Individual and organizational factors associated with the use of personal protective equipment by Chinese migrant workers exposed to organic solvents

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and gloves during work is the most direct and efficient measure of preventing and reducing occupational diseases for workers exposed to organic solvents. However, the use of PPE among migrant workers is rarely studied in China. This article examines both individual and organizational factors associated with Chinese migrant workers' compliance with the use of PPE, and also determines the relative importance of these factors. Data were collected in 2012 through a cross-sectional survey including 907 rural-to-urban migrants exposed to organic solvents working at small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in the Pearl River Delta Region (PRDR). A Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used as a theoretical framework to examine the predictors affecting PPE use. Analysis was performed using two-level logistic regression. For the use of face masks, after controlling for other variables, higher scores on social models and interpersonal support were significant predictors for greater PPE use, with OR 1.24 (95% CI: 1.13-1.35) and OR 1.14 (95% CI: 1.03-1.27). In addition, after controlling for other variables, higher social models and social norms were significant predictors of glove use, with OR 1.36 (95% CI: 1.23-1.50) and OR 1.19 (95% CI: 1.09-1.32). Our results suggest that priority should be given to enhancing social modeling, social norms and interpersonal support as a strategy to improve migrant workers' compliance with PPE use.