Impact of Work Environment upon Respiratory Tract Health Problems among Workers at Textile Industries in Baghdad City

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the work environment on the respiratory health problem of workers in
the textile labs in Baghdad city.
Methodology: The sample consisted of 100 workers working in the wool and cotton fabrics in the General
Company for Textile Industries in Baghdad for the period from 3 Jan of 2017 to 20 of May 2018. A
randomized structured sample of (100) workers was selected using the probabilistic selection method. The
questionnaire was built for the purpose of the study and the reliability of the questionnaire was verified
through a pilot study and then it was presented to (10) experts to establish its credibility. (20) Items in
the questionnaire divided into three sections, namely demographic information, symptoms and signs, and
finally diseases that affect the respiratory system. The data were collected using the questionnaire method
and analyzed the data by applying statistical descriptive analysis, which includes frequency, the mean and
the computational mean, and the deductive statistical analysis, which included the Kay square test.Results:
Results of the study show that the results of the study indicated that most of the workers suffer from frequent
coughs due to allergies to cotton and wool (68%) with persistent respiratory infections. The study concluded
that most of the workers suffer from persistent cough due to the sensitivity of the raw material that enters
the textile industries namely cotton and wool. Recommendation: The study recommended that further
studies be carried out with the possibility of carrying out an educational program for workers to reduce the
occupational hazards of the respiratory system in textile factories