Knowledge, attitude and practices of workers in carcinogenic hazardous industries in the prevention of occupational health risks

The study object is workers in main and auxiliary occupations exposed to carcinogens.

The aim of the study is to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of workers in carcinogenic hazardous industries in prevention of occupational health risks and to identify associations with socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral factors and objective working conditions.

A cross sectional descriptive analytical study was carried out using a specially developed author’s structured questionnaire based on the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) model.

As a result, we have identified substantial gaps in awareness, heterogeneity of risk perception and a gap between knowledge and actual behavior. Workers’ awareness of occupational carcinogenic risks is insufficient, especially among older age groups and those with lower education. Workers tend to overestimate individual sensory-noticeable factors (noise, dust, and microclimate) and to underestimate the chemical hazard and the overall occupational risk. The attitude towards prevention is generally favorable, with predominant trust in the employer and in personal protective equipment (PPE). High PPE availability and declared frequency of use do not guarantee safe behavior due to ergonomic discomfort and the lack of a direct link between knowledge and practices. The key barriers are inconvenience and thermal discomfort. Hygiene practices are generally observed at a high level; however, workers who recognize a serious impact of work on health more often wash their workwear at home. We have revealed increased prevalence of smoking among women and a high proportion of electronic cigarette users among young workers, as well as a high proportion of workers engaged in night shifts, which are additional carcinogenic risk factors.

To improve effectiveness of prevention, it is necessary not only to provide information, but also to remove barriers that impede compliance with safety measures; to organize centralized laundering of workwear with quality control, and to build trust in organizational protective measures. Training programs should focus on identifying carcinogens and exposure pathways, forming clear algorithms for translating knowledge into action, and paying special attention to older age groups and those with lower education. At the same time, targeted programs to reduce smoking prevalence should be developed for female workforce, and programs to prevent electronic cigarette use among young people are also needed.