scholarly journals Chronic Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function in a Sample of Agricultural Workers in Skopje Region

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 327-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saso Stoleski ◽  
Jordan Minov ◽  
Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska ◽  
Dragan Mijakoski
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Agricultural Workers ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Workplace Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Impairment ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of job exposure and its duration on chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity among agricultural workers.METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study including 120 agricultural workers aged 36 to 53 years, compared to an equal number of office workers matched by age, duration of workplace exposure and smoking status. A questionnaire was used to record the chronic respiratory symptoms, detailed job history, specific job activities and tasks performed, and smoking history. Evaluation of examined subjects also included functional lung testing by spirometry.RESULTS: We found non-significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months in agricultural workers with significant difference for cough (P = 0.044), and wheezing (P = 0.031). Mean values of all spirometric parameters were lower in agricultural workers, being significantly different for MEF50 (P = 0.001) and MEF75 (P = 0.000). Adverse respiratory effects and lung function deterioration were more expressed in agricultural workers with duration of job exposure more than 20 years than in those exposed less than 20 years.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that workplace exposure in agricultural workers may lead to respiratory impairment which is close related to its duration.

scholarly journals Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Farmers: Severity and Work-Relatedness

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 536-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saso Stoleski ◽  
Jordan Minov ◽  
Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska ◽  
Dragan Mijakoski
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Respiratory Impairment ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Significant Difference

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in farmers, with emphasize to their severity and work-relatedness due occupational risk factors and farming characteristics.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed including 60 cow breeders aged 21 to 65 years, compared to an equal number of agricultural farmers matched by age, job exposure duration, and smoking status. We have used a questionnaire to record the chronic respiratory symptoms, detailed work history, specific farming activities and tasks performed, and smoking history. Evaluation of examined subjects also included lung function spirometry tests, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness testing.RESULTS: We found higher prevalence of work related respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months in cow breeders with significant difference for phlegm (P = 0.039), and wheezing (P = 0.026). Mean values of all spirometric parameters were lower in cow breeders, reaching significance for MEF50 (P = 0.001) and MEF75 (P = 0.000). Significant difference was found for mild bronchial hyperresponsiveness among cow breeders with job exposure of more than 15 years. The risk of developing work-related respiratory symptoms increased significantly with full-time farming, exposure to gases and vapors, and keeping more than 10 cows.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that workplace exposure in farmers may cause respiratory impairment which is closely related to its duration, characteristics, and intensity. The results suggest that cow breeders in general have higher rates of work-related respiratory symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness than agricultural farmers, whereas their severity increases with an increase in frequency and duration of animal contact.

scholarly journals Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function in Never-Smoking Male Workers Exposed To Hardwood Dust

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 500-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragana Bislimovska ◽  
Sunchica Petrovska ◽  
Jordan Minov
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Workplace Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Respiratory Effects ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male Workers

BACKGROUND: Results from many studies suggest that workplace exposure to organic dust may lead to adverse respiratory effects in exposed workers.AIM: In order to assess the respiratory effects of the workplace exposure to hardwood dust we performed a cross-sectional study of never-smoking male workers employed in parquet manufacture and never-smoking male office workers as a control.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study including 37 never-smoking male workers employed in parquet manufacture and an equal number of never-smoking male office workers studied as a control. Evaluation of examined subjects included completion of a questionnaire for respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months and baseline spirometry performed according to the actual recommendations.RESULTS: We found a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in parquet manufacturers than in office workers with significant difference for cough and phlegm. Majority of the respiratory symptoms in the parquet manufacturers were work-related. The mean values of all spirometric parameters with exception of forced ventilatory capacity (FVC) were significantly lower in the parquet manufacturers as compared to their mean values in the office workers. We found close relationship between both the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the reduction of spirometric parameters in the parquet manufacturers and the duration of the workplace exposure to wood dust.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that workplace exposure to hardwood dust may lead to adverse respiratory effects indicating the need of adequate preventive measures in order to protect the respiratory health of exposed workers.

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.

