Self-reported disease conditions among workers of the textile mill in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract: This cross sectional study was conducted among textile mill workers in Bahir Dar city of Northern Ethiopia in 1995/96. The main objective of the study was to examine the nature and magnitude of self reported disease conditions and to assess the distribution of health problems by work departments. A pretested questionnaire was administered by trained health professionals to 394 production workers. In a period of one month, 72 workers complained of one or more respiratory symptoms. The odds of having respiratory symptoms in the Spinning Department was about twice that of the Weaving Department and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Periodic screening of workers for common health problems should be conducted and preventive measures should be undertaken, the Spinning Department needing the utmost attention. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1999;13(2):151-156]