Pulmonary Problems among Stone Cutting Workers in West Bank-Palestine
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- Category: Vol. 83, September 2015
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Pulmonary Problems among Stone Cutting Workers in West Bank-Palestine, HATIM M. JABER, MONA S. MOHAMED, AMAL M. EL-SAFTY, OMAIMA K. EL-SALAMONI, HANAN M. IBRAHIM and WALEED S. EL-DIN
Abstract
Introduction: Respiratory problem is one of the major health hazards in dust-exposed workers; it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of respiratory problems and lung function impairment (PFI) among Pales-tinian stone cutting workers, and to investigate its association with work conditions and other risk factors.
Method: During April-June 2012, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 259 male workers, who were available at all stone-saw workshops (n=42) located around the valley between Nablus and Tulkarm in the northern part of West Bank, Palestine. Respiratory problems and lung function were studied through interviews questionnaire, detailed history, clinical examination and spirometry.
Results: The respondents were all males, with mean age of 36.8 years and with 13.4 years mean duration of current work. Complaints of chronic cough, chest pain and wheezes were present among 28.2%, 17.8% and 3.8% of workers respectively. The prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function test among workers was 21.6%, with 20. 1 % of workers had restrictive lung disease and 1.5% showing obstructive lung disease. Multivariate regression, showed that smokers, longer duration of work, and PPE non users have higher risk for developing abnormal pulmonary function test (OR 4.5; CI: 1.01-20.2; p=0.049), (OR 2. 1; CI: 1.03-4.5; p=0.04) and (OR 2. 1; CI; 1.04-4.5; p=0.03) respectively.
Conclusion: Chronic exposure to dust in stone cutting Industry may increase the risk of respiratory problems and impaired lung function; cigarette smokers, long duration of work and non usage of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) are at higher risk.