Prevalence of Work-Aggravated Asthma among Bakery Workers in Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Introduction : Work-aggravated asthma is pre-existing or concomitant asthma whose symptoms are aggravated by the work environment. The aim of this stu dy was to determine the prevalence of this pathology and its associa ted factors among bakery workers in Abidjan. Materials and Methods : This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of four (4) months from 18 December 2019 to 18 April 2020. Two questionnaires were used, one on employees and the other on the indoor environment of bakeries. In addition, a spirometry test was performed on all bakery workers. Statistical analysis was performed using stata 15.1 software. Results : A total of 599 bakery employees, including bakers (59.73%), sales assistants/ cashiers (23.52%), cleaners (6.34%) and administrative staff (10.18%), were investigated. The mean age was 30.8 ± 8 years, with a sex ratio (M/F) = 2.2. Asthma symptoms were found in 95 (15.86%) employees, of whom 74 (77 . 9%) h ad work-related asthma and 11 (14.9%) had asthma aggravated by wo rk. The f actors associated with work-aggravated asthma were personal or famil y history of allergy or atopy [ORa = 3.75; CI95%: 1.56 - 8.93; p = 0.003], exposure to dust [ORa = 5.01; CI95%: 1.43 - 7.50; p = 0.011] and humidity level (60% - 7 0%) [ORa = 1.80; CI 95%: 0.99 - 3.28; p = 0.05]. Conclusion: Wo rk-aggravated asthma is a reality in bakeries in Abidjan, with an estimated prevalence of 14.9%. Two of the three factors associated with this condition suggest a link with indoor air pollution. Combating air pollution in these es tablishments must therefore be a priority for the relevant authorities, in or der to provide employees with a working environment that protects their health.