Browsing by Author "Bett, Cornelius K."

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    Association of Temperature Variations and Health of Workers in Cold Rooms at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-11) Bett, Cornelius K.
    This research sought to determine the connection between fluctuations in temperature and the resulting health effects experienced by staff working in the cold storage facilities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya The specific aims were to determine the most commonly reported health symptoms, assess the relationship between cold exposure frequency/duration and the severity of these symptoms, evaluate the use and effectiveness of protective measures, and explore existing workplace temperature monitoring and occupational safety practices. The JKIA complex in Embakasi and Nairobi County was the setting of this descriptive cross-sectional study which included ten cold-room operating companies. A selection of 293 employees was made through stratified random sampling. The collection of data was done through structured surveys, observation checklists, interviews, and temperature monitoring records, which provided both numerical and descriptive insights. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and the results were presented in tables. The analysis comprised of descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis which were used to find out the factors that affect health outcomes. The research showed that among the subjects, 74.2% experienced respiratory symptoms like cough, wheeze, 68.3% had musculoskeletal problems such as pain in joints, stiffness and 53.3% had circulatory symptoms such as numbness and pain induced by cold. The association between the degree and the period of cold exposure and the severity of health issues was particularly strong among the workers, who were those exposed for more than 12 hours daily or for more than three years, where the odds of getting very severe respiratory symptoms were three times higher (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.88-6.96, p < 0.001) and, similarly, for musculoskeletal pain (OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.55–5.45, p = 0.001). PPE usage was linked to a reduction in the prevalence of symptoms but only 47% of the workers said they did it all the time, and 28% said they had training. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was considered the main conclusion of the study as it confirmed the quantitative findings and pointed out the major deficiencies in workplace policies, among which were the absence of systematic temperature monitoring and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations in the workplace. The study clearly indicated a dose-response relationship between cold exposure and health problems and therefore it called for a strong safety policy, improved PPE provision, worker training, and the regular monitoring of both the environment and health of the workers. It is a study that has already contributed to the existing knowledge about the cold exposure risks at work and at the same time highlights the necessity of interventions such as those for protecting the health of workers in temperature-controlled areas.
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    Workplace Environmental Conditions and Reported Health Outcomes among Workers in Cold Rooms at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - Kenya
    (IJRAS, 2025-03) Bett, Cornelius K.; Kingori, Isabella; Nyambura, Anthony W.
    Abstract: Continuous exposure to extreme temperature variations at workplaces is an occupational hazard. A cold workplace is attributed to an ambient temperature of between -10 to 15°C. The primary objective of the study was to explore temperature variations and the associated health outcomes of workers in cold rooms at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The research was conducted at JKIA in Embakasi, Nairobi County, and included 10 companies with refrigerated cold rooms. A cross-sectional analytical study design was used to collect primary data through structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Stratified random sampling technique was used and a sample size of 293 staff members was taken to represent the study population. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were then employed to identify relationships between two variables. The findings revealed a significant association between workplace environmental conditions (fluctuating air temperatures) and reported health outcomes among workers (p=0.01). Workers exposed to these conditions were 2.469 times more likely to experience health issues compared to those who were not exposed (AOR = 2.469, 95% CI=1.25-7.33. Prolonged exposure also correlates with higher sickness rates (p=0.001). To address these issues, organizations should install nonmetallic deflectors on air conditioners to minimize direct cold air exposure and educate workers about temperature-related health risks.