Assessment of health problem and associated factors among flower farm workers in Ejere Woreda, West Showa Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Floriculture is an agricultural sector that poses significant health risks, often due to unsafe work environments. Objectives: The study aimed to assess health problems and associated factors among flower farm workers in Ejere Woreda, West Showa, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2018. Methods: A cross-sectional study incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted in Ejere Woreda from May 25 to June 30, 2018. A structured questionnaire was administered to 356 participants using simple and stratified random sampling, and qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews and observation checklists. Data were analyzed using EPI Info version 7 and SPSS 21. Descriptive statistics were computed, and the variables underwent binary logistic regression analysis, with a p-value < 0.3 for inclusion in multivariate logistic regression. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Results: A total of 356 workers participated, with 296 (83.3%) reporting at least one health problem in the last 12 months. Among the conditions observed, headaches were the most prevalent (226, 76.4%), followed by musculoskeletal injuries (220, 74.3%), fatigue (206, 69.3%), respiratory injuries (185, 62.5%), dizziness (180, 60.8%), and skin injuries (17, 58.8%). Factors such as sex, job satisfaction, availability of personal protective equipment, and safety training showed significant associations with health problems. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of health problems among flower farm workers, with job satisfaction, availability of safety training, and personal protective equipment shortages being significant factors. It is recommended that farm managements provide adequate safety training and full personal protective equipment to improve the health of workers.