Mahamud, Ummi Rashidah (2024) Factors associated with heat stress and renal changes among operators working in hot indoor environment at a steel manufacturing industry in Shah Alam, Selangor. [Project Paper] (Submitted)
![[img]](http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
208230 UMMI RASHIDAH lp fpsk4 2024 42.pdf Download (2MB) |
Abstract
Introduction: Occupational heat exposure is an escalating concern in today's warming climate, particularly in tropical countries like Malaysia, where temperatures routinely exceed 30°C. Various research has demonstrated that occupational heat exposure has contributed to heat stress level among outdoor labourer and prevalence of renal impairment. However, for hot and humid tropical climate such as in Malaysia, the relationship between indoor occupational heat stress level and renal changes remains under-studied, thus necessitating in-depth investigation. Objectives: To determine factors associated with heat stress level and the prevalence of renal changes among operators working in hot indoor environments at a steel manufacturing industry in Shah Alam, Selangor. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving several study instruments. Self-administrated questionnaire developed from previous study including socio-demographic background, occupational information, health related and medical history, and Heat Strain Score Index (HSSI) questionnaire. Validity and reliability tests were conducted before the questionnaire was used to collect data from 108 respondents. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker 4400 were calibrated first before being used to monitor the heat exposure level at the workstation which was computed using Thermal Work Limit calculator. For urinalysis, the calibrated Clinical Refractometer and Biolis 24i were used to determine Urine Specific Gravity (USG) and Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (ACR) of the respondents who participated in this study. Pearson correlation, Spearman rank test, Chi-square were used to determine factors associated with self-reported heat stress level, prevalence of renal changes as well as association between self-reported heat stress level with prevalence of renal changes, whereby multiple logistic regression used to identify the predictors of prevalence of renal changes. Results and Discussion: Results shows 82.4% of respondents were classified in the yellow zone and the remaining 17.6% categorised in the red zone of heat stress level, whereas 65.7% of them experienced renal changes. There was a significant association between factors (age, race, department and heat exposure level, workload, working history, daily water intake and alcohol consumption) with the level of self-reported heat stress, whereas only race, working history and daily water intake found associated with the prevalence of renal changes since the p-value obtained was less than 0.05 (p<0.05). The relationship between self-reported heat stress and prevalence of renal changes also reported in this study. Lastly, daily water intake and working F1 vii history was found as a predictor for the prevalence of renal changes. Conclusion: The findings suggest that steel manufacturing operators are prone to heat stress based on the significant evidence reported in this study. Although the results from renal changes in this study cannot be conclusively used to indicate renal damage, the need for further study with larger sample size and in-depth analysis is indicated to comprehensively establish the situation and if necessary preventive measures to protect employees exposed to heat in the workplace. In this study, daily water intake and working history of the workers exposed to heat should be focused on as intervention steps to educate and cultivate them to stay hydrated and regularly undergo medical screening. Keywords: Steel Industry, Indoor, Heat stress, Renal changes
| Item Type: | Project Paper |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine |
| Faculty: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Science |
| Depositing User: | Ms Norafizah Radzuan |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Apr 2025 01:12 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Oct 2025 03:01 |
| URI: | http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2393 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |