A qualitative study on barriers for the use of respiratory protective devices among rice mill workers in Ampara District, Sri Lanka

K R M Chandrathilaka,Anuruddha Kumara Karunarathna,Dulani Samaranayake,Rohini De Alwis Senevirathne,Kantha Nirmali Lankatilake

doi:10.4038/jccpsl.v25i4.8198

Abstract

Introduction: Rice milling often carried out in the informal work sector generates paddy dust which is a hazard to the respiratory health of mill workers. Sri Lankan rice mill workers have shown reluctance in using respiratory protective apparatus during rice milling. Objectives: To describe the barriers for the use of respiratory protective devices during rice milling Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in the divisions of Ampara and Uhana in Ampara District in Sri Lanka during February 2016. Twenty-two in-depth interviews were conducted among rice mill workers, health professionals and government officers related to rice milling industry. Data were analysed using content analysis method. Results: The rice mill workers’ non-use of respiratory protective methods was mainly due to their negligence in personal respiratory health care and lack of support from the employer, health care institutes and other related institutes. Low level of comprehension of workers and less manpower in health care and other institutions were other contributing factors. Conclusions: Low priority given for respiratory health care by the workers, poor work environment and less support from the mill owner and relevant government authorities have resulted in non-use of respiratory protective devices among rice mill workers. Improving unhealthy work behaviour such as non-use of respiratory protective devices of the informal work sector is recommended using industry-based health education programs.

Highlights

Rice milling often carried out in the informal work sector generates paddy dust which is a hazard to the respiratory health of mill workers
Low priority given for respiratory health care by the workers, poor work environment and less support from the mill owner and relevant government authorities have resulted in non-use of respiratory protective devices among rice mill workers
A total of 22 interviews was conducted among conveniently selected rice mill workers, grass root level government administrative officers (Grama Niladhari/ GN) and public health staff including the medical officers of health (MOH) and public health inspectors (PHI), district factory inspecting engineer and an agricultural officer of Post-harvest Technology Institute in Ampara

Summary

Introduction

Rice milling often carried out in the informal work sector generates paddy dust which is a hazard to the respiratory health of mill workers. Sri Lankan rice mill workers have shown reluctance in using respiratory protective apparatus during rice milling. Rice milling, which converts paddy grain to consumable rice is a dusty process [1] subjecting the workers to various respiratory health problems due to exposure to dust [2,3]. Studies have shown that organisational structure, work pattern and peer influence directly affect the workers’ protective behaviours in the workplace. Ability to pay for health facilities and ignorance on safe work procedures by the employees, pressure from the employer for higher work demands and unfriendly work environment [6,7,8,9] were among the key findings which have affected protective health behaviours

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion