Abstract:
Background: Woodworking is a labor-intensive occupation that plays a vital role in the economies of
developing countries, including Ethiopia. However, workers are often exposed to occupational hazards
such as wood dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and poor indoor air quality, which can
adversely affect their health. Despite these risks, limited research has examined health problems and
contributing factors among woodworkers in Ethiopia, particularly in small-scale enterprises. This study
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aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported health problems, indoor air pollutant concentrations, and
associated factors among woodworkers in Jimma City.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 randomly selected woodworkers. Self-
reported health problems were assessed using a modified ATS questionnaire by reviewing different
literatures. PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ were measured with a Hold Peak 5800D dust detector, while TVOCs and
CO₂ were measured using an Aeroqual Series 500. Temperature and humidity were recorded with a
digital thermo-hygrometer. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to
identify independent predictors of health problems, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of self-reported health problems among woodworkers was 88.5%. Among
enterprises, 41.5% had PM₂.₅ ≥3 mg/m³, 43.8% had PM₁₀ ≥10 mg/m³, and 25.4% had TVOCs >1000
µg/m³. Workers above the age of 35 years old were more likely to report health problems (AOR = 3.10;
p = 0.041), whereas workers having higher education, income, and greater than 3 years of experience
reported lower health issues. Workers working in sanding, painting, and assembling department showed
the risk of exposure by about two-folds (AOR = 1.8–3.9). Similarly, workers working more than 8
hours/day, lack of safety training, smoking, use alcohol, khat chewing, and physical inactive are more
likely reported health problems (AOR = 2.9–3.8). Elevated PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, TVOCs, CO₂, high
temperature, and humidity were all significantly associated with increased health problems.
Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence (88.5%) of self-reported health problems among
woodworkers in Jimma City, significantly associated with occupational exposures to PM₂.₅, PM₁₀,
TVOCs, CO₂, elevated temperature, and relative humidity. Additional risk factors included working in
sanding, painting, and assembling departments, prolonged working hours, and unhealthy personal
behaviors. These findings emphasize the need for targeted workplace interventions to enhance air
quality, ensure consistent use of personal protective equipment, and promote health education to reduce
occupational health risks.
