A Study on Pulmonary Function Test among construction Workers

Abstract

Introduction: The lungs are the only vital organ in direct contact with the external environment. Its function is to provide oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide. The air passes through the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles and then finally reaches the alveoli. The occupation related lung diseases are more likely due to the deposition of dust in lungs and period of exposure, concentration and size of the airborne dust particles in the breathing zone. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done among 120 construction workers compared with 60 controls to assess the respiratory illness, lung functions.This cross-sectional study was done at Construction sites in and around the area of Tertiary care teaching College and Hospital, and approved by institutional ethical committee. The present study was done in 120 participants (study group n = 60, Control group n = 60) selected by simple random technique.Results: The present study was done in 120 participants (study group-n=60, Control group n= 65). In our study, the most of workers age group is 18-30 years i.e., 37 out of 60 and in control group 18-30 years i.e., 39 out of 60. In study group out of 60, 42 subjects were male and 18 were female subjects. In control group 43 were male and 17 were female subjects. The Mean age of participants of study group is 33.7±7.14 and that of control group 36.23±5.2. The Mean weight of participants of study group is 57.2±08 and their mean height is 154±6.2. The Mean weight participants of control group is 59±8.1 and their mean height is 159.4±4.6. All the parameters of Pulmonary Function Test were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in study group as compare to control group. The prevalence of various respiratory symptoms in study and control group. Respiratory symptoms were more common among the study group as compare to control group. Overall prevalence of respiratory symptoms among study group more which is statistically significant when compared with control group.Conclusion: The present study adds evidence that cement dust adversely affects the respiratory functions and this impairment is association with duration of exposure to cement dust. Thus, this study showed existing changes in pulmonary function related to dust exposure, and generated evidence to integrate primary prevention methods towards dust- related morbidity and mortality.