The purpose of this study was to describe a group of workers' perceptions about their use of respiratory protective equipment. There were 2 phases of data collection, interviews to identify factors that influence respirator use and a written survey to evaluate the importance of these factors. During the first phase, three broad categories of factors emerged: 1) Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes, 2) Physical and Psychological Effects, and 3) External Influences. The written survey, which was completed by 255 eligible respondents (return rate=46.5%, 255/548), used a weighting system to score 18 identified factors that fell into these 3 categories. Scores were compared according to type of respirator used, frequency of use, and associated health symptoms. The factors that had the most positive influence on respirator use were Concerns about Exposure, Fit Testing, and Training. The most negative influences were Communication, Personal Comfort, Effect on Vision, Structural Environment, and Fatigue. More frequent users were significantly more likely to view Fit Testing, Health Effects and Visual Effects negatively than were less frequent users. Persons who reported health symptoms associated with respirator use had more negative scores than persons without health symptoms. Workers categorized as laborers were more likely to be frequent respirator users and to wear air supplied respirators, and were significantly more likely to view Vulnerability to Disease negatively than were other worker groups. These findings suggest that, to be maximally effective, health professionals and health education programs must be responsive to the specific concerns of the workers.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1) Identify specific factors that may deter worker's use of respirators; 2) Identify positive influences on respirator use; 3) Recognize health symptoms that are associated with respirator use; 4) Describe the importance of considering worker's perceptions when developing training and education programs for respirator users
Keywords: Protection, Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: USDOE
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.