[Analysis of influencing factors on the use of personal protective equipment by noise workers].

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among noise-exposed workers and its influencing factors, providing reference information for noise intervention efforts. Methods: In September 2023, a stratified sampling method was employed. Based on the 2022 gross domestic product (GDP) rankings of cities in Guangdong Province, 21 prefecture-level cities were divided into economically developed and less developed groups. Two cities were randomly selected from each group, and 16 to 17 enterprises were randomly chosen from each city as study sites. Twenty workers were included from each enterprise as study subjects. A total of 1200 questionnaires were distributed and collected, and 1099 were valid, with an effective recovery rate of 91.6%. The correctness of hearing protector usage was evaluated according to the GB/T 23466-2009 "Guidelines for the Selection of Hearing Protectors", and the personal attenuation rating values of the workers' hearing protectors were measured. A self-designed Questionnaire on the Use of Hearing Protectors by Noise-Exposed Workers was used to investigate PPE-related usage. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing the correct use of PPE. Results: A total of 429 (39.0%) noise-exposed workers were able to use PPE correctly during work. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, working hours, gender, occupational noise protection knowledge score, whether PPE was checked after use, and the frequency of peer supervision on PPE usage were significant factors influencing the effective use of PPE (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The correct use of PPE by noise-exposed workers still needs to be improved. The level of occupational health education in enterprises should be enhanced to promote the correct use of PPE by noise-exposed workers.