ASSESSMENT OF RESPIRATORY HEALTH STATUS OF WORKERS IN FLOUR MILLS IN EDO ABD DELTA STATES

ASSESSMENT OF RESPIRATORY HEALTH STATUS OF WORKERS IN FLOUR MILLS IN EDO ABD DELTA STATES

Abstract

Introduction
The study was carried out to assess the respiratory health effects of occupational exposure to grain and flour dust among workers in flour mills in Edo and Delta states, with a view to offer recommendations that will improve the health status of these flour mill workers.
Methodology
Cross-sectional analytical study design was utilised for the study. A minimum sample size of 125 was determined using the formular N=n1+n2=4(Zα+Zβ)2(P)(1-P)/d2; however a total population of the factory workers was utilized for the study. A control group made up of civic workers belonging to the same socio-economic class as the study group and matched for age, sex and height was utilized for the study. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire based on a modified British Medical Research Council questionnaire on respiratory system, an electronic handheld spirometer was used to assess lung function and assessment of air quality was by a portable HAZ – dust particulate monitor. An observational check list was also used to validate the responses of the respondents. Questionnaire were screened for completeness and entered into the spread sheet of SPSS version 17.0 package. Frequency tables and contingency tables were constructed. Statistical analysis of differences between proportions was carried out using chi squared test, and fisher’s exact, whereas analysis of difference between means was carried out with t-test, z-test and anova. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results
The mean age of the exposed group was 40.0±10.00 years, while that of the unexposed group was 40.0±10.00 years and this was not statistically significant. The prevalence of cough was (50.0%) among the exposed and (11.5%) among the
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unexposed group. Sputum production was (28.0%) among the exposed and (5.0%) among the unexposed. Wheeze was 12.5% among the exposed and 8.5% among the unexposed. Breathlessness was 16.5% among the exposed and 2.5% among the unexposed. Nasal discharge was 17.5% among the exposed and 13.0% among the unexposed group. The observed difference was however significant for only cough, sputum production and breathlessness. The mean value of FEV1 was 2.57(L) among the exposed and 2.57(L) among the unexposed. FVC was 2.67(L) among the exposed and 2.76(L) among the unexposed. FEV1/FVC was 95.75 among the exposed and 97.87 among the unexposed. PEFR was 409.13 among the exposed and 548.93 among the unexposed. The mean spirometric values were lower among the exposed group compared to the unexposed group, however only the mean of PEFR was statistically significant. The mean concentration of total suspended particulate (TSP) was 1.08mg/m3 in the flour mill sites and 0.02mg/m3 in the control site and this was statistically significant.
Conclusion
The study showed high prevalence of respiratory symptoms among the exposed group compared to the unexposed group. The spirometric indices of the exposed group were lower compared with the unexposed group. A greater proportion of exposed respondents had obstructive ventilatory function impairment. Age affected lung functions of exposed respondents but duration of employment and smoking did not affect it. The Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) in the work environment of the flour mills exceeded the set limits by the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV).
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that training programmes and workshops be organized periodically for the workers providing information on the hazards associated with the work and measures of protecting themselves from it.

Title Page———i

Certification——–ii

Dedication———iii

Acknowledgement——-iv

Abstract ———vi

Table of Content——–vii

 

Chapter One

1.0 Introduction ——-1

1.1 Statement of Problem——4

1.2 Purpose of the Study——5

1.3 Significance of Study——8

1.4 Limitation——–9

1.5 Scope of Study——-11

 

Chapter Two

2.0 Review of Related Literature —-12

2.6 Summary of Literature Review—- 19

 

Chapter Three

3.0 Research Methodology and Procedure—22

3.1 Population ——–22

3.2 Sample and Sampling Technique—-22

3.3 Validation of the Instrument —-23

3.4 Reliability of the Instrument —–23

3.5 Data Analysis——-23

 

Chapter Four

4.0 Presentation and Discussion of Result—24

4.1 Analysis and interpretaion of Data—25

4.2 Discussion of Results——38

 

Chapter Five

5.0. Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendation  –40

5.1 Summary——–40

5.2 Conclusion——–41

5.3 Recommendation——42

References ———45

Appendix 1——–47

Appendix ———50

ASSESSMENT OF RESPIRATORY HEALTH STATUS OF WORKERS IN FLOUR MILLS IN EDO ABD DELTA STATES

 

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