Factors Affecting Abnormal Pulmonary Function among Welding Workers : A Case Study of Auto Parts Industry in Eastern Economic Corridor

Abstract

    This study aims to study the factors affecting lung dysfunction of male welding workers in an automotive parts factory in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) zone. The research design was a cross-sectional study based on retrospective data from secondary data. The sample of 515 subjects consisted of 234 abnormal pulmonary function and 281 normal pulmonary function. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe the baseline data and logistic regression statistics in the analysis of risk factors affecting lung dysfunction of welding workers in automotive parts manufacturing plants.

The results showed that average age of the subjects was 35.85 (7.76) years. Most of them had no smoking history, 56.7%, but 68.9% had a history of alcohol use, and had time to work no more than 8 hours a day while working, 74.2%, respiratory protective equipment uses, 72.8%, and no ventilation at work 73.6%. Pulmonary function assessment results, most of them had normal lung function. An analysis of factors affecting lung dysfunction in welding workers found a 95% confidence interval (95% CI), consisting of working over 8 hours, OR 1.972 times 95%CI (1.378,2.778), without respiratory protection OR 1.461 times 95%CI (1.310,2.968).

            Recommendations: Employees should be encouraged to wear respiratory protection masks while working on a regular basis, have a proper period of rest and also stop smoking.