Sick Building Syndrome symptoms and perceived indoor air quality among home based food business operators

This study examines Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms and their associations with socioeconomic factors, housing conditions, and perceived indoor air quality (IAQ) among home-based food business operators. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 262 home-based food business operators in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, using convenience sampling through community networks and online platforms. The validated MM040 questionnaire was used to assess three SBS symptom domains (general, mucosal, and dermal), along with demographic characteristics, household conditions, socioeconomic status, and perceived IAQ indicators (dry air, humid air, dusty air, and mouldy smell). Associations were examined using chi-square tests, Spearman correlations, and multivariable logistic regression. Participants had a mean age of 36 years (SD 10.9), and 61.5% were women. The majority reported at least one SBS-related symptom. Fatigue (67.2%) and heavy headache (66.4%) were the most common general symptoms, while dry throat (65.3%) and eye irritation (64.1%) were the most frequently reported mucosal symptoms; dermal symptoms were less common. Women, married operators, and those in the lower-income (B40) group reported higher rates of mucosal symptoms, while participants in the middle-income (M40) group had a higher prevalence of dermal symptoms. Smaller households were associated with an increased prevalence of mucosal complaints. Selected perceived IAQ indicators, particularly indoor humidity, were significantly associated with SBS symptom domains. To our knowledge, this study is one of the first to examine SBS symptoms among home-based food business operators, a rapidly expanding yet understudied segment of the informal economy. The findings indicate a notable burden of SBS-related symptoms associated with gender, socioeconomic position, and residential environmental conditions. Given their reliance on domestic kitchens repurposed as workspaces, these operators constitute a previously under-recognised occupationally exposed population. Improving ventilation practices and strengthening occupational health measures are important for reducing exposure-related health risks in this workforce.