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 Influence of asthma and obesity on respiratory symptoms, work ability and lung function: findings from a cross-sectional Norwegian population study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000932
Author(s):  
Geir Klepaker ◽  
Paul Keefer Henneberger ◽  
Jens Kristoffer Hertel ◽  
Øystein Lunde Holla ◽  
Johny Kongerud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Symptom Score ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Norwegian Population

BackgroundAlthough asthma and obesity are each associated with adverse respiratory outcomes, a possible interaction between them is less studied. This study assessed the extent to which asthma and overweight/obese status were independently associated with respiratory symptoms, lung function, Work Ability Score (WAS) and sick leave; and whether there was an interaction between asthma and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 regarding these outcomes.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 626 participants with physician-diagnosed asthma and 691 without asthma were examined. All participants completed a questionnaire and performed spirometry. The association of outcome variables with asthma and BMI category were assessed using regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking status and education.ResultsAsthma was associated with reduced WAS (OR=1.9 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.5)), increased sick leave in the last 12 months (OR=1.4 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.8)) and increased symptom score (OR=7.3 (95% CI 5.5 to 9.7)). Obesity was associated with an increased symptom score (OR=1.7 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.4)). Asthma was associated with reduced prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (β=−6.6 (95% CI −8.2 to −5.1) and −5.2 (95% CI −6.7 to −3.4), respectively) and prebronchodilator forced vital capacity (FVC) (β=−2.3 (95% CI −3.6 to −0.96)). Obesity was associated with reduced prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV1 (β=−2.9 (95% CI −5.1 to −0.7) and −2.8 (95% CI −4.9 to −0.7), respectively) and FVC (−5.2 (95% CI −7.0 to −3.4) and −4.2 (95% CI −6.1 to −2.3), respectively). The only significant interaction was between asthma and overweight status for prebronchodilator FVC (β=−3.6 (95% CI −6.6 to −0.6)).ConclusionsAsthma and obesity had independent associations with increased symptom scores, reduced prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV1 and reduced prebronchodilator FVC. Reduced WAS and higher odds of sick leave in the last 12 months were associated with asthma, but not with increased BMI. Besides a possible association with reduced FVC, we found no interactions between asthma and increased BMI.

scholarly journals Effect of secondhand smoke exposure on lung function among non-smoking population

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1116
Author(s):  
Aravind C. ◽  
Ragul B. ◽  
Monisha .
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Secondhand Smoke ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urinary Cotinine ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Shs Exposure

Background: Secondhand Smoke (SHS) exposure is known to be associated with various cardiovascular and respiratory problems but its effect on pulmonary function remains unexplored. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Secondhand Smoke (SHS) exposure on lung function among non-smoking population.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahour, Pondicherry from 2017-2018.  350 participants, age 40 year and older, with no respiratory symptoms or prior lung diseases were included in this study. Both self-reported history and measurement of urinary cotinine level were used to evaluate the smoking status. Spirometry data, including FVC and FEV1 were used to assess lung function. Diverse variables between groups were compared using T- test and Chi-square test. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for age, height, alcohol consumption, and level of exercise was used to see any statistical differences in lung function parameters between non-SHS exposed and SHS-exposed groups.Results: Among 350 non-smokers, 120 were SHS-exposed. The urinary cotinine levels clearly distinguished SHS exposure, and the mean urinary cotinine levels were 7±0.3 and 11±0.4 in non-SHS exposed group vs SHS-exposed group, respectively. However, both groups had no significant difference in lung function and was found normal.Conclusions: SHS exposure urinary cotinine is a valuable marker.

scholarly journals Respiratory Symptoms and Ventilatory Function in Never-Smoking Males Working in Dusty Occupations

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Danilova ◽  
Saso Stoleski ◽  
Dragan Mijakoski
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Agricultural Workers ◽  
Small Airways ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ventilatory Capacity ◽  
Male Workers

