Occurrence of respiratory symptoms and lung function deficits among fruit and vegetable market workers

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-106829
Author(s):  
Behzad Heibati ◽  
Maritta S Jaakkola ◽  
Taina K Lajunen ◽  
Alan Ducatman ◽  
Zinat Zafari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of occupational exposures among fruit and vegetable market workers on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and on the level of lung function parameters.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 140 men working as fruit and vegetable market workers (response rate 100%) and a reference group of 77 male office workers as the reference group (response rate 55%) from Shiraz, Iran. The outcomes of interest included occurrence of respiratory symptoms assessed by a standard respiratory questionnaire and lung function assessed by spirometry.ResultsIn Poisson regression analyses, the exposed group showed increased prevalence ratio (PR) of wheezing (adjusted PR 5.32, 95% CI 1.40 to 20.26), after controlling for confounding. Cough (PR 3.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 9.40) and wheezing (PR 9.40, 95% CI 2.28 to 38.64) showed increased PRs among vegetable distributors. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity were significantly decreased among exposed workers after controlling for confounders. The absolute value of FEV1 level was reduced significantly among fruit and vegetable carters (−0.99, 95% CI −1.68 to −0.32) and vegetable (−0.51, 95% CI −0.93 to −0.10) and fruit (−0.51, 95% CI −0.86 to −0.15) distributors in comparison with the reference group in the adjusted full model.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that fruit and vegetable market workers are at an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. Workplace conditions and safety training clearly need improvement, and there is a likely role for proper use of personal protective equipment.

scholarly journals Occupational exposures and respiratory symptoms and lung function among hairdressers in Iran: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behzad Heibati ◽  
Maritta S. Jaakkola ◽  
Taina K. Lajunen ◽  
Alan Ducatman ◽  
Zahra Bamshad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chest Tightness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Restrictive Lung Function

Abstract Objective Exposures at hairdressers’ work have been reported to lead to an increased risk of several health outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the relations between occupational exposures and respiratory symptoms and lung function among hairdressers in Iran. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare potential respiratory effects among 140 women working as hairdressers to such effects among 140 women working as office workers (administrative personnel). Both groups worked in Shiraz, Iran. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by a standard respiratory questionnaire. The questionnaire also inquired about substances used and workspace conditions, including ventilation type. Lung function levels were measured by spirometry. Results Respiratory symptoms, including cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness were significantly more frequent in hairdressers compared to the reference group (p < 0.05). After controlling for potential confounders, hairdressers had a prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.18 (95% CI 1.26–3.77) for cough, 9.59 (95% CI 1.004–91.73) for wheezing, 2.06 (95% CI 1.25–3.39) for shortness of breath, and 3.31 (95% CI 1.84–5.97) for chest tightness compared to the reference group. Lung function parameters (including VC, FVC, and FEV1) were significantly reduced in hairdressers (p < 0.001). Absence of air conditioning predicted greater reduction in lung function (p < 0.05) in the exposed. Decrease in FVC with normal FEV1/FVC in the exposed group suggested existence of restrictive lung function. Conclusions This study provides evidence of increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and restrictive lung function impairment among hairdressers in Iran.

scholarly journals Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function among Ethiopian Women in Relation to Household Fuel Use

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulugeta Tamire ◽  
Adamu Addissie ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Emma Husmark ◽  
Susann Skovbjerg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Solid Fuels ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
European Respiratory Society ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Exposure to household air pollution has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. This study aims to assess respiratory symptoms and lung function among Ethiopian women in relation to exposure to HAP. We conducted a cross-sectional study among non-smoking women responsible for household cooking. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms and risk factors using a validated questionnaire. Spirometry with reversibility testing was performed according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines. We used independent t-test and multivariable logistic regression to compare the means and measure association respectively. A total of 545 women participated in the study out of which 231 (42.3%) performed spirometry with at least three acceptable manoeuvres. Everyone in the rural group and 43% of the urban group were exposed to HAP from solid fuels during cooking. The odds of developing at least one respiratory symptom when compared with those using cleaner fuels are twice as high for women cooking within the living house. We also found significantly lower forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (L) among solid fuels users compared with cleaner energy users. Given the larger population settlement in the rural areas and the use of solid fuel as the only energy source, there is a higher risk of developing chronic respiratory health problems for those women in Ethiopia.

