The Factors associated with Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Occupational Health Among Small and Medium Scale Industry Workers

Park, Chung Yill; Lee, Kang Sook; Lee, Won Chul; Lee, Se Hoon

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the knowledge(K), attitude(A) and practice(P) on major occupational health problems among small and medium scale industry workers in Kimpo area. We used self-administered questionnairs regarding the emergency treatment on accident, the management of hazardous materials, the work place hygiene, the health risk of young workers and female works, the use of protective device, prevention of occupational disease, the periodic physical examination and the occupational health administration. The results obtained were as follow; 1. There were significant differences among age groups on the KAP. The teenage group had the lowest scores. As the age increased, total mean scores of KAP were increased concurrently, and this trend was statistically significant. 2. There was significant differences between male and female subjects on total mean scores of knowledge. But on that of the attitude and practice, there was no significant difference between male and female subjects. 3. As the size of enterprise increased, the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and practice were increased, but this trend was not statistically significant. 4. As the work duration increased, the mean scores of the attitude and the practice were increased. But the mean scores of the knowledge did not show this trend. 5. The white collar workers had significant higher scores than blue collar workers on knowledge, but there were not significant differeneces on attitude and practice. 6. The significantly associated variables on knowledge were work status and sex. On attitude and practice, age and work duration were significantly associated variables, but the degree of association was low. 7. When stepwise multiple regression analysis was done, work status, sex, age were significantly attributed to knowledge, age and sex wwere attributed to attitude, and age was attributed to knowledge, but the coefficient of determination were very low. In conclusion in small and medium scale industry workers, there were weak or no effects of age, sex of enterprise, work duration and work status on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding occupational health. So, it is suggested that all the members of the workers should be included in health education program for the workers.