Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Migrant Workers in Kuwait. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021 May 16;18(10)
Date
06/03/2021Pubmed ID
34065730Pubmed Central ID
PMC8156043DOI
10.3390/ijerph18105295Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85105713214 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 5 CitationsAbstract
Although the effect of hearing loss on years lived with disability (YLD) is quite substantial, occupational hearing loss among migrant workers is significantly under-studied. In Kuwait, where nearly two-thirds of the population are migrant workers, the burden of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is unknown. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of ONIHL among migrant workers in Kuwait and explore workplace and individual risk factors that are associated with ONIHL. We obtained data of annual physical exams for the year 2018 conducted by the Shuaiba Industrial Medical Center (SIMC) for all industrial workers in the area. We applied univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the effects of individual and occupational characteristics on ONIHL. A total of 3474 industrial workers visited the SIMC for an annual exam. The vast majority were men (99%) and non-Kuwaitis (98%) with a median age of 38 years. A total of 710 workers were diagnosed with ONIHL with a prevalence of 20.4%. Age, years of experience, and self-reported exposure to noise were associated with statistically significant higher odds of ONIHL. When adjusted for age, years of experience, and other individual level factors, type of industry was not a statistically significant predictor of ONIHL. The study uncovers the significant burden of hearing loss among the migrant worker subpopulation in Kuwait, an area of occupational health that is often underestimated or unrecognized. Although laws and regulations are in place to prevent and control noise in the workplace, the onus is on local authorities to ensure the necessary training and controls aimed to reduce noise exposure.
Author List
Buqammaz M, Gasana J, Alahmad B, Shebl M, Albloushi DAuthor
Janvier Gasana MD, MPH, PhD Adjunct Associate Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultFemale
Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced
Humans
Kuwait
Male
Noise
Noise, Occupational
Occupational Diseases
Occupational Exposure
Transients and Migrants
