Correlation of hearing level and KAP of workers in metal manufacturing industry

  Objective  To study the current situation of hearing condition of workers in metal manufacturing industry and their knowledge, attitude and practice(KAP) against noise hazard and to analyze their correlation.

  Methods  Noise exposed workers in metal manufacturing plants were studied. Noise level at workplaces and hearing level of these workers were investigated while questionnaire was used for collecting message of KAP.

  Results  Among 188 workers, the proportion of noise induced hearing loss(NIHL) was 44.15%. The workers with age more than 40 years old, or work time more than ≥ 5 years, or exposure to noise level at 85.0~89.9 dB(A) and higher than 90.0 dB(A) had a higher NIHL proportion than the others correspondingly(P < 0.05). The workers with NIHL had a lower scores of KAP than the workers without NIHL(P < 0.05). It was found that workers' age, work time, noise level were risk factors for NIHL but better KAP against noise hazard were protective factors for NIHL(P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  It was helpful to prevent NIHL to improve workers' knowledge, attitude and practice against noise hazards in metal manufacturing industry.