Heat Exposures Associated with Heat Stress and Ambulatory Hypertension Among Fish Smokers in Coastal Areas of Ghana

Abstract

Occupational health is a critical aspect of workplace safety and productivity, encompassing the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers. In high-temperature working environments, such as those found in fish-smoking operations, the importance of maintaining occupational health is paramount. High temperatures pose significant health risks, including heat stress, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses, which can severely impact workers' health and efficiency. The study aimed to investigate the influence of workplace heat exposure on heat stress and ambulatory hypertension among fish smokers in the coastal areas of Ghana. Guided by six research questions, the study employed an exploratory cross-sectional design using a sample of 2,018 fish smokers. Participants were conveniently selected from Keta, Tema New Town, Teshie, Awutu Senya, Moree, Elmina, and Shama. Data was collected using adapted questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, while data analysis utilised the Kruskal-Wallis H test, bivariate analysis, and a hierarchical binary logistic regression. The findings revealed a high prevalence of heat stress, at 87.6%, and a significant rate of ambulatory hypertension at 59.0% within this population. Additionally, fish smokers who work in the afternoon exhibited significantly higher levels of heat stress compared to those who work in the morning and evening, while those working 3-5 days and 5-7 days per week experienced frequent and severe ambulatory hypertension. The study also highlighted that age, education level, alcohol and caffeine consumption, time of day, water intake, personal protective equipment usage, and working under shade influence the prevalence of heat stress among these coastal fish smokers in Ghana. Consequently, there is an urgent need to address these socio-demographic and work-related factors and enforce labour protection and safety standards within the fish-smoking industry in Ghana