Knowledge, attitude and practices related to use of personal protective equipment among welders in small-scale industries in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District

Abstract

Introduction: Welding is associated with a number of occupational hazards which are detrimental to health. Some of the health effects arising from welding hazards include; musculoskeletal problems, hearing impairment, respiratory problems and damage to the skin and eyes due to exposure to radiations. In spite of the risks involved, there is limited evidence on the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to PPE use in Nansana. The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards PPE use among welders within small-scale industries in Nansana in order generate evidence to inform appropriate interventions.

Methodology: A cross sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was conducted. A structured questionnaire and an observation checklist were used to obtain quantitative data from the participants. Conversely, key informant interview guides were used to obtain qualitative data from workshop managers and health inspectors. A total of 329 welders and 5 key informants were interviewed. Univariate and bivariate analysis was done to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed manually using thematic analysis.

Results: Over 61.4% (202/329) of the welders had high levels of knowledge on PPE use, about 68.7% (226/329), had negative attitudes towards use of PPE and 62.9% (207/329) had poor practices. Welders aged 27-35 years (CPR=1.39, C.I=1.15-1.68, P-value=0.001), 36-44 years (CPR=1.43, C.I=1.13-1.82, P=0.003) and above 44 years (CPR=1.50, C.I=1.13-1.99, P=0.005) were more likely to be knowledgeable than those aged 18-24 years. Welders with a tertiary education (CPR=1.75, C.I=1.34-2.31, P=0.001), with a working experience of 1-5 years (CPR=1.72, C.I=1.14-2.61, P =0.010) and ˃5 years (CPR=2.13, C.I=1.41-3.21, P=0.001), and welders that were trained formally (CPR=1.71, C.I=1.50-1.93, P=0.001) were more likely to be knowledgeable than those with a primary education, working experience of less than 5 years, and apprenticeship training respectively. Welders who had a tertiary education (CPR=3.06, C.I=1.92-4.89, P=0.001) and welders that were trained formally (CPR=3.22, C.I=2.60-4.00, P=0.001) were more likely to have good practices than those with a primary education and apprenticeship training respectively. Conclusion: The study found that the welders’ level of knowledge on PPE was high. However, majority of the welders had a negative attitudes and poor practices related to PPE use. Therefore, this calls for continuous trainings and sensitization of welders on PPE use in order to improve their knowledge and consequently their attitudes and practices.