scholarly journals Predictors of impaired pulmonary function in people living with HIV in an urban African setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Van Riel ◽  
Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch ◽  
Roos E. Barth ◽  
Diederick E. Grobbee ◽  
Charles Feldman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Normal Lung ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Impaired Lung Function ◽  
History Of

Background: Studies have associated HIV with an increased risk of obstructive lung disease (OLD).Objectives: We aimed to identify the predictive factors for impaired lung function in an urban, African, HIV-positive population.Method: A cross-sectional study was performed in Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 2016 to November 2017. A questionnaire was administered and pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry conducted. The predictors investigated included age, sex, antiretroviral treatment (ART) duration, body mass index, history of tuberculosis (TB) or pneumonia, occupational exposure, environmental exposure, smoking and symptoms of OLD (cough, wheeze, mucus and dyspnoea). Impaired lung function was defined as a forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio of 0.70, or below the 20th percentile of normal.Results: The 98 ART-naïve participants (mean age = 34.0, standard deviation [s.d.] = 8.2), 85 participants on first-line ART (mean age = 36.9, s.d. = 6.6) and 189 participants on second-line ART (mean age = 43.5, s.d. = 7.9) were predominantly female (65.6%). Of the participants, 64 (17.2%) had impaired lung function and 308 had normal lung function. Linear regression identified age (β = –0.003, P 0.01), male sex (β = –0.016, P = 0.03) and history of TB or pneumonia (β = –0.024, P 0.01) as independent predictors of a lower FEV1/FVC ratio. Following logistic regression, only a history of TB or pneumonia (odds ratio = 2.58, 95% confidence interval = 1.47–4.52) was significantly related to impaired lung function (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.64).Conclusion: Our data show that a history of TB or pneumonia predicts impaired lung function. In order to improve timely access to spirometry, clinicians should be alert to the possibility of impaired lung function in people with a history of TB or pneumonia.

scholarly journals Chronic Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function of Farmer and Breeder in UTU Village, Tabanan, Bali

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (B) ◽  
pp. 709-715
Author(s):  
Ni Luh Putu Eka Arisanti ◽  
Ni Putu Ayu Widiasari ◽  
Ida Bagus Ngurah Rai
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Vital Capacity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Lung Function Decline ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Passive Smoker

AIM: The objective of the study was to determine chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function of farmers. METHODS: The study was conducted in Utu Village, Tabanan, Bali with 84 subjects. This research was observational analytic cross sectional study. RESULTS: Three dominant chronic respiratory symptoms in farmers were coughing (15.1%), dyspnea (13.1%), and phlegm (13.1%). Average values of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC were 83.75 ± 34.42, respectively, 81.62 ± 34.30 and 104.90 ± 13.90, respectively. Cough was dominant experiencing by smokers (p = 0.008). Mean of FEV1% prediction and FVC% prediction value was lower in passive smoker group than no smoker group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure while farming and raising livestock can cause chronic respiratory symptom and lung function decline in farmers and can be influenced by smoking history and secondhand smoke exposure.

scholarly journals Association between Lung Function and Metabolic Syndrome Independent of Insulin in Japanese Men and Women

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. JCM.S13564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yayoi Yamamoto ◽  
Junko Oya ◽  
Tomoko Nakagami ◽  
Yasuko Uchigata
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Immunoreactive Insulin ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Japanese Men ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Impaired Lung Function ◽  
Independent Association

Purpose We examined the cross-sectional association between lung function and metabolic syndrome (MetS), independent of fasting immunoreactive insulin (F-IRI). Methods A total of 3,072 middle-aged, apparently healthy subjects who participated in a general health check-up were included. Lung function, which was expressed as forced vital capacity (%FVC predicted) or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1% predicted) was examined. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between lung function and MetS. Results Men with the lowest quartile of FVC% predicted, or those with the lowest quartile of FEV1% predicted, had a 3.5-fold or 2.6-fold increased risk of MetS, respectively, compared with those with the highest quartile of FVC% predicted or FEV1% predicted. F-IRI had a positive, significant, and independent association with MetS in both sexes. Conclusion Impaired lung function increased the risk of MetS, independent of F-IRI and smoking in men, but not in women.

scholarly journals Snoring and nocturnal reflux: association with lung function decline and respiratory symptoms

