[Analysis of the use of personal protective equipment and its influencing factors in the dust working population].

Objective: To observe the current status of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the dust working population, and to analyze the factors affecting its use, so as to provide a reference basis for proposing scientific intervention methods. Methods: From October to December 2023, random sampling method was used to conduct a self-designed Questionnaire on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment by the Dust Working Population. A total of 1216 dust workers were randomly selected from each city in Guangdong Province, and their mask wearing status was evaluated. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for comparison between measurement data sets, and the Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability method was used for counting data. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting the use of PPE in dust workers. Results: The correct rate of wearing PPE in dust working group was 66.12% (804/1216). In univariate analysis, there were statistical significances in different knowledge score, wearing PPE to reduce exposure to dust particles, wearing occupational health protective equipment such as masks was uncomfortable, wearing occupational health protective equipment such as masks reduced work efficiency, attending pre-employment occupational health examination, attending occupational health examination on a regular basis, receiving occupational health training during work in the enterprise, being urged or reminded by workmates, supervisors, or family members to use PPE, the correct use of PPE when workers or shift leaders were exposed to dust particles, second-hand smoke inhalation, smoking, and alcohol consumption (P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression results showed that gender (OR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.48-2.72), knowledge score (OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26), neutral attitude towards the discomfort of wearing occupational health protective equipment such as masks during work (OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.18-2.27), and participation in pre-job occupational health examination (OR=0.23, 95%CI: 0.10-0.54) were the main influencing factors on the use of PPE to be worn correctly (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The rate of correct wearing of PPE for dust working population still needs to be improved. Factors such as gender, knowledge score, neutral attitude towards the discomfort of wearing masks during work, and participation in pre-job occupational health examination may be the influencing factors on the use of PPE for dust working population.