PREVALENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL OCULAR INJURY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG SMALL SCALE INDUSTRY WORKERS IN GONDAR TOWN, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2019

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.