Acceptability of earplug use among small - scale metal workers in Dar es salaam Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background of the study: Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)is becoming a common cause of hearing loss in developing countries particularly among small scale metal individuals who are subjected to loud sound levels above 85dB(A). Due to a lack of proper control measures, this problem continues to affect those exposed. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), factors such as lack of awareness, inadequate workplace safety measures, and limited access to healthcare might influence the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss. Earplug use has been strongly recommended as a pivotal strategy to enhance the usefulness of global responses to noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), with the ultimate goal of minimizing or eradicating NIHL by the year 2050. While some developed countries have already implemented such interventions, Tanzania has yet to undertake this key measure, and whether its use will be acceptable among the users is unclear. Objective: To explore the acceptability of earplug use among small-scale metal workers in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in Ilala and Temeke Districts in Dar es Salaam. It used a qualitative case study design, with in-depth interviews as a data collection method. Twelve participants were recruited purposively for this study. Thematic analysis was applied to examine the acceptability of earplug use among small-scale metal workers using framework analysis. Findings: Participants expressed acceptability of Earplugs saying that it reduced the amount of noise, and the easiness of using it. Furthermore, acceptability was also influenced by the good reputation of the trainers, close collaboration between workers and service providers, and participants’ understanding that the service provider was meant to protect them from the effects of noise. Intervention coherence, intervention burden/barriers, and self-efficacy were also important in explaining the acceptability of earplug use. Conclusion: The most critical factor contributing to the acceptability of earplug use was the perceived effectiveness of the device in achieving its intended purpose. While participants expressed the understand of earplug in relation to its easiness to use and comfort they experience vi while they are on it, they also called for increase education, durable earplugs solution, and better monitoring to enhance intervention’s success.