Flour mill workers are at high risk of developing respiratory symptoms due to exposure to flour dust in their working environment. Exposure to flour dust is linked with the development of chronic respiratory disorders (CRD). However, very little evidence has been available on exposed workers’ respiratory symptoms in large-scale flour mill factories. Therefore, this study aimed to assess chronic respiratory health (CRH) symptoms and associated factors among flour mill workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 424 randomly selected workers from Addis Ababa flour mill factories. Respiratory health symptoms were assessed using an American Thoracic Society standard questionnaire customized with the local context. Data were checked for completeness, and Epi-Info V. 7.2 and SPSS V.21 statistical software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with CRH symptoms. Variables that had significant association were identified based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p < 0.05. Data were presented using tables, texts, and figures.
The prevalence of CRH symptoms among flour mill factory workers was 58.3% (95% CI: 53.7– 63.4). CRH symptoms were significantly associated with age group (AOR=1.95, 95% CI; 1.17– 2.79 and AOR=12.3, 95% CI; 4.39– 34.6), monthly income (AOR=1.68, 95% CI; 1– 2.79), work experience (AOR=2.58, 95% CI; 1– 6.62), past dust exposure (AOR=1.86, 95% CI; 1.08– 3.2) and utilization of respiratory protective equipment (AOR=2.29, 95% CI; 1.27– 4.13).
CRH symptoms were highly prevalent among flour mill factory workers. Supportive supervision and cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, flour mill managers, and workers are needed to reduce exposure and improve the working environment.