title: Prevalence and risk factors for obstructive respiratory conditions among textile industry workers in Zimbabwe, 2006.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Workers in the cotton processing industries risk developing obstructive respiratory conditions due to prolonged exposure to cotton dust. We noted a tenfold increase in asthma among workers in a Textile Manufacturing Company. We determined the prevalence of respiratory obstructive conditions among workers in various sections.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross sectional analytic study. Workers were randomly sampled and data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Respiratory function was assessed using spirometry and chest auscultation. A walk through survey was conducted and a checklist was used to capture hazards and control measures in the work place.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 194 workers participated. The prevalence of severe respiratory obstruction was 27.8%. It was 50.0% among the blowers, 35.3% in waste recovery, 32.5% in carders, 15.0% in spinners and 7.5% among weavers. The mean years of exposure between the affected and the non-affected were significantly different (T =2.20; p< 0.05). Working in the blowing department was significantly associated with developing respiratory obstruction (OR=3.53; 95% CI= 1.61-7.79) but working in the weaving department was significantly protective (OR 0.16; CI 0.04-0.59).Working in a department for less than 10 years was protective (OR =0.94; 95% CI= 0.48-1.85), but not significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Obstructive respiratory conditions are common among textile workers, with those in blowing and waste recovery sections being the most affected. We recommended worker rotation every six months, regular spirometric screening employment of a medical officer.
authors: Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: Mberikunashe
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Banda
authors: Addmore
authors: A
authors: Chadambuka
authors: Notion Tafara
authors: NT
authors: Gombe
authors: Gerald
authors: G
authors: Shambira
authors: Mufuta
authors: M
authors: Tshimanga
authors: Reginald
authors: R
authors: Matchaba-Hove
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003020:Clothing; D032561:Cotton Fiber; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013783:Textile Industry; D013784:Textiles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology