Prevalence and Predictors of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Among Factory Workers: an Occupational Health Perspective.

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life is a major issue among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) poses a significant occupational health concern, particularly among factory workers exposed to environmental irritants such as cement dust.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of CRS among Vietnamese cement factory workers and to identify associated demographic, occupational, and environmental risk factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to June 2024 at the Hai Phong Cement Factory, involving 1,054 workers directly exposed to cement dust. CRS diagnosis followed Rosenfeld's clinical criteria, including symptom duration, endoscopic findings, and imaging results. Data on demographic, occupational, and environmental characteristics were collected through structured interviews and clinical assessments. Logistic regression analyses identified predictors of CRS.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CRS was 8.92% (n=94). Significant risk factors included co-existing ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diseases (OR: 4.67, 95% CI: 2.59-8.41, p<0.001), regular mask usage (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.14-3.12, p=0.013), and exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.42-5.44, p=0.003). Protective factors included employment in electrical workshops (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21-0.77, p=0.006), vocational training (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30-0.92, p=0.026), and advancing age (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION

CRS prevalence among factory workers highlights a critical occupational health challenge. Co-existing ENT diseases and exposure to CO significantly increase CRS risk, whereas protective factors such as vocational training and work in less dusty environments mitigate this risk.