Assessing the Impact of Generator-Related Air Pollution on Stress Levels among Printing Press Workers in Abuja, Nigeria: A Generalized Linear Model (GzLM) Analysis

The impact of air pollution on public and environmental remains huge burden in Nigeria that has not been properly addressed. Poverty energy supply has further exacerbated the current situations making business to rely on generators for energy power supply. This study aims to assess the impact of generators-induced air pollution on stress levels among printing press workers in a specific setting Abuja. This cross-sectional designed was adopted to conduct this study among printing press workers who use generators in Abuja. A total of 508 workers were selected using simple random sampling. Data on stress levels were collected using a validated perceive stress scale (PSS) 10 item scale, while exposure to air pollution from generators was assessed through on-site air quality monitoring device. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was employed to analyze the relationship between generator-related air pollution and stress levels, adjusting for potential confounders. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results, shows that the mean PSS 10 scale was: >25.90 (SD 4.35), a bivariate correlation analysis indicates statistically significant positive correlation between the air pollutant variables and perceive stress, p -value 0 . 001. A GzLM analysis show that; In model 1, the air pollutant variable was found to have a significant positive effect on stress scale (PM2.5: β = 1.029 (95% CI; 1.024-1.034)). In model 2, both the two air pollutants PM2.5 and PM10 were found to be significantly associated with increase in stress levels (PM2.5: β = 1.568 (95% CI: 1.397 – 1.759)) and (PM10: β = 1.336 (95% CI: 1.202 – 1.486)) separately. Contrary to model 1 and 2, most of the variables model 3 were not statistically significantly associated with increase in log odds higher perceive stress, except for PM2.5 which was adjusted. Inconclusion, this study demonstrates statistically significant association between air pollutants and stress scale. The findings highlighted the importance of addressing energy policy issues and air quality concerns as potential factors affecting stress and mental health.