Occupational injuries among Saudi Star workers in Abobo District, Agnwa Zone, Gambella region, South-West Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Agricultural workers are less-protected compared to workers in other sectors. Vary limited studies in the field of occupational health hazards indicated that the magnitude of occupational injury is serious in Ethiopia. Objective: To asses Occupational injuries among Saudi Star workers in Gambella regional state, Ethiopia, 2014. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study design using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were conducted from April 01/2014- may 01/2014. A total of 303 Saudi Star workers were included in the study by using random sampling technique. Quantitative data were collected through interviews using semi-structured and pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire and the collected data were entered using EPI data version.3.1 and analyzed using SPSS) version 16. Binary logistic regression was used to see the association between independent variables and occupational injury and computed using Odds Ratio. Enter hierarchical method was used. A p-value <0.05 was taken as significant in the final model. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Result: The response rate was 287(94.71%). The overall prevalence rate of work related injury within the past 12 months was 145 out of 287 (50.50%). As compared to respondents those who able to read and write, odds of injury among workers unable to read and write were 9.62 higher (AOR=9.62, 95%CI: 2.98-31.73). Respondents those who trained were 65% less likely injured than those who did not (AOR=0.35, 95%CI: 0.15-0.80). As compared to workers who did not smoke cigarette, odds of injury among the counterpart were 7.44 higher (AOR=7.44, 95%CI; 3.25-17-11). Conclusion and Recommendation: The magnitude of occupational injury in study area, work place was high. And which needs a joint involvement from regulatory body and the company itself in the process of reducing occupational injury.