title: Factors influencing respirator use at work in respiratory patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  When engineering controls such as ventilation are not sufficient to prevent hazardous exposures in workplaces, respiratory protective devices (RPDs) may be provided to decrease workers' exposures. Often, workers do not use RPDs consistently when required.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our goal was to determine important factors associated with RPD usage in workers with respiratory disease exposed to airborne hazards at work.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and twenty-nine respiratory clinic patients in jobs with self-identified hazardous airborne substances completed a questionnaire and their clinic files were reviewed. Statistical analysis using chi-squared test and binary logistical regression was done to identify associations with RPD usage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-one per cent reported always wearing RPDs whenever a hazard was present; 33% never wore RPD. Compliance was highest among healthcare workers (72%) and lowest among workers in food and service industries (13 and 22%, respectively), P < 0.01. The compliance of co-workers, conveniently located RPDs, safety training discussing the use of RPDs, fit testing available at the workplace and age were positively associated with compliance (P < 0.05). Experiencing symptoms of shortness of breath and nasal stuffiness were negatively associated with compliance (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Addressing company factors and workers' symptoms apparently influencing compliance may optimize RPD usage.
authors.affiliation: Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fukakusa
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenblat
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kudla
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Tarlo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D015386:Hazardous Substances