Assessment of Respiratory Symptoms among Workers at the Tema Oil Refinery

Abstract

Background: The health of workers remains a major global occupational health issue. The relationship between work-related exposures and the health of an individual in a working environment could be an opportunity to assure workers health or be a source of threat to the health and economic wellbeing of a nation. With the increasing rate of industrialization in Ghana, there is the urgent need to investigate and evaluate the health situation of workers at the Tema oil refinery. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment and associated risk factors. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study involving 142 workers was conducted at Tema oil refinery. Quantitative data was obtained from respondents using semi-structured questionnaire to determine socio-demographic factors, occupational and work-related exposure and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Their lung function was determined by the use of a spirometer. Data was analysed on STATA version 13.0. Results: Study participants were predominantly males (99.3%), with one female (0.7%) worker. The prevalence of overall respiratory symptoms was 74.65%, with specific prevalence of cough, itchy ear and throat and to a lesser extent chest tightness shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing at (61.9%), (47.89%), (21.13%), (14.08%) and (18.31%) respectively. About 60.5% of participant’s had normal results for the lung function evaluation Conclusion: The current department and duration of service in the company affects the respiratory system of the participants. The age group of the participants also affects the respiratory system of the participants. The use of personal protective equipment had no effects on respiratory system of participants. Key words: Respiratory symptoms, Exposure, Lung function,