Respiratory symptoms and peak expiratory flow among sawmill workers in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Oluwatosin A. Adeoye, Adeleye A. Adeomi, Adenike I. Olugbenga-Bello, James O. Bamidele, Olugbemiga L. Abodunrin, Olukemi A. Sabageh

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the respiratory symptoms and peak expiratory flow (PEF) of sawmill workers. Methods: The comparative cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 50 randomly selected sawmill workers in Osun State from March to May 2013. Age and sex matched controls consisting of 50 local government workers were also used. The respondents all had their PEF measured and also underwent modified British Medical Research Council questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16 and level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The most prevalent respiratory symptoms among the study group were cough (60%) and sneezing (54%). The prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as cough (60%), phlegm production (46%), and sneezing (54%) were significantly higher among sawmill workers than the control (P < 0.05). The mean PEF rate was also significantly (P < 0.001) lower among sawmill workers (341.8 ± 77.13) than the control (479.8 ± 58.24). The PEF rate was found to significantly decrease with an increase in length of exposure to wood dust (P = 0.003, r = −0.291). Conclusion: Our study showed higher prevalence of pulmonary symptoms with reduced PEF from wood dust exposure among sawmill workers compared with a non-exposed population, measures should therefore be put in place for air control and reduce exposure of sawmillers to wood dust