ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between the cognition on hearing protection and mental health status of noise-exposed workers. METHODS: A total of 499 noise-exposed workers from 3 enterprises of coal mine, steel and textile in Xinjiang region were selected as study subjects by stratified cluster random sampling method. The cognitive status of hearing protection and mental health status of each group were investigated by the Workplace Health Promotion Pilot Project Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 235 workers had abnormal mental health status.The abnormal rate of mental health status was 47.1%(235/499). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that female, age ≤40.0 years, unable to bear current noise hazards, worried about noise-induced-deafness and noise-induced discomfort were the risk factors of abnormality of mental health status(odds ratio values were 1.62, 1.87, 2.42, 2.20, 2.14, P<0.05). Using hearing protectors for ≥3.0 years was the protective factor of abnormality of mental health status(odds ratio value was 0.47, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The subjective cognition on hearing protection has an impact on the mental health of noise-exposed workers.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To compare the knowledge and behavior toward hearing protection among workers in different workplaces and investigate its influence factors.@*Methods@#2 manufacturing companies with obvious noise hazard in workplace were selected into the study. Health management level was distinguished through field investigation and verification. Questionnaire focus on basic knowledge of hearing health, acceptance level of noise hazard, comfort of wearing hearing protectors and atmosphere in workplace was designed and was used to investigate the knowledge and behavior toward hearing protection.@*Results@#Hearing protectors that meet the level of protection are distributed throughout the workplaces. Although company A has a lower noise hazards level, the health management system was poorly executed. The proportion of workers persisting in wearing hearing protectors throughout the work shift in company A was lower than B (P<0.01) . Workers in company A intended to underestimate the noise level (P<0.01) and the health effect of hearing loss (P<0.01) . All the workers were worry about suffering from hearing loss (P>0.05) , but those in company B had more positive attitude toward the protection of hearing protector (P<0.01) and relied on the protector (P<0.01) . The awareness of protection, in turn, help workers adapt attitude and get used to wearing hearing protectors consciously in workplace (P<0.01) .@*Conclusion@#Health management performance play a key role in help workers form good knowledge and behavior. To protect workplace health, employers need to creative a healthy supportive environment for workers.