PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY ILLNESS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG FISHING TRAWLER WORKERS IN TAMIL NADU.

In India, an estimated half a billion people work in fishing-related jobs. Trawler fishermen are frequently exposed to long hours of fuel exhaust, but little is known about the adverse effects of this exposure. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of respiratory illness among Fishing Trawler workers and its association between the working environment quality. This crosssectional study was conducted from April 2021 to June 2021 among adults engaged in trawler fishing in Tamil Nadu using an interviewer administered semi structured questionnaire and the data was analysed using SPSS version 16. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was 81% and respiratory illness was 36.5% with signi?cance between years of working(p=<0.05), days a month worked(p=<0.05), hours of exposure(p=<0.05), history of smoking(p=<0.05) and air quality(p=0.05). Trawler fishermen's respiratory health may be compromised by fuel exhaust and exposure duration. More attention and surveillance of trawler fishermen's occupational health is required

Respiratory symptoms related to flour dust exposure are significantly high among small and medium scale flour mill workers in Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND@#International Labour Organization (ILO) report indicates more than 2.4 million workers die from work-related diseases and accidents each year. Work-related respiratory ailments related to airborne particulate matter such as flour dust are responsible for about 386,000 deaths and 6.6 million illness-adjusted life years. Even though exposure to flour dust together with the extreme expansions of flour mill sectors is a priority health concern, extent of the problem is little investigated in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude and risk factors of work-related respiratory symptoms among flour mill workers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia.@*METHODS@#This study employed a comparative cross-sectional survey of 560 samples (280 exposed group from flour mill workers and 280 unexposed group from office workers) with a stratified random sampling technique. The study was conducted from March to April 2019 in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia. We used the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire to assess work-related respiratory symptoms. The questionnaire was pretested and interview administered to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis was fitted to evaluate significant factors of respiratory symptoms at a < 0.05 p value. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% was calculated to determine a strength of association.@*RESULTS@#All the sampled participants had fully responded to the interview. The median age of exposed and unexposed groups was 28.5 interquartile range (IQR, 20) and 31 (IQR, 15) years, respectively. The prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms among flour mill workers was substantially higher than that of among controls, 63.9% and 20.7%, respectively (Χ@*CONCLUSION@#Respiratory symptoms emanating from exposure to various flour dusts were significantly higher among flour mill workers than among the control group. Therefore, we recommend the need to effectively implement health and safety programs that account for the reduction of dust at a source, use of engineering controls (e.g., provision of adequate ventilation systems), use of administrative measures (e.g., training program and health surveillance) and provision of a suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Furthermore, it is vital to integrate workplace health and safety programs to the wider public health policies and strategies to effectively mitigate the burden of work-related respiratory conditions. We also encourage future studies to evaluate concentration of flour dusts combined with physical examinations to establish plausible associations of respiratory symptoms with dusts of flour mill-related origin.

Percepción de usuarios sobre calidad de atención y educación durante la captación de sintomáticos respiratorios / Perception of users of quality of care and education during the respiratory symptomatic recruitment

Introducción: La tuberculosis es la novena causa mundial de mortalidad en adultos y la primera por enfermedades infecciosas. Mortalidad evitable con diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento oportuno. Estudio motivado por baja captación de sintomáticos respiratorios. Objetivo: Valorar la percepción de los usuarios de una institución de salud sobre la calidad de la atención y de la educación para el autocuidado, durante la captación de sintomáticos respiratorios en el programa de tuberculosis. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo, de abordaje con elementos de teoría fundamentada. Realizado en una institución estatal de salud de primer nivel. Participaron 96 adultos, quienes firmaron el consentimiento informado: 70 sintomáticos respiratorios y 26 familiares acompañantes. Se realizaron seis grupos focales, con dos categorías apriorísticas: calidad de atención y educación durante el proceso de captación. Información grabada y transcrita. Con Atlas Ti se realizó codificación abierta, axial y selectiva, utilizando comparación constante y memos. El análisis se apoyó en postulados de Dorothea Orem. Resultados: Sobre calidad de atención: hubo desconocimiento de la ruta integral de atención y deficiente identificación e información sobre riesgo. Sobre educación para el autocuidado: hubo desconocimiento de aspectos relacionados con tuberculosis y déficit en educación recibida. Los participantes no relacionaron sintomáticos respiratorios con tuberculosis; esta fue estigmatizada como enfermedad contagiosa y mortal, consideraron difícil recoger muestra para baciloscopia. Se evidenciaron limitaciones de cuidado favorecidas por insuficiente apoyo educativo. Conclusiones: La percepción de los usuarios orienta hacia la necesidad de fomentar servicios seguros, accesibles y humanizados para detección temprana y cuidado del sintomático respiratorio. La educación para el autocuidado y una mayor interacción con usuarios pueden mejorar resultados institucionales(AU)

