Evidence map›Paper›PMID 37478114›Full record

SynthesisPloS one2023

Occupational exposure to dust and respiratory symptoms among Ethiopian factory workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zemachu Ashuro, Habtamu Endashaw Hareru, Negasa Eshete Soboksa, Samson Wakuma Abaya, Yifokire Tefera Zele

Abstract readMeta-AnalysisSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in PloS one, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed, 2 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Pooled it
  3. Trial
  4. Occupational exposure to dust and fumes increases risk for future adverse clinical outcomes.American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine · 2026
    Observational
  5. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Zemachu AshuroSchool of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.ORCID 0000-0003-4098-940X
Habtamu Endashaw HareruSchool of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
Negasa Eshete SoboksaSchool of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.ORCID 0000-0003-3451-175X
Samson Wakuma AbayaDepartment of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Yifokire Tefera ZeleDepartment of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundOccupational respiratory disorders are a major global public health concern among workers exposed to dust particles in dust-generating workplaces. Despite fragmented research findings on the magnitude of respiratory problems and the lack of a national occupational respiratory disease recording and reporting system at the Ethiopian factory, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among factory workers were unknown. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize and pool estimates from studies that reported the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and predictors among Ethiopian factory workers who worked in dusty environments.

methodsA systematic literature searches were conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, African Journals Online, and Web of Science). The primary and secondary outcomes were prevalence of respiratory symptoms and predictors, respectively. The STATA version 17 was used to analyze the data. A random effect meta-analysis model was used. Eggers test with p-value less than 5%, as well as the funnel plot, were used to assess publication bias.

resultsThe searches yielded 1596 articles, 15 of which were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Ethiopian factory workers was 54.96% [95% confidence interval (CI):49.33-60.59%]. Lack of occupational health and safety (OSH) training [Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.34, 95%CI:1.56-3.52], work experience of over 5 years [OR = 3.19, 95%CI: 1.33-7.65], not using personal protective equipment (PPE) [OR = 1.76, 95%CI:1.30-2.39], and working more than eight hours per day [OR = 1.89, 95%CI:1.16-3.05] were all significant predictors of respiratory symptoms.

conclusionThe prevalence of respiratory symptom was found to be high in Ethiopian factory workers. To prevent workers from being exposed to dust, regular provision and monitoring of PPE use, workers OSH training, and adequate ventilation in the workplace should be implemented.

Indexed as

Lung DiseasesOccupational DiseasesOccupational ExposureDustHumansLungPersonal Protective EquipmentDust

Identifiers

PMID37478114
PMCPMC10361507

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.