Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease among Hotel Workers, Bohicon, Benin

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the increase in several sectors of activity. The aim of the study was to determine the frequencies of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and factors associated with hypertension among hotel workers in the city of Bohicon. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the period from December 2018 to January 2019. The variables studied were sociodemographic, occupational, anthropometric and behavioral. Participant recruitment was exhaustive. A standardized questionnaire inspired by the STEPS-WHO questionnaire was used for data collection. After the descriptive analysis, a bivariate analysis was performed using Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s test at the 5% threshold. Results: A total of 101 workers, 53 (52.47%) of them male, participated in the study. The mean age was 30.60 ± 8.20 years, with extremes of 18 and 55 years. The frequencies of the main risk factors were: 68.32% sitting position > 6 hours/day;38.61% shift work;21.78% high psychological demand, 82.18% low decision latitude, 24.75% low social support, 21.78% occupational stress;7 (6.93%) harmful alcohol consumption;6.93% tobacco consumption;48.51% insufficient physical activity;98.02% insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption;59.41% overweight;14.85% HTA. Factors associated with hypertension were: sex, age and marital status. Conclusion: Occupational factors need to be taken into account when assessing CVRFs. NCD control programs are needed in all sectors of activity. A larger study is needed in the hotel sector.

Hearing Loss among Grain Millers in the Informal Sector in Benin

Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable health problem worldwide. However, it continues to affect workers especially in the informal sector, due to the lack of medical and environmental monitoring. In Benin, millers are highly exposed. The objective of the study was to assess the hearing health situation of grain millers in the Dantokpa market in 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included by exhaustive recruitment 57 millers. The data were collected using a standardized questionnaire followed by blood pressure measurements, noise levels and the performance of audiometries. Descriptive and univariate analysis was performed. Results: The sample consisted only of men. The median age was 25 years with extremes of 18 and 50 years. Noise levels at the workstation ≥ 85 dB (A) were obtained for 94.74% of the workers. No worker was wearing hearing protection equipment. The prevalence of hearing loss was 87.72% (95% CI = [76.32%;94.92%]) and that of occupational deafness was 29.82% (95% CI = [18.43% - 43.40%]) which was associated with age over 28 and high blood pressure. An awareness campaign with donation of hearing pads was carried out. Conclusion: Hearing loss is important among millers who do not benefit from any supervision because they are in the informal sector. A restructuring of this sector is necessary for the hearing health of workers.

Hypertension and Work Stress among City Hall Workers, Bohicon, Benin

Introduction: In the general population as well as in the workplace, hypertension is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. The particularities of hypertension in the world of work remain little studied. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among workers in a town hall in Benin in 2019. Methods: This was a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study conducted from December 2018 to January 2019. A comprehensive recruitment was conducted. Data were collected during a face-to-face interview, supplemented by measurement of anthropometric parameters and blood pressure as well as a work stress assessment. Frequencies were compared using the chi-square test and Fisher’s test. The significance level was 5%. Results: A total of 86 workers were included. Their mean age was 41.55 ± 9.82 years with a sex ratio of 6.1. The prevalence of hypertension was estimated to be 18.6% [95% CI: 11.96% - 29.75%]. Hypertension was higher in workers under work stress (41.18%) as opposed to non-stressed workers (14.49%) (p = 0.032);in those who were overweight (30.77) as opposed to non-overweight (2.94%) (p Conclusion: Work stress and obesity are modifiable factors associated with hypertension in workers at the Bohicon city hall. These factors deserve to be corrected by occupational health promotion and prevention actions.

Child Labor: Prevalence, Reasons and Knowledge of Early Learning of Handicrafts in Couffo, Benin in 2018

Introduction: One form of child labor is early learning, which is a less worrying phenomenon in our communities in Benin. The objective of this study was to assess the practice of early learning for children in rural areas. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study combined with a qualitative component conducted in the Kissamey district of Benin with four targets: child apprentices (52), master craftsmen (41), parents and guardians (34), local authorities (9). The collection tools were a questionnaire and an interview guide. Results: The frequency of early learning among children was 32.07% with difficult socioeconomic conditions: polygamy (75%), strong siblings (79%), out of school (33%), unmet food needs (96%). The reasons for early learning according to parents were: refusal of the child to go to school (44%), financial difficulties (31%), school failure (22%), but 38% of these children did not know the reason for their learning. The actors had little knowledge of the regulatory texts. Conclusion: Early learning remains a societal problem related to out-of-school and difficult socioeconomic conditions.

Results of the Evaluation of the Respiratory Condition of Permanent Workers in an Oil Mill in Benin

Introduction: The process of extracting oil from cotton seeds can create dusty work atmospheres that can cause respiratory problems. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory problems among permanent workers in an oil mill in Benin. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 52 workers in an oil mill took place in January 2017 as part of the annual medical check-ups of workers. A questionnaire was administered and spirometry using Spirobank II and chest radiography were performed. The spirometry results were interpreted by an occupational physician and a pulmonologist. Data were entered and analyzed using Epidata software. Results: The mean age was 42.7 ± 6.4 years, and 43 of the 52 workers were men. Of these, 58% were in technical production positions and 42% in administrative positions. Most of them had more than 10 years of seniority. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among production workers was 4 (13%) versus 2 (9%) among administrative workers. A total of 8 (15.4%) abnormal spirometry was identified with 4 obstructive syndrome, 3 restrictive syndrome, 1 a mixed pattern. There were 5 (16.6%) workers in production versus 3 (13.6%) in administration who had abnormal spirometry. The means 25/75 forced expiratory flow (FEF) value of production workers was significantly lower than that of administration workers. Abnormal chest radiographs were 5 (17%) in production workers compared to 3 (14%) in administration workers. Conclusion: Oil mill workers had few respiratory symptoms. However, production workers had more ventilatory disorders than administrative workers. A spirometric follow-up of this group of workers is therefore necessary.