Hematological Parameters of Gasoline Station Workers at Hosanna Town, Southwest Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background

Human exposure to benzene is associated with many adverse health effects. It is mainly related to impairment of the hematopoietic system and bone marrow suppression, causing abnormalities in hematological parameters. However, the reports obtained from different studies are contradictory, and there are little data regarding the hematological parameters of gas station workers in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hematological parameters of gas station workers in Hosanna town, southwest Ethiopia, from May 01 to June 15, 2020.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted by involving 180 (60 gas-stations workers and 120 controls) participants. Socio-demographic and related data of the study participants were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire through face-to-face-interviews. All phases of quality assurance were maintained, and hematological parameters were determined using Uni-Cel DxH 800 automated hematological analyzer. Independent sample T-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was declared at P<0.05.

Results

Statistically significant difference was observed in hematological parameters of gasoline-workers and control groups. The mean of red blood cell count among gasoline-workers was significantly reduced as compared to control groups (p=0.007). In addition, the median of hemoglobin levels among gasoline-workers was significantly decreased as compared to the control groups (p=0.001). In contrast, a significant increase was observed in median of absolute eosinophil count among the gasoline-workers as compared to control groups (p=0.01). The mean of mean cell volume was significantly decreased with respect to the duration of work experience (p=0.04).

Conclusion

In this study, a statistically significant difference was observed in some hematological parameters of gas station workers compared to the control group. Therefore, medical observation and periodic medical check-ups of the hematological profile should be considered to prevent the development of medical complications.

Keywords:

• benzene
• Ethiopia
• gasoline workers
• hematological parameters
• Hossana

Data Sharing Statement

This paper is based on the thesis of Tamirat Ersino. It has been published on Jimma university website, which is available https://repository.ju.edu.et/bitstream/handle/123456789/4204/TAMIRAT-ERSINO%20final%20thesis.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=1.² All relevant data related to this work are included within the manuscript.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Jimma university for the ethical approval and funding of this study. Additionally, we would like to thank WUNEMMRTH staffs, data collectors and all study participants.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data; took part in drafting, revising, and critically reviewing the manuscript. All authors have agreed on approval of the final manuscript to be published in the current journal and to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest for this work.

Additional information

Funding

Financial funding was received from Jimma University. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.