Abstract
Background
Occupational noise is known to be a common worldwide challenging hazard. However, in most cases, especially in health facilities, maintenance workers are excluded from programs that seek to protect them against these hazards.
Aim
The study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of maintenance workers regarding the effects of occupational noise exposure in selected health facilities in Modimolle-Mookgopong Municipality, Limpopo Province.
Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted in eight health facilities in the Modimolle- Mookgopong area. Study participants were selected by using a non-probability convenient strategy. 250 self-administered questionnaires were distributed and Statistical package for social sciences (SSPS)-28 Version was used to capture and analyse the data.
Results
Maintenance workers are more likely to be populated within the age range of 26-35 years with 1.59 times more than the administrative workers (Crude Odds Ratios 1.59, Confidence Interval 0.8-3.16). The female participants dominated the male participants by 24%. The odds ratios indicate that the maintenance workers were likely to have knowledge of noise being an unwanted sound (COR 1.04, CI 0.29-3.73), ear infection can cause hearing loss (COR 4.65, CI 1.48-14.58), and poor hearing of speech as a sign of hearing loss (Adjusted Odds Ratio 0.25, CI 0.07-0.86). The odds ratios indicate that the maintenance workers were less likely to believe that the employer should be notified if they have hearing loss (AOR 0.72, CI 0.28-1.82). Maintenance workers believe ear screening and assessments are important with 34.5% while 17.9% believe it is not important. 48.7% positive maintenance workers showed attitude indicating they cannot use hearing protectors effectively without training while 13.7% indicated they do not need the training. The odds ratios indicate that the maintenance workers were more likely to have not heard of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (COR 2.68, CI
v
1.55-4.65). The odds of the maintenance ratio to have attended the training is less likely with (AOR 0.59, CI 0.67-5.15).
Conclusion: There is generally a need for education and training to ensure knowledge is covered in all aspects regarding occupational noise. This will improve the practices and ensure there is protection of the employees against noise hazards at workplace.
Keywords: Occupational noise; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; Health effects.