Working Environment and Respiratory Problems among Employees in 2 Garment Factories in Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

This study aimed to identify workplace environmental factors associated with prevalence of respiratory symptoms among employees in 2 garment factories in northeastern Thailand. Socio-demographic and behavioral factors were also examined. The study included 380 workers (excluding administrators).  Respiratory symptoms included cough, phlegm, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheeze, and rhinitis.  Symptom prevalence was consistently higher at one factory (factory B) than the other (factory A).  Factory A had air ventilation, whereas factory B did not.  Also, presence of visible dust was more pronounced, and a higher proportion of workers sewed cotton fabric (as opposed to other types such as polyester), at factory B than factory A.  Workers at factory B had also worked longer than those at factory A.  Among socio-demographic factors, female gender was consistently associated with elevated prevalence.  Surprisingly, smoking was not associated with increased respiratory symptom prevalence, possibly due to confounding in the data. 

Study results suggest strongly that workplace environmental factors are associated with symptom prevalence in garment factory workers. However, because multivariable analysis was not conducted, the specific contributions of individual factors could not be compared with confidence.  Further research on this topic is needed to inform policies that will ensure the safety of garment workers in Thailand.