THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BEHAVIOR OF USING PPE (MASKS) WITH COMPLAINTS OF RESPIRATORY DISORDERS IN WORKERS OF FISH SMOKING CENTERS IN THE VILLAGE OF KEMANTREN, CIREBON REGENCY

In the process of smoking fish in the use of traditional methods, temperature control is
difficult, so air pollution cannot be avoided. Smoke from smoking contains harmful
compounds such as formaldehyde, PAHs, and carbon monoxide that have the potential to
disrupt the respiratory system. Due to exposure to smoke in the work environment,
respiratory problems are one of the health risks that can be experienced by workers, this
risk will increase if workers' behavior ignores the use of PPE, especially masks.
This study aims to determine the relationship between the behavior of using PPE (masks)
with complaints of respiratory problems in fish smoking center workers in Kemantren
Village, Cirebon Regency. This type of research is a quantitative non-experiment with a
correlational design. The sampling technique used total sampling with a total of 30
respondents. Data were collected through observation sheets related to PPE (mask) use
behavior and questionnaires related to respiratory complaints.
The results of statistical tests using the chi square test showed a p-value of 0.002, and
smaller than the value of α = 0.05 (0.002 <0.05), which means that there is a significant
relationship between the behavior of using PPE (masks) with complaints of respiratory
disorders.
This study shows that poor PPE (mask) use behavior can be related to increased
complaints of respiratory problems in fish smoking center workers.
Interventions from relevant parties are needed to improve PPE use behavior through
education, supervision, and provision of appropriate and adequate PPE.
Keywords: PPE, Masks, Respiratory Disorders, Fish Smoking
Referencies: 50 (2012-2024)