Level of Indoor Air Pollutants Concentration, Self-Reported Health Problems, and Associated Factors among Woodworking Enterprises in Jimma City, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

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 Page | iii 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.