Introduction: Tuberculosis, the world ninth leading cause of death in adults, first due to infectious diseases. Avoidable mortality with early diagnosis and timely treatment. Study motivated by limited awareness of respiratory symptomatics. Objective: To assess the perception of users of a healthcare institution in regards to the quality of care and self-care education during the Tuberculosis program. Methods: A Qualitative study approach with elements from proven theory. Conducted at state-class healthcare institution. Participants: 96 consenting adults (70 respiratory symptoms, 26 accompanying relatives). Six focus groups were carried out during the recruitment process with two aprioristic categories: quality of care and self-care education. Information was recorded and transcribed. Utilizing Atlas Ti, open, axial and selective coding was performed and using constant comparisons and memos. The analysis was based on Dorothea Orem postulates. Results: Quality of care: lack of comprehensive route of care and poor identification and risk information. Self-care education: ignorance of TB-related aspects and shortfalls of received education. Participants did not link respiratory symptoms to tuberculosis; this was stigmatized as a contagious and fatal disease. They considered it difficult to collect sample(s) for baciloscopy. Care limitations are evident by insufficient educational support. Conclusions: User perception should be oriented towards promoting safe, accessible and humanized services for early detection and care of respiratory symptoms. Self-care education and greater interaction with users can improve institutional outcomes(AU)

Comparative assessment of Industrial air pollutant exposure on pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms among primary school children, Kala Amb, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India

Background: Outdoor air quality has been connected with the prevalence of allergic respiratory infections in children. The impact of industrial pollution on respiratory health during early years of life in school children is a major concern. Pulmonary function tests can be used to assess the impact of air pollution and the degree of airway reactivity.Methods: A cross sectional comparative study was conducted between Primary school children aged 6 to 10 years in the industrial area and non-industrial area. Structured questionnaire based data was recorded from the students regarding respiratory symptoms. Spirometric parameters recorded were Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume at one second (FEV1), Maximal Midexpiratory flow (FEF 25-75%) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR).Results: Data from 102 students from each of the two primary schools revealed mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) as 1.01±0.31 L/sec in industrial area and 1.12±0.34 L/sec in non-industrial area (p=0.01). Four or more episodes of allergic rhinitis in the last year were present in 24/84 (28.5%) children in the industrial area as compared to 8/90 (8.8%) in the non-industrial area (p=0.002). Point prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 36 (35.3%) students in industrial area and 22 (21.6%) students in non-industrial area (p=0.03).Conclusions: Industrial air pollution has impact on the lung function tests of school children in the age group of 6 to 10 years with significant difference in spirometric parameters of FEV1, frequency of episodes of allergic rhinitis and point prevalence of allergic rhinitis.

Effects of smoking on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory symptoms / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of smoking on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and respiratory symptoms. Methods A multi-stage, stratified cluster sampling strategy was used to select participants aged 40 or older in 5 surveillance points of Anhui Province. Questionnaires, body measurements and spirometry were used to collect data. Based on complex sampling design, Logistic regression model was conducted to analyze the effects of smoking on COPD and respiratory symptoms. Results The smokers who had smoked for ≥30 pack-years accounted for 13.9% (95% CI:10.3%-17.5%, P＜0.001) of the total population. And the smokers who had smoked for ≥40 years accounted for 8.5% (95% CI:6.7%-10.3%, P＜0.001) of the total population. On average, one smoker had smoked for 32.4 years (95% CI:31.2-33.5). Average daily cigarette consumption of daily smokers was 21.1 cigarettes (95% CI:19.6-22.7). As shown by multiple-variables Logistic regression analyses, the risk of COPD and respiratory symptoms increased with the increment of smoking pack-years and duration (all Ptrend <0.001). Conclusions Smoking was associated with COPD and respiratory symptoms. The risk of developing COPD and respiratory symptoms was greater with the increment of smoking pack-years and duration.

