Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms and Associated Risk Factors among  Street Food Vendors in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Yi, Agnes Pang Jia; Sumedha,; Ramalingam, Vinodhkumar

doi:10.18006/2022.10(3).533.538

Cited by 3 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…The PM exposure in comparison to meteorological conditions showed that spring and winter recorded higher exposures as compared to summer and autumn. These findings were consistent with several international studies [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Open-fire-usage markets have higher exposure levels, which increase the possibility of respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive system disorders [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 94%

“…These findings were consistent with several international studies [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Open-fire-usage markets have higher exposure levels, which increase the possibility of respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive system disorders [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. This study’s findings also showed that there was the usage of incorrect respiratory protective equipment (RPE) (surgical and cloth masks) for the indicated air contaminants which may be ineffective in this trade [ 24 ].…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 94%

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Strengthening Urban Informal Trading and Improving the Health of Vendors: An Integrated Management Model

Sepadi

Nkosi

2023

IJERPH

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Context: Within the urban areas, especially the central business districts, informal trading is growing in large numbers, and the informal vendor’s health is also at risk. Despite various frameworks developed for this industry, there are few guidance and implementation strategies on how to accomplish better-managed informal trading, mostly one that entails better occupational settings. Objective: The goal of the proposed model is to improve the working conditions for informal vendors in South Africa by redesigning the current informal trading management approach, thus ensuring a healthy workplace. An evidence-based approach was used to inform the development of this model. Results: This paper outlines the current challenges of informal vendors in urban areas as per the quantitative health risk assessment study that was conducted in 16 markets amongst 617 informal food vendors in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. The study investigated the respiratory health caused by air pollution and associated risk factors. Findings revealed a lack of infrastructure and higher exposure to air pollution, resulting in respiratory ill-health amongst outdoor vendors as compared to indoor vendors. The vendors were more exposed to particulate matter pollution in the spring and winter seasons as compared to the autumn and summer seasons. Furthermore, the upper respiratory symptoms were statistically significant to the type of work location (indoor/outdoor), type of cooking fuel, duration of work, frequency of hand hygiene, and wearing of protective equipment. An informal vendors’ integrated management model that encompasses a specific informal food vendor’s directorate was developed with five main components: the reviewing of informal vendors’ legislation, the restructuring of designated vending or trading sites, space allocation and occupancy, vendors‘ training and skills development, and the sustainability of vending sites and vendors’ health. Discussion and Conclusions: The status revealed the legislation fragmentation of the informal vendors’ activities. The goal of this informal vendors’ “healthy workplace management model” is to inform government responses to the current challenges of the informal vendors’ sector, as well as to guide policies and actions to reduce ill-health in the industry and to avoid disruptions to informal food supply chains, which are critical in the food sector. This model is explained well and documented for easier implementation in local governments. This paper contributes to the extant literature on street vendors and future management strategies of this trade.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 94%

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 94%

Strengthening Urban Informal Trading and Improving the Health of Vendors: An Integrated Management Model

Sepadi

Nkosi

2023

IJERPH

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“…As a result, people in this age group are more likely to use alternative economic options to the formal economy. Furthermore, the age range is consistent with other studies on street vendors, which found that a significant proportion of their respondents fell within a similar age range [2][3][4][5][6][11][12][13][14][15].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

“…The study's predominance of female food vendors (55%) is not surprising, as numerous studies have shown that female vendors, particularly in food vending, are the majority [2][3][4][5][6][11][12][13][14][15]. The majority of vendors were between 30 and 39 years; unemployment rates in this age range of 30 to 44 years are typically high [20].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Environmental and occupational risk factors related to ambient air pollution have been reported to cause acute and chronic respiratory illnesses, such as increased rates of acute upper respiratory tract infections (eye, nose, and throat irritation), which may interfere with the work operations [7,[11][12][13][14][15] and reproductive health impact of female vendors [10,11]. Studies conducted in Ghana, Bangkok, Malaysia, and Hong Kong reported that the outdoor vendors are a high-risk group for developing respiratory symptoms due to continuous exposure to the traffic pollutants, as well as the particulate matter arising from the use of fossil fuels during cooking [12][13][14][15]. The risk of respiratory infections including the flu, colds, and COVID-19 amongst informal vendors may also be increased by contaminated hands during working hours [16] and not wearing PPE [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Health Risk Assessment of Informal Food Vendors: A Comparative Study in Johannesburg, South Africa

