Self-assessed threshold for cold temperatures and thermal insulation of clothing among poultry workers
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Issued Date
2024-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20452322
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85202971719
Journal Title
Scientific Reports
Volume
14
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Scientific Reports Vol.14 No.1 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Phanprasit W., Laohaudomchok W., Konthonbut P., Noomnual S., Rissanen S., Jussila K., Ikäheimo T.M., Jaakkola J.J.K., Näyhä S. Self-assessed threshold for cold temperatures and thermal insulation of clothing among poultry workers. Scientific Reports Vol.14 No.1 (2024). doi:10.1038/s41598-024-71393-4 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/101146
Title
Self-assessed threshold for cold temperatures and thermal insulation of clothing among poultry workers
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Abstract
The association between self-assessed cold threshold (CT) and thermal insulation of clothing (Icl) was analysed in 283 poultry workers in Thailand. The mean CT was 13.5 °C (range − 28–29) and the mean Icl was 1.23 clo (range 0.35–2.21). The adjusted CT remained unchanged at low Icls (0.35 through 1.25 clo) but was estimated to increase by 14.8 °C at high Icls (1.25 through 2.21 clo). Overall, CT was higher by 2.4 °C (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–3.8) at high (≥ 1.25 clo) than that at low (< 1.25 clo) Icl, but this difference was modified by personal and work-related factors. The difference was 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.6) for older (30–57 y) compared to younger (18–29 y) participants, with an excess of 7.3 °C (CI 5.6–9.0) for low vs high educated participants, 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.8) for those doing heavy vs light work, 7.4 °C (CI 3.7–11.0) for alcohol consumers vs others, and 3.4 °C (CI 0.6–6.3) for smokers vs non-smokers. The differences were independent of personal characteristics and worksite physical conditions and were interpreted as increased cold sensitivity among subgroups with lesser stamina and poorer health. Sensitive worker subgroups should be identified, and their need for cold protection should be reviewed.