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RESPIRATORY HEALTH PROBLEMS, PULMONARY FUNCTIONS AND CORRELATES AMONG RICE MILL WORKERS IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

1,2Agwu – Umahi Olanike , 2Ogugua Juliet Ifeoma , 2Kassy Wilson Chukwukasi , 5Akpa Christian Obasi , 5Desi, Okwunna Ibemesi , 1,2Anne Chigedu Ndu , 3,4Arinze – Onyia Uzoamaka Sussan , 1,2Ibiok Ntat Charles , 2Ochie Casmir Ndubuisi , 3,4Chime Onyinye Hope , 2Obionu Ifeoma , 1,2Aguwa Emmanuel Nwabueze , 1,2Okeke Adaeze Theodora
1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria. 2Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu. 3Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Enugu State University. 4Department of Community, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital. 5Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakiliki, Ebonyi State.
Corresponding Author: kassy2kny@yahoo.com
Recieved Date: 2022; Accepted Date: 2022; Published Date: 2022
ABSTRACT

Background The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory health problems, lung function and correlates among rice mill workers. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was carried out among 150 workers consecutively recruited at the Abakaliki Rice Mill industry, Nigeria. Lung functions were measured using spirometer. Data were analysed using Epi-Info version 3.5.3. Results The commonest respiratory symptoms among rice mill workers were rhinitis 65 (43.3%) and blocked nostrils 62 (41.3%). Less than half of the participants 61 (40.7%) had abnormal lung function pattern, 45 (30.0%) had a restrictive lung function pattern, 13 (8.7%) had obstructive lung pattern and only 3 (2.0%) had a combined lung pattern. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and abnormal lung function patterns, mostly restrictive. There is need for education on dust control and enforcement on use of personal protective equipment among rice mill workers.

Keywords: Rice mill, lung functions, respiratory symptoms, Abakaliki, South East Nigeria
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