Occupational Health Literacy Level and Related Factors in Casting Factory Workers

Objective: Occupational health literacy (OHL) is associated with the actions and decisions of employees in the workplace and with various occupational health outcomes. Prior studies specific to OHL are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the level of OHL and related factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among the employees in a metal foundry factory operating as a supplier of steel castings, steel forgings, and machined parts to several industries. All employees over the age of 18 were invited to participate. Data were collected through a web-based questionnaire including demographic characteristics of the employees and the OHL scale. Independent sample t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Tukey multiple comparison tests were performed for data analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 860 employees, 334 participated in the survey (38.9%). The mean age of participants was 35.60±8.96 (range: 21-67years). 98.5% were male; 57.8% were married, 21.6% were working for over 16years. Most participants were high school graduates (71.1%). The participants’ mean OHL scale score was 84.27±15.46 (range: 49-114). The mean scores of OHL significantly differed by participants’ age, educational level, working time in the factory, number of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training sessions received, job collar type, presence of occupational accident history in the past 3 years, and age at first work in an income generating job (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study results contribute to our understanding of the factors that influence OHL and can guide OHS providers and employers, factory management, and union representations in planning intervention points for healthy and safe workplaces. More studies are needed to close the gap in the field.