Predisposing Factors to Noise Induced Hearing Loss among Metal Workers in Selected Jua Kali Sheds in Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

The “Jua kali” sector is an informal, unorganized small-scale enterprise employment in Kenya, and a source of livelihoods for many in most cities and towns. However, the sector is inadequately supervised and lacks occupational health services; the workers are characterized by little or no formal education, knowledge on occupational safety procedures, environmental safety requirements, and even the occupational health and safety laws and legislation making, them vulnerable to many occupational health hazards. This study assessed the noise levels in selected “Jua kali” metal sheds, the predisposing factors to hearing loss, the influence of knowledge, attitude and practice among the “Jua kali” metal workers in Mombasa County, Kenya. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and work-related data while noise level measurements (noise mapping) were done randomly on selected participants using sound level meters. The audiometric test was done on the participants by use of clinical audiometer machine (measured at 4,000Hz) to determine the hearing levels. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. The mean noise level of 108.87dB (A) in the “Jua kali” metal shed was significantly higher (p=0.012) than the standard OSHA allowable levels of 85dB(A). Out a sample size of 204 respondents, 146(72%) participants involved in the study, 47.9% had moderate hearing loss while 2.7% had severe hearing loss. Significant association was found between hearing loss among the “Jua kali” workers and the following pre-disposing factors: age (p=0.000), gender (p=0.000), duration on the job (p=0.000), marital status (p=0.020), Position at work (p=0.040). Among the respondents 90.4% knew that the workplace produces high noise but 55.5% did not know that it could cause NIHL, 81.1% of the respondents did not use PPEs, and among those who used 43.2% did not know the correct type of PPE to use. Noise levels in study area were higher than 85 dB(A) which is the allowable level, factor such as age, gender, marital status, duration of work and position at work were found to predispose “Jua kali” workers to NIHL. Therefore, there is need to encourage safe work practices to minimize exposure time to noise, Train on proper use of PPEs, mount up signs to show that “Jua kali” metal work sheds are noisy work and tailor-made refresher course to create skill and knowledge on health and safety.