Table 4 Multivariate analysis for factors associated with the occurrence of chronic respiratory symptoms among metal welders, Akaki Kality sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Age Group

 less than 25

12

68

1

1

 More than 25

42

104

2.29 (1.12–4.66)

2.12 (1.12–4.46)

Educational Status

 Primary and secondary

47

169

5.25 (1.42–19.36)

5.11 (1.35–19.33)

 College Education

7

3

1

1

Work Experience

 Less than 5 Years

19

82

1

1

 More than 5 Years

35

90

1.6 (0.89–3.16)

1.35 (0.69–2.63)

Respiratory Protective Equipment used

 Fume-proof

41

90

1

1

 No-fume-proof

13

82

2.97 (1.45–6.03)

3.33 (1.52–7.31)

Smoking Status

 Smoker

16

15

4.41 (2.0–9.70)

3.57 (1.54–8.23)

 Non-Smoker

38

157

1

1

Alcohol Intake Status

 Consumer

31

59

2.58 (1.38–4.82)

2.04 (1.04–3.99)

 Non-Consumer

23

113

1

1

Work-Related Medical Checkups

 Yes

31

68

1

1

 No

23

104

2.06 (1.11–3.83)

3.12 (1.50–6.48)

Working hours in a day

 Up to 8 h

19

82

1

1

 more than 8 h

35

90

1.68 (0.89–3.16)

1.63 (0.88–3.18)

Safety training

 Yes

13

20

1

1

 No

41

152

2.41 (1.11–5.25)

2.41 (1.10–5.28)

Welding machine calibration

 Yes

29

58

1

1

 No

25

114

2.2 (1.18–4.11)

1.87 (1.01–3.59)

Welding Site

 Outdoors

19

38

1

1

 Indoors

6

72

6.0 (2.21–16.29)

6.85 (2.36–19.89)

 Both

29

62

1.06 (0.52–2.16)

1.13 (0.55–2.32)