Respiratory Health of Children Exposed to PM10: Consequence of Construction Waste Open Dumping

@#Introduction: Due to rapid urbanization, Malaysia is currently undergoing extensive amount of construction activities and significant rise in the construction waste. Improper construction wastes management practices have led to rise in the waste open dumping sites which may significantly affect the environment and public health. This study was undertaken to assess air pollution in such a site and the impact to the respiratory health of children studying in a nearby school. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Sungai Buloh (exposed) and Kuala Selangor (comparative). Concentration of PM10 was monitored at the open dumping site (n=15), a nearby primary school (n=45) and a comparative primary school (n=12). Parents who gave consent (n=229) answered a questionnaire related to child’s respiratory health whereas their children participated in lung function assessment. Results: Concentration of PM10 at the dumping site, exposed school and comparative school was 0.245±0.048mg/ m3, 0.270±0.020mg/m3 and 0.051±0.016mg/m3 respectively, with the first two significantly exceeded the 24-hour Malaysian Air Quality Standard (MAQS) for PM10 (0.150mg/m3). Besides, PM10 concentration in the exposed school was similar to the dumping site (p>0.05) and many folds higher than the comparative school (p<0.001). There was a significant risk of cough (PR=1.55), phlegm (PR=1.70), wheezing (PR=1.55) and obstructive pattern of lung function defect (PR male = 4.36; PR female = 3.65) among the exposed group children than their comparative counterpart. Conclusion: Open dumping of construction waste would release substantial amount of PM10 into ambient air and ultimately affect the respiratory health of community, especially children.

Prevalence Of Respiratory Symptoms And Pulmonary Function Status Of Restaurant Workers

@#The cooking process may emit toxic compounds and airway irritants from both the fuel combustion and cooking fumes which is harmful to the respiratory health among the restaurant workers. A cross-sectional study of 243 restaurant workers from the selected restaurants in Sungai Long, Malaysia was conducted. The standardized British Medical Research Council questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms (1986) was used during the interview to access the symptoms and the spirometry test was performed to evaluate the pulmonary functions of the participants. The data of socio-demography and occupational characteristics were also collected. The most complaint respiratory symptoms by the restaurant workers were breathlessness, which accounted for 33.7%, followed by wheezing (14%). The mean values of all pulmonary function tests (PFT) of the restaurant workers were within the normal range (>80%), except for the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) (79.09%). The results of the bivariate statistical analysis, Chi-square, ANOVA and t-test, showed the determining factors of the respiratory health among the workers were workers’ age and gender in addition to the working duration and the ethnicity. The restaurant workers in Sungai Long were at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and lower pulmonary function values due to prolonged exposure to cooking fumes. Emphasis should be given to the safety and health of restaurant workers and health education should be provided to the restaurant workers and owners. Strategies to increase notification of such occurrences among these workers should be looked into by related agencies in the country.

Acute respiratory symptoms and its associated factors among mothers who have under five-years-old children in northwest, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND@#Poor air quality of the household is likely to be the largest public health concern in resource-constrained countries. Exposure to household air pollution, poor working environment, and fuel type used at household level have been associated with respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to assess acute respiratory symptoms and its associated factors among mothers who have under five-years-old children in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.@*METHOD@#A cross-sectional study was carried out from February 15, 2019 to June 20, 2019. Study participants were selected using simple random sampling, and data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to test the association of explanatory and outcome variables. Variables with p < 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with the outcome variable.@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among mothers of under-five years-old children in this study was 46.1%. Education (vocational training compared to cannot read and write) (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 0.26 at 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08-0.82), working in dusty environment (AOR = 2.90 at 95% CI: 1.39-6.08), wood fire use (AOR = 0.37 at 95% CI: 0.16-0.85), living in mud- and wood-walled houses (AOR = 0.53 at CI: 0.32-0.89), recent house painting (AOR = 1.95 at 95% CI: 1.03-3.69), new carpet (AOR = 2.02 at 95% CI: 1.08-3.77), pesticide use (AOR = 1.71 at 95% CI: 1.03-2.84), damp stain (AOR = 2.45 at 95% CI: 1.04-5.75), spending longer time in house for 6 to 11 h (AOR = 2.59 at 95% CI: 1.53-4.37) and 11 to 15 h (AOR = 3.47 at 95% CI: 1.87-6.43), and living less than 100 m from unpaved roads/streets (AOR = 4.35 at 95% CI: 2.64-7.18) were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms among mothers of under-five years-old children.@*CONCLUSION@#Respiratory symptoms were common among mothers who have under five-years-old children. Air quality improvement, fuel selection, and residential planning will help to reduce respiratory symptoms.

