Risk factors for allergic rhinitis in wheat flour mill workers in Indonesia
Aliefia Ananingrum Dyah Ayu Ramadhani, Nur Ulfah, Suryanto

Jenderal Soedirman University

Abstract

Background: One of the potential hazards in flour mills is wheat dust and flour dust, which are allergens that can trigger symptoms of occupational rhinitis. This study aims to determine the relationship between age, work period, and use of mask with symptoms of occupational allergic rhinitis in flour mill workers. Methods: The type of research used is quantitative with a cross-sectional study design. The population of this study amounted to 138 people with a sample of 103 people. Chi-Square test and multiple logistic regression were used in this study. Results: Age variable (p-value=0.026), work period (p-value=0.006), use of masks (p-value=0.005) has an association with symptoms of occupational allergic rhinitis in wheat flour mill workers. Conclusion: The factor most associated with symptoms of occupational allergic rhinitis is age with an Odds Ratio value of 4.933 so that workers aged <40 years old have a chance of experiencing symptoms of allergic rhinitis 4.933 times greater than workers aged &#8805- 40 years. Suggestion: Education on the prevention of allergic rhinitis symptoms due to work, especially for workers who are aged < 40 years and working period &#8805- 5 years, monitoring the use of masks, the addition of exhaust fans, and the consumption of healthy and nutritious food.

Keywords: Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms, Age, Working Period, Mask Usage, Wheat Flour Workers

Topic: Environmental and occupational health