Background Respiratory problems represent one of the most leading causes for morbidity
and mortality worldwide. Occupational agents are one of the major and most important
modifiable risk factors for these problems. The aim of this study was to assess respiratory
problems among workers at a cement factory in Beni-Suef city and to study risk factors of
respiratory problems among the workers. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was
utilized in this study. Setting: the study was conducted at Misr Beni-Suef cement factory, BeniSuef City. A convenience sample was used, and it composed of150 workers. Three tools were
utilized; 1-an interviewing questionnaire composed of 3 parts; personal data, occupational history
and medical history, 2-respiratory symptoms questionnaire, 3-Environmental health checklist.
Results:the prevalence of respiratory problems among studied workers were; 37.3% of them
suffered from cough, followed by phlegm (35.3%), breathlessness (32.7%), wheezes (30.7%),
chest tightness (28.7), runny itchy nose (26.7%), whereas chronic bronchitis was reported by only
22.0% of the workers. This study concluded that advancing age, duration of exposure, smoking
habits, level of education, poor compliance in using protective equipments and poor ventilation in
the workplace seen as major risk factors affecting the prevalence of respiratory problems. The
present study recommended that pre-placement and periodic medical examination to all the
workers and health education programs tailored to improve healthy practices of workers about the
occupational safety measures and prevention of respiratory problems.