Chronic Respiratory Symptoms and Associated Factors Among Solid Waste Collectors and Office Workers in Debre Tabor Regiopolitan City, Northwest Ethiopia
Abstract
Arega Asnakew Agazie*, Tadesse Wuletaw Demissie and Abaynew Honelgn Dessalegn
Background: Occupational exposure and unhealthy working conditions likely contribute to obstructive diseases and changes in pulmonary function. Moreover, there is a lack of comprehensive studies comparing respiratory symptoms between solid waste collectors and office workers in the Debre Tabor Regiopolitan city. The aim of the study is assessing respiratory symptoms and associated factors among solid waste collectors and office workers in Debre Tabor Region-Politian city.
Method- A community-based comparative cross-sectional study involving 336 waste collectors and office workers. Interviewer-administered questionnaires was used to collect data. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26, calculating crude odds ratios (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (p ≤ 0.05).
Result– The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among waste collectors was 14.3% (95% CI: 8.9-19.6). Work experience <4 years had an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 4.01 (95% CI: 1.37-11.74), and lack of training had an AOR of 6.19 (95% CI: 2.13-18.03) for respiratory symptoms. Age of waste collector’s vs office workers 18-35 years (AOR: 8.7 (95% CI: 2.02-37.85), and who don’t received training (AOR: 5.73(95%CI: 1.87-17.5) had significantly higher odds of developing chronic respiratory symptoms.
Conclusion - The study reveals a concerning 14.3% prevalence of respiratory symptoms among waste collectors, influenced by factors such as limited work experience and lack of training. Limited work experience, particularly among those with less than four years on the job, and a lack of training, both of which significantly increase the odds of developing respiratory issues. Younger waste collectors, specifically those aged 18-35, and those who have not received training, face the highest risks of developing chronic respiratory symptoms. To mitigate these issues, it is crucial to implement comprehensive training programs on safe practices and respiratory protection, conduct regular health assessments, and enhance workplace safety standards by providing proper protective equipment. These measures can significantly improve the health and safety of waste collectors.