Sick building syndrome among healthcare workers and healthcare associates at observed general hospital in Slovenia

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the possible associations between self-perceived sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms among healthcare workers and healthcare associates and self-perceived parameters of indoor work environment quality. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2019. Validated standardized evaluation tools (MM 040 NA Hospital 2007 and MM 040 NA Office 2007) were used for estimating the prevalence of SBS among observed populations. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests for assessing possible associations in SBS symptoms between healthcare workers and associates were used. Results The response rate was 69.8%. The results showed a lower prevalence of six or more SBS symptoms in healthcare associates (6.4%) compared to healthcare workers (12.0%). Healthcare workers perceived the most frequent risk factors for SBS to be poor air quality, an inappropriate level of relative humidity, and inappropriate room temperature, while the least frequently self-perceived risk factors were inappropriate lighting and noise levels. Conclusions This study represents a platform for further analyses - the identification of health risk factors with environmental monitoring.