Research on Using Proactive Equipment of Rattan Craftsmen: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Using Personal Proactive Equipment of Rattan Craftsmen in Trade of Vietnam

Craftsmen, working with rattan sulfur-bleaching process in household rattan industry have directly exposed to sulfur dioxide causing several adverse health problems. The aim of this study were to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice on using personal protective equipment (PPE) of rattan craftsmen to protect them from health effect of sulfur dioxide and to confer the recommendations and guidelines for decreasing health effect related to sulfur dioxide exposure in rattan sulfur-bleaching process. Using Cross-sectional analytic study, 403 rattan craftsmen from a trade village in Kienxuong district, Thaibinh province, Vietnam were interviewed by face to face questionnaire. The results indicated that the prevalence of good knowledge and appropriate attitude was low equal 3.7% and 4.2% respectively. The prevalence of using respirator was 29%. Eventually, the study proposed the appropriate recommendations, strategies, and guidelines to decrease health effects for individual craftsmen, community, and local government authorities.