PREVALENCE OF MOUTH PIPETTING OF PETROL AND KNOWLEDGE OF ASSOCIATED HEALTH HAZARDS AMONG AUTOMOBILE MECHANICS IN LOKOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE

Abstract

Mouth pipetting of petrol has been associated with accidental aspiration of petrol in the mouth and subsequent accidental drinking especially among occupationally exposed workers. Few studies have reported cases of lead poisoning and deaths from ingestion and inhalation of petrol among automobile mechanics in Nigeria. This study, therefore, investigated the prevalence of mouth pipetting of petrol and knowledge of associated health hazards among automobile mechanics in Lokoja local government area, Kogi State. The study was descriptive cross-sectional study that used three – stage sampling techniques to select 422 automobile mechanics in Lokoja local government, Kogi State. A validated semi-structured questionnaire which comprises a 20-point knowledge scale, 9-point practice scale, questions relating to prevalence of practice of mouth pipetting of petrol, knowledge of associated hazards, factors contributing to mouth pipetting and preventive practices for avoiding petrol inhalation and accidental drinking was used to collect quantitative data. Knowledge scores ≤5, >6-10 and >11 were classified as poor, fair and good respectively. Practice scores ≤2, >3-5, >6 were arranged as poor, average and high respectively. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for data analysis with p=0.05. Respondents’ mean age was 35.9±11.1 years. 53.3% were Christians and 74.2% were married. All respondents were males 100% and 44.2% completed primary education. Most of the respondents 26.3% were Yoruba. Most, 97.4% said they have mouth pipetted petrol before. Mean knowledge score was 1.3±0.5; respondents with poor, fair and good knowledge of health hazards were 75.6%, 20.6% and 3.8% respectively. Most respondents 57.8% mentioned eye irritation as a health hazard associated with petrol ingestion. 58.6% believed sucking of petrol is not dangerous to their health. Only 11.2% agreed that lead poisoning is associated with drinking and inhalation of petrol. Though, 37.1% reported that death due to circulatory failure is associated with ingestion of petrol and 87.8% reported personal observation of the reaction of petrol when ingested as source of information. Majority 89.4% considered lack of knowledge of associated health hazards as the major factor promoting the practice of mouth pipetting of petrol. But, 94% and 92.6% believed that conducting training on work safety and awareness creation on health hazard associated with petrol inhalation and drinking respectively can help them stop mouth pipetting of petrol. Mean practice score was 1.3±0.5; respondents with poor, average and high preventive practice were 67.3%, 28.4% and 3.3%. Few 11.1% have ever reported any incidence of accidental drinking of petrol to a health provider. Most 95.5%, 97.1% and 73.4% believed that the use of nose cover, goggle and apron are not meant for them. Only 17% always go for regular medical check-ups. Overall, 92.1% said they always wash their hands before eating and 62.4% always wear safety boot during working periods. The study shows knowledge of health hazards associated with mouth pipetting of petrol and preventive practices for avoiding petrol inhalation and drinking were poor. Therefore, awareness creation and training programmes should be organized for automobile mechanics to help increase their knowledge and to acquire new skills that can improve their total wellbeing.