarding potential health effects, and periodically assessment of lung functions are the critical elements for control of respirable dust exposure and reduction of occupational lung diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thet Wai Oo
- Special Operation Medical Research Department, Defence Services Medical Research Centre, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Mya Thandar
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Public Health, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ye Minn Htun
- Department of Prevention and Research Development of Hepatitis, AIDS and Other Viral Diseases, Health and Disease Control Unit, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
| | - Pa Pa Soe
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Thant Zaw Lwin
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Defence Services Medical Academy, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Kyaw Myo Tun
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Defence Services Medical Academy, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Zaw Myo Han
- Defence Services Liver Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| |
Collapse
|