Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Ocular injury is a significant but preventable cause of ocular morbidity
worldwide especially in developing countries but little is known. Even though knowing
regarding the epidemiological distribution and the associated factors is ideal for the prevention
of
blindness
from
ocular
injury.it
is unknown
in
the
study
area.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of occupational ocular injury and associated
factors among small scale industry workers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods and Materials: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total
of
570
manufacturing
and
construction
workers
in
Gondar
town
from
April
23
to
May
4,
2019.
Verbal
informed
consent
was
obtained
from
all
study
participants.
A
pre-tested
questionnaire
was used to collect data using face to face interview. Data were entered
into EPI INFO version 7 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science
(SPSS) version 22. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted
and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to identify statistically associated
factors with an occupational ocular injury. Variables with p ? 0.2 in the bi-variable logistic
regression model were fitted to the multivariable logistic regression model and those variables
with
P–value
<0.05
were
considered
statistically
significant
results
were
presented
using
text,
graphs,
and
tables.
Result: A total of 542 Small scale industry workers participated with 95.1% response
rate. 12-Month prevalence of occupational ocular injury was 31.4% (95% CI, 27.2-35.5).
employment pattern (temporary workers) (AOR:1.610, 95% CI:1.043,2.486), health and
safety training (AOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.27,4.13), non-use of eye safety device (AOR:
6.35,95% CI: 3.97,10.16), working experience (1-2 year experience) (AOR 0.43, 95%
CI, 0.26,0.69) and (3-4 year experience ) (AOR: 0.53,95% CI,0.33-0.87) and job category
(cobblestone
work
(AOR:0.13,95%CI,0.07,0.24)),
woodwork
(AOR:
0.15,95%CI,0.07,0.29)
and
metal
work
(AOR
0.26,95%CI,0.14,0.51)
respectively
were
statistically
significant
with
occupational
ocular
injury.
Conclusion: This study showed that less than half of the small-scale industry workers
had an occupational ocular injury. Employment pattern (Temporary workers). Working
experience, job category, health, and safety training and use of eye safety device were
significant and independent predictors for occupational ocular injury. Some of the significant
factors
were
assumed
to be preventable with necessities of safety equipment and
behavioral change communications programs on life-style factors.
Keyword: occupational ocular injury, small scale industry worker, Gondar Town.