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 00010-2019
Author(s):  
Össur Ingi Emilsson ◽  
Shadi Amid Hägg ◽  
Eva Lindberg ◽  
Karl A. Franklin ◽  
Kjell Toren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Lung Function Decline ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Habitual Snoring ◽  
Capacity Change ◽  
Sectional Analysis

IntroductionThe study aim was to examine the association of snoring and nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux (nGOR) with respiratory symptoms and lung function, and if snoring and/or nGOR associated with a steeper decline in lung function.MethodsData from the third visit of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was used for cross-sectional analysis. Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry was performed, and information on sleep, nGOR and respiratory symptoms was collected (n=5715). Habitual snoring and nGOR were assessed by questionnaire reports. Pre-bronchodilator spirometry from ECRHS I, II and III (20 years follow-up) were used to analyse lung function changes by multivariate regression analysis.ResultsSnoring and nGOR were independently associated with a higher prevalence of wheeze, chest tightness, breathlessness, cough and phlegm. The prevalence of any respiratory symptom was 79% in subjects with both snoring and nGOR versus 56% in those with neither (p<0.001). Subjects with both snoring and nGOR had more frequent exacerbations (adjusted prevalence 32% versus 19% among “no snoring, no nGOR”, p=0.003). Snoring but not nGOR was associated with a steeper decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s over 10 years after adjusting for confounding factors (change in % predicted −5.53, versus −4.58 among “no snoring”, p=0.04) and forced vital capacity (change in % predicted −1.94, versus −0.99 among “no snoring”, p=0.03).ConclusionsAdults reporting both habitual snoring and nGOR had more respiratory symptoms and more frequent exacerbations of these symptoms. Habitual snoring was associated with a steeper decline in lung function over time.

scholarly journals Farming, pesticide exposure and respiratory health: a cross-sectional study in Thailand

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-107325
Author(s):  
Jate Ratanachina ◽  
Andre Amaral ◽  
Sara De Matteis ◽  
Paul Cullinan ◽  
Peter Burney
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Airflow Obstruction ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Government Employees ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pesticide Exposures

ObjectiveTo assess the association of lung function and respiratory symptoms with farming, particularly pesticide use, in an agricultural province in Thailand.MethodsWe undertook a cross-sectional survey of adults aged 40–65 in Nan province, Thailand, between May and August 2019. We randomly recruited 345 villagers and enriched the sample with 82 government employees. All participants performed post-bronchodilator spirometry and completed a questionnaire covering information on respiratory symptoms, farming activities, pesticide use and known risk factors for respiratory disease. Associations of respiratory outcomes with farming and pesticide exposures were examined by multivariable regression analysis.ResultsThe response rate was 94%. The prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction among villagers was 5.5%. Villagers had, on average, a lower percent predicted post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) than government employees (98.3% vs 100.3%; p=0.04). There was no evidence of association of lung function with farming activities, the use of specific herbicides (glyphosate and paraquat), insecticides (organophosphates and pyrethroids) or fungicides. The exceptions were poultry farming, associated with chronic cough and an increase of FEV1/FVC, and atrazine, for which duration (p-trend <0.01), intensity (p-trend <0.01) and cumulative hours (p-trend=0.01) of use were all associated with higher FEV1/FVC in an exposure–response manner. Cumulative hours (−280 mL/hour), low duration (−270 mL/year) and intensity (−270 mL/hour/year) of atrazine use were associated with lower FVC.ConclusionsChronic airflow obstruction is uncommon among villagers of an agricultural province in Nan, Thailand. Farming and pesticide use are unlikely to be major causes of respiratory problems there.

scholarly journals Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms of Petrol Station Attendants in Central and North Jakarta and Its Contributing Factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-60
Author(s):  
Putri Suci Ramadhany ◽  
Faisal Yunus ◽  
Agus Dwi Susanto
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Petrol Station ◽  
Big City

