EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS OF SICK-BUILDING SYNDROMEAMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS AT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER IN AL-AHSA,SAUDI ARABIA

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the Epidemiology and risk factors of Sick-building Syndrome among health care workers at primary health care center in Al- Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Methods: cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate different parameters for sick building syndrome and intrinsic, extrinsic factors involved in it. SBS symptoms and perceptions of various environmental aspects from a sample of 281 participants. The participants were asked to rate their symptoms and evaluate the environmental conditions based on specific factors such as air quality, temperature comfort level, air movement, light, vibration, overall comfort, and noise.

Results: 18.1%of individuals reported experiencing symptoms associated with SBS. The results revealed a significant association between air quality and the presence of SBS symptoms (p = 0.001), with SBS symptoms being more prevalent in perceived stuffy air conditions. However, no significant associations were found between SBS symptoms and other environmental aspects, including temperature comfort level, air movement, light, vibration, and overall comfort. Notably, noise in winter showed a statistically significant association with SBS symptoms (p = 0.021), with 23.5% of participants reporting dissatisfaction.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that air quality, particularly the perception of stuffy air, is significantly associated with the occurrence of SBS symptoms. These results align with previous research highlighting the importance of proper ventilation and reducing pollutant sources to mitigate SBS symptoms. With prevalence of SBS OF 18.1% among participants. Additionally, the study emphasizes the impact of noise pollution on SBS symptoms during the winter season. Further research is needed to explore the complex interactions between individual susceptibility, specific pollutant exposures, and building characteristics in the development of SBS symptoms.