Welding fume exposure and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welders in micro- and small-scale enterprise in Akaki Kality sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Table 3 Prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among metal and office workers in Akaki Kality sub-city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Response	Welders	Control	AOR (95%CI)	P value
Response	n (%)	n (%)	AOR (95%CI)	P value
Cough
Yes	41 (18.1)	17 (7.8)	2.05 (1.06–3.96)	0.032^*
No	185 (81.9)	200 (92.2)	2.05 (1.06–3.96)	0.032^*
Phlegm
Yes	21 (9.3)	12 (5.5)	3.24 (1.20–8.17)	0.02*
No	205 (90.7)	205 (94.5)	3.24 (1.20–8.17)	0.02*
Breathlessness
Yes	14 (6.2)	4 (1.8)	3.52 (1.14–10.85)	0.02*
No	212 (93.8)	212 (98.2)	3.52 (1.14–10.85)	0.02*
Chest tightness
Yes	11 (4.9)	5 (2.3)	2.17 (0.74–6.35)	0.148
No	215 (95.1)	212 (97.7)	2.17 (0.74–6.35)	0.148
Chronic Respiratory Symptoms
Yes	54 (23.9)	20 (9.2)	2.82 (1.51–5.26)	0.001^*
No	172 (76.1)	197 (90.8)	2.82 (1.51–5.26)	0.001^*

Note n = number of samples; % = percentage; AOR = Adjusted Odds Ratio; P-value for independent t test, p < 0.05; Chronic respiratory symptom was defined as the development of one or more of the symptoms of cough, Cough with sputum, breathlessness, and chest tightness which lasted at least three months in one year

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