Prevalence, Awareness and Factors Associated with Respiratory Morbidities among Fuel Pump Attendants in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Petroleum has disastrous effects on the respiratory health of humans. Exposure to petroleum products when fuelling vehicles and by-products make fuel attendants susceptible to several respiratory illnesses, including asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite the effects of petroleum products on respiratory health, studies investigating the effects of such exposure among fuel pump attendants in Ghana remain scant. Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence, knowledge, and risk factors for respiratory morbidities among gas station attendants at a sample of stations in the Greater Accra region. Methods: A cross-sectional design, using a quantitative approach was used to measure the awareness, prevalence and factors associated with respiratory morbidities among 141 fuel pump attendants in Accra, Ghana. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to evaluate chronic respiratory disease symptoms. Next, lung function tests were performed using a peak flow meter to assess the respiratory health of each participant. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine which factors might influence the occurrence of respiratory morbidities among fuel pump attendants. Data collected was analysed using STATA® version 16 software. Results: The majority (86.5%) of the fuel pump attendants were males. Nearly all (95%) of the fuel pump workers were aware of the dangers associated with working in the fuel pump stations and how exposure to the hazards can affect their health. Approximately 36% of the fuel pump attendants suffered respiratory morbidity (signs, symptoms, decreased PEFR, and abnormal auscultatory findings). Work-related factors such as years of working experience, working hours, and monthly income were significantly associated with the prevalence of respiratory morbidities among fuel pump attendants. Conclusion: Fuel pump attendants are aware of the respiratory risks associated with their job tasks; however, factors such as work duration, experience, and income were significantly associated with a high prevalence of respiratory morbidities among them. This highlights the need for employers and health officials to implement evidence-based strategies to reduce the risk of respiratory morbidities.