Background: To satisfy growing needs of petrol consumption in big city many new petrol stations has been built. Petrol station attendant is considered to have high risk exposure to dangerous pollutant from motor vehicle emission and petrol fumes, especially while filling up petrol tanks. Combination of those exhaust and petrol fumes is suspected to cause the reduction of lung function. Methods: This research is a cross sectional study in petrol station in Central Jakarta and North Jakarta region between August 2017 and February 2018. A total of 97 petrol station attendants were taken in this research using consecutive sampling technique. The subjects were interviewed with questionnaires, spirometry and chest radiograph. Measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), particulate matter 2,5 (PM 2,5) and steam gasoline (benzene) concentrations were performed at the study sites. Results: In this study, 56.7% normal spirometry results, 42.3% abnormalities in the form of restriction, 1% obstruction and none of which experienced mixed disorders of restriction and obstruction. Most subjects (84.6%) did not experience respiratory complaints, 10.3% had a dry cough and 5.1% complained of cough with phlegm. There was a statistically significant association between peak expiratory flow and duration of work (p=0.011), but no significant association with other parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC), %FVC, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), %FEV1 and the ratio of FEV1/FVC. Conclusion: Prevalence of lung function abnormalities of petrol station attendant is 43,3% and respiratory symptoms at 15,4% subject.

Respiratory symptoms and spirometric abnormalities among welders in the welding workplace of the Indian unorganized sector

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Manish Dev ◽  
Arvind Bhardwaj
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Unorganized Sector

BACKGROUND: Welding is one of the most hazardous professions across the globe. Several risk factors are associated with Indian unorganized welding units such as welding gases, fumes and dust particles resulting in various respiratory health problems. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, their associated factors and lung function impairment amongst the welders of the unorganized sector in India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted across 283 welders of age group 18–55 years from Punjab, India who responded to the interviewer-administrated respiratory symptoms questionnaire. Also, the lung function parameters of 50 male welders (exposed group) and 50 male non-welders (control group) working in the same environment were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough (38.86%), phlegm (38.86%), shortness of breath (33.56%), wheezing (32.15%), chest tightness (36.40%,) and sputum (34.27%) was reported by the welders. The observed mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio of welders were (3.37±0.175), (2.59±0.16) and (76.63±6.16) respectively and that of non-welders were (3.70±0.15), (3.05±0.25) and (82.49±7.62) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The welders were found to be at significant risk of developing pulmonary diseases. Long working hours, low level of education, hazardous working conditions, lack of implementation of safety laws make welders more vulnerable to health risks. The welders of Indian unorganized sector work without any technical training related to welding and safety. Proper orientation sessions about the workplace hazards and to maintain hygiene at their workplace should be organized. Welders must be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Welders should take proper health check-up and medication to sustain healthiness

scholarly journals Are symptoms of insomnia related to respiratory symptoms? Cross-sectional results from 10 European countries and Australia

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e032511
Author(s):  
Erla Bjornsdottir ◽  
Eva Lindberg ◽  
Bryndis Benediktsdottir ◽  
Thorarinn Gislason ◽  
Vanessa Garcia Larsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Falling Asleep ◽  
Waking Up ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

ObjectivesTo compare the prevalence of different insomnia subtypes among middle-aged adults from Europe and Australia and to explore the cross-sectional relationship between insomnia subtypes, respiratory symptoms and lung function.DesignCross-sectional population-based, multicentre cohort study.Setting23 centres in 10 European countries and Australia.MethodsWe included 5800 participants in the third follow-up of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey III (ECRHS III) who answered three questions on insomnia symptoms: difficulties falling asleep (initial insomnia), waking up often during the night (middle insomnia) and waking up early in the morning and not being able to fall back asleep (late insomnia). They also answered questions on smoking, general health and chronic diseases and had the following lung function measurements: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Changes in lung function since ECRHS I about 20 years earlier were also analysed.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of insomnia subtypes and relationship to respiratory symptoms and function.ResultsOverall, middle insomnia (31.2%) was the most common subtype followed by late insomnia (14.2%) and initial insomnia (11.2%). The highest reported prevalence of middle insomnia was found in Iceland (37.2%) and the lowest in Australia (22.7%), while the prevalence of initial and late insomnia was highest in Spain (16.0% and 19.7%, respectively) and lowest in Denmark (4.6% and 9.2%, respectively). All subtypes of insomnia were associated with significantly higher reported prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Only isolated initial insomnia was associated with lower FEV1, whereas no association was found between insomnia and low FEV1/FVC ratio or decline in lung function.ConclusionThere is considerable geographical variation in the prevalence of insomnia symptoms. Middle insomnia is most common especially in Iceland. Initial and late insomnia are most common in Spain. All insomnia subtypes are associated with respiratory symptoms, and initial insomnia is also associated with lower FEV1.

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