title: Noise-induced hearing loss and associated factors among vector control workers in a Malaysian state.
abstract: This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among vector control workers in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 181 vector control workers who were working in district health offices in a state in Malaysia. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and audiometry. Prevalence of NIHL was 26% among this group of workers. NIHL was significantly associated with the age-group of 40 years and older, length of service of 10 or more years, current occupational noise exposure, listening to loud music, history of firearms use, and history of mumps/measles infection. Following logistic regression, age of more than 40 years and noise exposure in current occupation were associated with NIHL with an odds ratio of 3.45 (95% confidence interval = 1.68-7.07) and 6.87 (95% confidence interval = 1.54-30.69), respectively, among this group of vector control workers.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia retnes@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Retneswari
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Masilamani
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Abdul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rasib
authors.affiliation: Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Azlan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darus
authors.affiliation: Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Anselm Su
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Ting
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001299:Audiometry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007300:Insect Control; D016015:Logistic Models; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors