Respiratory Symptoms and its Risk Factors among University Janitorial Workers in East Malaysia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Janitorial workers are vulnerable to respiratory symptoms and occupational lung diseases due to exposure to chemical hazards. Despite the significant health risks related to this occupation, limited research exists on this population.

Objectives: This study aimed to address the research gap pertaining to respiratory symptom prevalence and its association with sociodemographic and occupational factors among janitorial workers at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 janitors among cleaners and landscape workers. A standardized and validated Malay Version of American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Disease Questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78A) was adopted to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify the risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms.

Results: The prevalence of having at least one respiratory symptom was 32.5%, with cough being the most common symptom (22.5%). Landscape workers reported a higher prevalence than cleaners (41.1% versus 27.6%). Duration of employment was significantly associated with respiratory symptoms (AOR=1.273, 95% CI=1.173-1.381, p-value < 0.001). Non-compliance with respiratory PPE was associated with an AOR of 2.800 (95% CI=0.966-8.121, p =0.058) compared to compliant workers. Landscape workers had an AOR of 1.916 (95% CI=0.823-4.461, p =0.132), compared to cleaners.

Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of respiratory symptoms among janitors and employment duration as a significant risk factor, control measures targeting long-term workers, such as enhancement of administrative control, for instance, regular medical surveillance especially on symptomatic patients are crucial to prevent chronic respiratory symptoms leading to irreversible occupational lung disease in this population.