Saf Health Work.  2024 Dec;15(4):472-480. 10.1016/j.shaw.2024.08.002.

Occupational Heat Exposure-related Symptoms Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Hospitality Industry Kitchen Workers in Ethiopia: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

• Melaku C
• Abere G
• Zele YT
• Mamaye Y
• Abebaw T
• Bezie AE
• Tesfaye AH
• Worede EA

• KMID: 2564488
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2024.08.002

Abstract

Background
Occupational heat stress caused by excessive environmental heat gain disrupts thermoregulatory mechanisms and harm workers' health and productivity. Kitchens are known for their thermal risks; however, research on heat stress in kitchen is limited. This study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by assessing, the prevalence of heat-stress-related symptoms, and associated factors among kitchen workers in Gondar City, Ethiopia.
Methods
This institutional-based cross-sectional study (April to June 2023) evaluated heat stress among hospitality kitchen workers in Ethiopia. Heat exposure was measured using hygrometers. A simple random sample of 605 participants completed a survey and data was exported to Statistical Package for Social Science version 26. To assess strength and direction an adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was employed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was utilized to identify significant associations.
Results
Over the last 6 months 67.1% (95% CI: 63.0, 71.1), of the participants reported heat-stress symptoms. Multivariable analysis revealed that age ≥40 years [AOR: 2.28; 95% CI (1.08, 4.82)], high workload [AOR: 1.89; 95% CI (1.04, 3.49)], poor heat mitigation practice [AOR: 2.39; 95% CI (1.58, 3.59), wood fuel [AOR: 2.60; 95% CI (1.54, 4.40)], improper ventilation [AOR: 3.28; 95% CI (1.56, 6.87)], and higher heat index value [AOR: 2.15; 95% CI (1.35, 3.42)] were factors significatly associated with heat stress related symptoms.
Conclusion
This study identified a high prevalence of heat–stress-related symptoms among kitchen workers. Mitigation strategies include improved ventilation, cooling, advanced building designs, and heat reduction technologies. Future research should utilize standard heat-stress assessment tools.

Keyword

Heat-stress related symptoms; Kitchen workers; Wet bulb globe temperature; Occupational heat - exposure