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

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.