Sepadi

Nkosi

2023

IJERPH

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According to the best of our knowledge, there are no critical studies to date about associations between the work environment and prevalence of respiratory diseases and their symptoms among urban informal vendors in South Africa. This study followed a risk assessment methodology to assess the risks associated with the occurrence of respiratory health problems among 617 indoor and outdoor market vendors in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. A walkthrough survey using a checklist was conducted in 16 Markets for identification of respiratory risk factors and description of sanitary conditions. Face-to-face interviews were conducted amongst informal food vendors using a previously validated questionnaire to collect information on demographics and occupational and respiratory health. In addition, a single day area air pollution monitoring of PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and CO2 was conducted in two stalls (indoor and outdoor). The Chi-squared test of association and frequency distribution were used to analyse data. Female vendors aged between 30 to 39 years dominated the trade. The results revealed that a majority of the vendors’ work shifts are longer than the recommended eight hours per day (73%), six to seven days per week (90%), and most of them have been working for six to ten years (41%). Poor sanitary conditions were observed in 75% of the markets. The concentrations of air pollutants at the outdoor markets were much greater than those in the indoor markets. All air pollution concentrations were below the recommended national and international standards. The risk of outdoor vendors developing any symptoms were extremely greater than those of indoor vendors, especially cooking vendors. Upper respiratory symptoms were the highest amongst the vendors. The results demonstrated a significant association between work-related risk factors, such as type of work location, duration, type of cooking fuel or heat, vendor training, frequency of hand hygiene practice, and using of a mask, and the upper respiratory symptoms. Based on the findings, there is a need for formalization of the trade, improvement in infrastructure, respiratory health care assessments, and sustainable educational programs.

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The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Self-Reported Respiratory and Other Health Symptoms among Street Vendors in Gaborone, Botswana

Erick,

Ntesang,

Tumoyagae

et al. 2023

J. Med. Res.

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Background: Air pollution is a serious public health concern, killing an estimated 800,000 people annually in developing and developed nations. In urban areas, traffic is one of the most significant sources of hazardous exhaust pollutants. Street vendors are often exposed to air pollutants as a result of their proximity to busy roads and intersections where vehicle emissions are high. Street vendors form an integral part of urban life globally as they provide convenience, affordable goods, and services to the general public. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with respiratory and other health symptoms among street vendors in Gaborone, Botswana. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to randomly selected street vendors. The questionnaire gathered information on demographic characteristics and respiratory and other health symptoms among street vendors. Data was analysed using logistic regression. Results: About 392 street vendors participated in the study, with 71% females. The mean age (M±SD) of the respondents was 46±13 years, with an age range of 25–66 years. About 46%) and 38% attained senior and junior secondary school certificates, respectively and 78%) worked for >8 hours/day. Coughing, headache and dizziness were reported by 89%, 62% and 58% of respondents respectively. Female vendors were at increased risk of wheezes (Odds Ratio (OR): 3.12, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI):1.24-7.85) and headaches (OR: 4.61, 95% CI: 2.02-10.54) when compared to males. Increasing age and working for >5 days/week were significantly associated with respiratory and other health symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion and wheezes. Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption predisposed street vendors to nasal congestion (OR: 4.34, 95% CI: 1.28-14.72) and shortness of breath (OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.29-10.65), respectively. Physical exercise provided a protective effect against chest tightness (OR: 0.133, 95% CI: 0.03-0.06) and dizziness (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.15-0.35). Conclusion: Street vendors reported a high prevalence of respiratory and related health symptoms. Factors such as increasing age, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption have been associated with respiratory and related health symptoms among street vendors. Large scale research that quantifies TRAP pollutants and health symptoms is needed to inform policy development.

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Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms and Associated Risk Factors among Street Food Vendors in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Cited by 3 publications

References 15 publications

Strengthening Urban Informal Trading and Improving the Health of Vendors: An Integrated Management Model

Strengthening Urban Informal Trading and Improving the Health of Vendors: An Integrated Management Model

Health Risk Assessment of Informal Food Vendors: A Comparative Study in Johannesburg, South Africa

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Self-Reported Respiratory and Other Health Symptoms among Street Vendors in Gaborone, Botswana

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