Hematological Parameters of Gasoline Station Workers at Hosanna Town, Southwest Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Tamirat Ersino Kebamo,1 Tilahun Yemane,2 Mesay Arkew,3 Getachew Alemu Walano,1 Abinet Tantu,1 Ageze Abose,4 Kassahun Haile,5 Solomon Gebre Bawore,4 Girum Tesfaye Kiya2 1School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia; 2School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; 3School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 4Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachamo University, Hassana, Ethiopia; 5Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Tamirat Ersino Kebamo, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, P.O. Box: 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia, Tel [phone], Email [email protected]: Human exposure to benzene is associated with many adverse health effects. It is mainly related to impairment of the hematopoietic system and bone marrow suppression, causing abnormalities in hematological parameters. However, the reports obtained from different studies are contradictory, and there are little data regarding the hematological parameters of gas station workers in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hematological parameters of gas station workers in Hosanna town, southwest Ethiopia, from May 01 to June 15, 2020.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted by involving 180 (60 gas-stations workers and 120 controls) participants. Socio-demographic and related data of the study participants were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire through face-to-face-interviews. All phases of quality assurance were maintained, and hematological parameters were determined using Uni-Cel DxH 800 automated hematological analyzer. Independent sample T-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was declared at P< 0.05.Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in hematological parameters of gasoline-workers and control groups. The mean of red blood cell count among gasoline-workers was significantly reduced as compared to control groups (p=0.007). In addition, the median of hemoglobin levels among gasoline-workers was significantly decreased as compared to the control groups (p=0.001). In contrast, a significant increase was observed in median of absolute eosinophil count among the gasoline-workers as compared to control groups (p=0.01). The mean of mean cell volume was significantly decreased with respect to the duration of work experience (p=0.04).Conclusion: In this study, a statistically significant difference was observed in some hematological parameters of gas station workers compared to the control group. Therefore, medical observation and periodic medical check-ups of the hematological profile should be considered to prevent the development of medical complications.Keywords: benzene, Ethiopia, gasoline workers, hematological parameters, Hossana

Keywords

• benzene
• ethiopia
• gasoline workers
• hematological parameters
• hossana