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

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.

Keywords:

• Hearing conservation program
• hearing protection devices
• iron and steel factory
• knowledge
• noise exposure
• noise-induced hearing loss
• worker health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the four iron and steel factory managements for permission to host the project and for consenting to the participation of workers. We would like to thank the workers for their participation. Our appreciation also goes to the field research assistant (Ms Judith A. Haule), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and the Occupational Safety and Health Authority in Tanzania for their helpful contribution to this work. This work was financially supported by the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen).