Background and objective: Occupational asthma is responsible for 5 to 20% of adult asthma cases globally, and car painters are among the most at-risk workers. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of car painters with probable occupational asthma in Parakou, Benin. Materials and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out between April and September 2023 in Parakou, the third most important city in Benin. Results: Overall, 116 workers in 22 car painting shops were included, 64 (55.17%) masters and 52 (44.83%) apprentices. Their mean age was 30.59 (±11.30) years, and their male-female ratio was 28:1. A past history of asthma was reported in 3 (2.59%). There were 113 (97.41%) who used gun spray; 49 (42.24%) worked in a confined environment; 100 (86.21%) reported breathing discomfort during painting; and 2 (1.72%) used air-filtered masks. The overall prevalence of probable occupational asthma was 10.34% (12/116; 95% CI, 6.02 - 17.21), 12.50% (8/64) in masters and 7.69% (4/52) in apprentices (p = 0.398). Preceding occupational rhinitis occurred in 6 (50%). Asthma symptoms were partially controlled in 8 (66.67%) and uncontrolled in one (8.33%). Being a daily smoker (aOR = 4.59; 95%CI, 1.01 - 22.00; p = 0.048) was associated with probable occupational asthma, after adjustment for age and permanent residence. Following Peak Expiratory Flow monitoring, four painters provided interpretable records, of whom three were confirmed with occupational asthma based on the Oasys scoring system. Of the 12 with probable occupational asthma, none was followed-up at occupational health departments; 3 (25%) were prescribed a short-acting β-2-agonist, and no worker was treated with inhaled corticosteroids. These workers considered the impact of the disease on their productivity at work to be moderate. Conclusion: occupational asthma was common among car painters in Parakou. This calls for raising awareness on this condition, and for actions to improve the prevention and management of the disease among professionals.
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