Assessment of Chronic Respiratory Health Symptoms and Associated Factors Among Flour Mill Factory Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: 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 linked with the development of chronic respiratory disorders. However, very little evidence has been available on the respiratory symptoms of exposed workers in large-scale flour mill factories. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess chronic respiratory health symptoms and associated factors among flour mill workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: 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 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. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with chronic respiratory health symptoms. Variables that had significant association were identified based on adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p <0.05. Data were presented using tables, texts and figures. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic respiratory health symptoms among flour mill factory workers was 58.3% (95% CI: 53.7–63.4). Chronic respiratory health 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). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Chronic respiratory health symptoms were highly prevalent among flour mill factory workers. Supportive supervision and cooperation between Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, flour mill managers and workers are needed to reduce exposure and improve working environment.