Magnitude and risk factors of chronic respiratory symptoms among municipal street sweepers in Dessie and Kombolcha City, Northeast, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study

Objective: Respiratory diseases are one of the main morbidities worldwide, especially in developing countries due to a lack of occupational safety and health measures. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of chronic respiratory symptoms among street sweepers in Dessie and Kombolcha town, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used from 15 February to 16 March 2019 Gregorian calendar, among 392 participants. An interviewer-based questionnaire was used. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used, and variables with p value less than 0.05 in the final model were taken as associated factors. Results: The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among street sweepers was 178 (45.4%) with the prevalence of cough 67 (16.54%), phlegm 60 (15.4%), wheezing 127 (32.3%), breathlessness 83 (21.3%), and chest pain 55 (14.3%). Respiratory symptoms were associated with not using face mask (p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 0.31, 95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.57), monthly income (p = 0.013, adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-3.8), work experience (p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 2.1-6.2), previous sinusitis (p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 8.0, 95% confidence interval: 2.8-22), and educational status (p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 8.6, 95% confidence interval: 3.0-24.4). Conclusion: Respiratory symptoms were prevalent among street sweepers in Dessie and Kombolcha towns, Northeast Ethiopia. The non-use of respiratory equipment, educational status, working experience, and past sinusitis was identified factors.