Background: Cotton dust exposure increases the risk of developing lung diseases including Byssinosis. The prevalence of byssinosis is more in developing countries compare to developed countries. For the past forty years there are little information known about the prevalence of byssinosis and its associated risk factors among textile workers in Tanzania.

 

Objective: The study aimed to assess dust exposure and associated risk factors among textile workers, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

 

Material and methods: The study design was descriptive cross sectional study conducted from March to August 2019. Stratified sampling technique was used to obtain 325 participants (exposed 164 and control 161) respectively. A modified British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire and Side Kick Casella Pump were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software 23 versions. Chi square test and Binary logistic regression were performed to check for association. A 95% confidence Interval with a significance expressed in P?0.05 was used.

 

Results:  Prevalence of byssinosis in the exposed group was 18.9% and 6.2% in the control group. Respiratory symptoms such as Coughing more days in three consecutive months (P?0.001), wheezing (P?0.02), dyspnoea I (P?0.03), dyspnoea II (P?0.007), and dyspnoea III (P?0.002), were higher among exposed group compare to control group and the differences were statistically significant. The department of weaving had higher dust level of arithmetic mean of 2.20 mg/m3 (SD =0.32). Working experience (P?0.02), previously respiratory symptoms (P?0.001), were significant risk factors for byssinosis.

 

Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows that workers who are exposed cotton dust have higher prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory symptoms. Awareness of the byssinosis disease, and necessary preventive measure need to be highlighted among stakeholders.