Occupational noise exposure and hearing loss: A study of knowledge, attitude and practice among Tanzanian iron and steel workers.

Occupational noise exposure and hearing loss: A study of knowledge, attitude and practice among Tanzanian iron and steel workers. Arch Environ Occup Health. 2019 Apr 29;:1-10 Authors: Nyarubeli IP, Tungu AM, Bråtveit M, Moen BE Abstract We assessed Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) regarding occupational noise exposure, Noise-induced hearing loss, audiometry and use of hearing protection devices among iron and steel factory workers exposed to high noise level. A modified, validated, structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 253 male workers randomly selected from the four factories. The sum scores for each domain of KAP were computed. Scores above 75% were defined as good knowledge and positive attitude. For practice, scores of >50% were defined as good. Independent samples t-test and Chi-squared test were used to analyze association between KAP and continuous/categorical variables respectively. Majority of workers displayed poor knowledge and poor practice (94%), but 76% displayed a positive attitude. Most of the workers (86%) had never been provided with hearing protection devices. The mean scores for attitude and practice differed significantly between the four factories (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). Implementation of hearing conservation program with provision of hearing protection devices are suggested. PMID: 31033430 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Arch Environ Occup Health Source Type: research