Heat Stress-Related Symptoms among Bakery Workers in Lebanon
A National Cross-Sectional Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13775296 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Rima R Habib (0000-0001-6280-7238, American University of Beirut, corresponding author), Nataly W El-Haddad (0000-0001-7982-6160, American University of Beirut), Dana A Halwani (0000-0003-1706-277X, American University of Beirut), Kareem Elzein (American University of Beirut), Safa Hojeij (American University of Beirut) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 58 |
| Pages | 46958021990517-46958021990517 |
| Publication date | 2021-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | INQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0046-9580 • E-ISSN: 1945-7243 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0046958021990517 |
| PMID | 33583242 |
| OpenAlex | W3132395416 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 46 |
Heat exposure is linked to a range of heat-related illnesses and injuries. This study assessed the association between workers' perceptions of the work environment and reports of heat stress-related health symptoms in bakery workers in Lebanon. A national cross-sectional survey of workers was carried out in 504 bakeries in Lebanon. One worker in each bakery was interviewed using questions relating to the workplace environment and heat stress-related health symptoms. Heat and humidity measurements were recorded in bakeries. Descriptive analyses were performed, and logistic regression assessed relationships between the workplace environment, worker perceptions, and reports of heat stress-related health symptoms. In total, 47.2% of workers experienced heat stress-related symptoms, 83% perceived workplace temperatures as hot, and 48% perceived these temperatures as affecting their health. Humidex readings showed that 49% of bakeries had conditions unsafe for routine work tasks. Working under pressure (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.12-2.43), job dissatisfaction (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.12-2.79), and perceptions that high temperatures negatively affected health (AOR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.87-3.99) were all significantly correlated to reports of heat stress-related symptoms. Females were more likely to experience heat stress-related symptoms (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.13-3.39). Workers who reported low levels of water consumption at work were also more likely to experience heat stress-related health symptoms. We conclude that heat exposure potentially impacts workers' health in Lebanese bakeries. Improvements in workplace conditions, adequate infrastructure, and workers' training are key interventions for maintaining workers' health
Cross-sectional study · Environmental health · Heat stress · Logistic regression · Occupational safety and health · Work (physics · Work stress · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Medicine · Thermoregulation and physiological responses
Applied Logistic Regression
The structure of psychological distress and well-being in general populations.
Climate Change and Health Research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Occupational Heat Stress Profiles in Selected Workplaces in India
Public Health Adaptation to Climate Change in OECD Countries
Human Heat Tolerance
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0.25 |
| Citation span | 2022 - 2022 (1) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |