International Journal of Innovative Research in Health Science

Background: Byssinosis is a professional lung disease that is caused by excessive exposure to cotton dust among the textile workers that results in respiratory symptoms and a decrease in lung function. The absence of knowledge on its prevention shifts the risk among the workers. Methodology: A quantitative research design was taken, with a descriptive design. A sample size of 50 textile workers in an area of choice in Thirubhuvanai in Puducherry was chosen. Structured questionnaires were used in the collection of data which were then analyzed in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results indicated that in the pre-test, 68 per cent of the participants had inadequate knowledge, 32 per cent had moderate knowledge and none had adequate knowledge. Following the intervention, 60 per cent of the participants scored adequately and 40 per cent achieved moderate knowledge with no respondents in the inadequate category. The mean knowledge score increased from 6.94 to 14.08 which was statistically significant at p < 0.05. Conclusion: The study came to the conclusion that the educational intervention was effective in the enhancement of the knowledge on byssinosis with the need to continuously educate the workers on their health.