title: Prevalence and risk factors of respiratory symptoms among home-based garment workers in Bangkok, Thailand.
abstract: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms. A cross-sectional study with random sampling method was employed and 300 home-based garment workers (HBGWs) were recruited. Risk factors, including personal factors; knowledge, health preventive behaviors, and skill of self-health surveillance, working condition, and respiratory symptoms were assessed. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Prevalence of respiratory symptom was 22.3%. Majority of participants were female (78%). Mean age and working experience were 37.38 years (SD = 10.70) and 13.58 years (SD = 8.71), respectively. Allergic respiratory symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 16.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.61-31.7) and garment dust exposure (OR = 12.3; 95% CI = 6.49-23.3) were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis indicated history of allergic predicted the respiratory symptoms (OR = 12.96; 95% CI = 4.24-39.55). HBGWs who had serious allergic symptoms and high exposure to dust were at risk of respiratory symptoms. Therefore, preventive program for garment dust exposure among HBGWs is needed.
authors.affiliation: Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Pornlert
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chumchai
authors.affiliation: Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand pimpan.sil@mahidol.ac.th.
authors.forename: Pimpan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Silapasuwan
authors.affiliation: Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Chukiat
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wiwatwongkasem
authors.affiliation: Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arphorn
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Plernpit
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Suwan-Ampai
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003020:Clothing; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004391:Dust; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D017132:Workplace; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004391:Dust
keywords: home-based garment workers (HBGWS); occupational health; prevalence; respiratory symptoms; risk factors