Abstract:
Background: The Magnitude of byssinosis is significantly decreasing in developed countries
with a current prevalence of 3% (1). Previous studies have reported an increase in prevalence
(45%) of in developing countries (1–3). In Tanzania, there is little scientific information
known about the prevalence of byssinosis. It is also not clear which risk factors are associated
with because the last study in Tanzania was done almost 40 years ago in 1979 (4).
Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and risk factors associated
with byssinosis among textile workers, so as to develop effective control measures.
Study objective: To assess dust exposure, the prevalence of byssinosis, factors associated
with it, and lung function among cotton textile workers in Dar es Salaam
Method: The study deployed a cross-sectional comparative study design. The study involved
325 participants 164 were from cotton textile industry (exposed) and 161 from drinking water
bottling industry (unexposed). The questionnaire was used to assess byssinosis and respiratory
symptoms.. EasyOne spirometer and personal sampling pump (SKC Sidekick pump) were
used for lung function and dust data collection respectively.
Results: The overall prevalence of byssinosis in the study population was 18.9% in the
exposed group and 6.2% in the unexposed group. The department of weaving had higher dust
level of arithmetic mean of 2.20 mg/m3 (SD =0.32) and geometric mean 2.14 mg/m3
(GSD=0.25) (mg/m3).
The study showed that expected FEV% in normal, mild to moderate and severe were high
proportion in exposed group compared to unexposed group and the difference was significant
with p-value < 0.001.In assessing the risk factors working experience, previously respiratory
symptoms and personal protective equipment had a statistically significant associated with
byssinosis.
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Conclusion: In conclusion, this study found out that the prevalence of byssinosis and other
respiratory symptoms were high among the exposed group (18.9%) compared to (6.2%) of
unexposed group. Therefore, cotton dust level, should be reduced by improving the ventilation
system of the industry and ensure the provision and use of appropriate personal protective
equipment, this is best way to reduce the effect to workers.