AIM: To assess the effect of occupational exposure on respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity in never-smoking male workers exposed to mineral or organic dusts.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study including 138 never-smoking male workers exposed to mineral or organic dust (34 construction workers, 32 furniture manufacturers, 37 agricultural workers, and 35 bakers) and 35 unexposed controls (office workers). Evaluation of all study subjects included completion of a questionnaire and spirometric measurements.RESULTS: The prevalence of the overall respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months was higher in dusty occupation workers than its prevalence in office workers. Statistically significant difference was found between the prevalence of cough in construction workers, agricultural workers and bakers, as well as between the prevalence of phlegm in construction workers, furniture manufacturers and agricultural workers as compared to its prevalence in office workers. The mean values of spirometric parameters were lower in all groups of exposed workers as compared to their mean values in office workers with statistical significance for all measured parameters in construction workers and furniture manufacturers, as well as for small airways indices in agricultural workers and bakers.CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate significant effect of occupational exposure on respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity impairment in workers exposed to mineral or organic dusts.

scholarly journals Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health Among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magne Bråtveit ◽  
Samson Wakuma Abaya ◽  
Gloria Sakwari ◽  
Bente E. Moen
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Airflow Limitation ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Coffee Beans ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Symptom Prevalence

Introduction: In primary coffee factories the coffee beans are cleaned and sorted. Studies from the 80- and 90-ties indicated respiratory health effects among the workers, but these results may not represent the present status. Our aim was to review recent studies on dust exposure and respiratory health among coffee factory workers in Tanzania and Ethiopia, two major coffee producing countries in Africa.Methods: This study merged data from cross-sectional studies from 2010 to 2019 in 4 and 12 factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia, respectively. Personal samples of “total” dust and endotoxin were taken in the breathing zone. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American Thoracic Society (ATS) questionnaire. Lung function was measured by a spirometer in accordance with ATS guidelines.Results: Dust exposure among male production workers was higher in Ethiopia (GM 12 mg/m3; range 1.1–81) than in Tanzania (2.5; 0.24–36). Exposure to endotoxins was high (3,500; 42–75,083) compared to the Dutch OEL of 90 EU/m3. The male workers had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms than controls. The highest symptom prevalence and odds ratio were found for cough (48.4%; OR = 11.3), while for breathlessness and wheezing the odds ratios were 3.2 and 2.4, respectively. There was a significant difference between the male coffee workers and controls in the adjusted FEV1 (0.26 l/s) and FVC (0.21 l) and in the prevalence of airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC < 0.7) (6.3 vs. 0.9%). Among the male coffee workers, there was a significant association between cumulative dust exposure and the lung function variables FEV1 and FVC, respectively.Conclusions: The results suggest that coffee production workers are at risk of developing chronic respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function, and that the findings are related to high dust levels. Measures to reduce dust exposure should be targeted to factors identified as significant determinants of exposure.

A Simultaneous Cluster Analysis of Cognitive, Emotional, and Personality Factors and Insomnia and Sleep Quality Among Earthquake Victims

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 745-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habibolah Khazaie ◽  
Ali Zakiei ◽  
Saeid Komasi
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Dysfunctional Attitudes ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe current study compares the measures of sleep quality and intensity of insomnia based on the clustering analysis of variables including dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep, experiential avoidance, personality traits of neuroticism, and complications with emotion regulation among the individuals struck by an earthquake in Kermanshah Province.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study that was carried out among earthquake victims of Kermanshah Province (western Iran) in 2017. Data were gathered starting 10 days after the earthquake and lasted for 2 weeks; of 1,200 standard questionnaires distributed, 1,001 responses were received, and the analysis was performed using 999 participants. The data analysis was carried out using a cluster analysis (K-mean method).ResultsTwo clusters were identified, and there is a significant difference between these two clusters in regard to all of the variables. The cluster with higher mean values for the selected variables shows a higher intensity of insomnia and a lower sleep quality.ConclusionsConsidering the current results, it can be concluded that variables of dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs about sleep, experiential avoidance, the personality traits of neuroticism, and complications with emotion regulation are able to identify the clusters where there is a significant difference in regard to sleep quality and the intensity of insomnia. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:745–752)

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