WOS: 000416078300004Objective: In this study, the aim was to investigate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the factors associated with injuries among vocational and industrial high schools in Adana and Mersin. Material and Method: This cross-sectional study included 1742 students who attended high schools in the Adana and Mersin provinces between April and May 2013. The questionnaire was filled out by the students. The study data were evaluated by descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, Student's t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression. Results: The study included 1742 students. Among the students, 1530 (87.8%) were male. While 1510 (86.7%) students used at least one PPE, 232 (13.3%) used none at all. In the binary logistic regression model, 10th graders (OR 3.80), 11th graders (OR 3.21), monthly income of 434 USD or less (OR 2.69), training for the use of tools/devices (OR 1.96) and the number of risks defined specifically for the department (OR 1.11) were associated with the student's PPE use. Among the participating students, 430 (24.7%) were injured within the past year. In the binary logistic regression model, 10th graders (OR 1.85), 11th graders (OR 2.26), the weekly practical training hours (OR 0.96) and household population (OR 1.10) were associated with the students' injuries. Conclusion: In vocational and technical high schools, training on the use of devices and tools, defining the risks and structured trainings on the use of PPE must be considered to protect the students