Respirable Particulate (PM10) and Its Heavy Metals Concentrations from Bauxite Mining in the Vicinity of Urban Kuantan, Malaysia: Inhalation Health Risk Assessment

@#Introduction: Bauxite ore contain various heavy metals especially aluminum, if exposed excessively is detrimental to the respiratory system. Objective: This study aimed at determining the PM10 and its Al, As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb content and assessing the inhalation health risk assessment (HRA) among the community. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuantan on 162 randomly selected respondents in three residential areas; Felda Bukit Goh (FBG), Jalan Besar Bukit Goh (JBBG) and Kuantan Port Consortium Flat (KPCF). Questionnaires were used to obtain the background information and health symptoms. PM10 with its heavy metals were subsampled for 24 hours using air sampling pumps in 42 randomly sub-sampled households from the 3 areas. Results: PM10 exceeded 150 µg/m3 and the Al, Cd, As, Cr, Ni and Pb levels exceeded the standard limit. The hazard quotient (HQ) of Cd in JBBG (4.13), Cr in FBG (74.06), JBBG (84.41), KPCF (76.87) and Ni in FBG (60.53), JBBG (66.95) and KPCF (58.81) exceeded the HQ value of 1. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) exceeded the level of 0.0000001 for Cr in FBG (0.0252), JBBG (0.0288) and KPCF (0.0262), as well as for Ni in the FBG (0.000184), JBBG (0.000204), and KPCF (0.000179) areas. Conclusion: The PM10 levels exceeded the USEPA guidelines while Al, Cd, As, Cr, Ni and Pb exceeded the ATSDR limit. The Cd, Cr and Ni posed non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Therefore, health risks from the PM10, Cd, Cr and Ni exposures were found in this study.

Street Peddlers and Poor Respiratory Health Outcomes in Lucknow, India

Introduction: There are few studies which aim towards theawareness of using protective masks and respiratory problemsamong street peddlers in India. The focus of this study wasto identify the major pollutants (i.e., PM 2.5, PM 10, etc.)present in the air which may be responsible for the adverserespiratory effect on the human population in street peddlersof Lucknow, India.Material and Methods: Street Peddlers, who were notindulge in smoking in recent few days and have no knowledgeof any diagnosed respiratory diseases, were asked toparticipate from roadside of different localities in Lucknowcity, India. Volunteering Members (n=30) described havinglower respiratory, upper respiratory, and other symptoms.Result: The result of the study was estimated on the basisof a self-analysis form. Symptoms of upper (sour throat36.3%) and lower respiratory tract (coughing 40%) and eyeirritation (40%) was present in all the participants None ofthe participants used the N-95 respirator (PPE: masks) in thisstudy. Some peddlers who is using PPE, are improper for thePM present in the air.Conclusion: Results suggests awareness about respiratoryproblems and proper use of protective equipment like theN-95 type respirator mask among street Peddlers in Lucknow,India.

Prevalence of respiratory morbidity among brick kiln workers: a cross sectional study from rural north India

Background: Fired clay bricks, an important construction material, are manufactured in non-mechanized, labour intensive brick kilns which mostly employ unskilled men and women. The workers, as an occupational hazard, are exposed to dust and air pollution leading to respiratory diseases.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among brick kiln workers in RS Pura block of Jammu district. The workers were assessed regarding respiratory symptoms and illnesses using translated version of American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Disease questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78A).Results: 692 brick kiln workers were interviewed during the course of survey and 58.8%of them were males. 45% of the respondents were working since last less than three years. Among the respiratory symptoms chronic cough, was present in 23.55% and phlegm in 22.83% of the respondents. Chronic bronchitis was present in 20.52% of the respondents. Association of respiratory symptoms in relation to sex of the respondents was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms and illness were found to be quite prevalent in the brick kiln workers. More research needs to be conducted to assess other health risks besides respiratory morbidity. Health planners need to plan for their basic sanitation facilities and periodic check ups.

Prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in an urban population of North Kerala

Background: Chronic respiratory diseases are becoming a challenge to public health due to its high morbidity and mortality. Most of these diseases are preceded by variable periods of chronic respiratory symptoms. If chronic respiratory symptoms can be diagnosed and managed properly and timely, we can reduce the incidence and complication of chronic respiratory diseases.Methods: A community based cross sectional survey was conducted in 20 electoral wards of Calicut corporation of Northern Kerala among the adult resident population of 20-70 years to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing, breathlessness and nasal allergy and the factors associated with these chronic symptoms. The information was collected from 1384 eligible subjects selected by cluster sampling using British research council respiratory questionnaire.Results: About 9.2% (n=95) of study population had at-least one of the chronic respiratory symptoms. 1.8% (n=19) had all the chronic respiratory symptoms. Prevalence of various chronic respiratory symptoms was chronic cough (8.7%), Phlegm (14.3%), wheezing (8.5%), breathlessness (2.2%) and nasal allergy (14.5%). Advancing age, current smoking, family history and past history of various respiratory diseases are significantly associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms. Female gender, longer duration of stay in Calicut corporation and regular alcoholism were significantly associated with chronic phlegm in the study population. Wheezing, breathlessness and chronic nasal allergy was significantly higher among lower socio economic status.Conclusions: Prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms is high among the urban population of Northern Kerala. Older age group, smoking, past and family history of respiratory diseases are the major risk factors associated with these respiratory symptoms.

Respiratory symptoms among auto rickshaw drivers of Mangaluru

Background: Auto rickshaw drivers spend their maximum time in polluted, dangerous, and very noisy environment. They are exposed to harmful pollutant gas such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide which can contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, breathlessness, and chest pain. Objectives: The present study was aimed to estimate respiratory symptoms and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) among auto rickshaw drivers. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among auto rickshaw drivers working in Mangaluru. Information regarding sociodemographic profile, dietary habits, addictions, and working hours were collected, and respiratory examination along with PEFR estimation was done. Results: The maximum study participants were in the age group of 41–50 years, and 56.4% participants were working for >10 h per day. The main respiratory symptoms were breathlessness (28.7%) followed by cough (19.7%). Among 188 study participants, 61 (32.4%) had low PEFR. Conclusion: The respiratory symptoms are quite high among auto rickshaw drivers, and there is a need to increase awareness among them for the prevention of occupational disease.

Coal burning-derived SO and traffic-derived NO are associated with persistent cough and current wheezing symptoms among schoolchildren in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

BACKGROUND@#Children in Ulaanbaatar are exposed to air pollution, but few epidemiological studies have been conducted on the effects of environmental risk factors on children's health. Also, no studies have yet examined the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in children in suburban areas, where air quality-monitoring stations have not yet been installed. This cross-sectional study evaluated the associations between outdoor air pollution and respiratory symptoms among schoolchildren in urban and suburban districts of Ulaanbaatar.@*METHODS@#The ATS-DLD-78 C questionnaire was used to investigate the respiratory symptoms of schoolchildren aged 6-12 years (n = 1190) who lived in one of three urban districts or a suburban district of Ulaanbaatar. In each district, the outdoor concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO) and sulfur dioxide (SO) were measured at two sites (at ≤100 m and > 100 m from the nearest major road) in the 2-year period from 2015 to 2016. The associations between health outcomes and exposure to air pollutants were estimated using the multinomial logistic regression method.@*RESULTS@#The outdoor concentration of SO was significantly associated with persistent cough symptom (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.22). Furthermore, the outdoor concentration of NO was significantly associated with the current wheezing symptom (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.75) among children in urban and suburban.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The prevalence of persistent cough symptom was markedly high among the schoolchildren in urban/suburban districts of Ulaanbaatar. Overall, the increases in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among children might be associated with ambient air pollution in Ulaanbaatar.

Association of biomass fuel smoke with respiratory symptoms among children under 5 years of age in urban areas: results from Bangladesh Urban Health Survey, 2013

BACKGROUND@#Little is known regarding the effect of exposure to biomass fuel smoke inhalation on respiratory symptoms in the Bangladeshi population which is a major health hazard in most of the developing countries. This study aims to explore the association between respiratory symptoms and biomass fuel smoke exposure among children under 5 years of age.@*METHODS@#Data were extracted from the Bangladesh Urban Health Survey conducted in 2013. A total of 10,575 mothers with at least one surviving children were selected. Respiratory symptoms among children under 5 years of age were considered as the primary outcome. Sequential multiple logistic regression models were used to observe the association between respiratory symptoms and biomass fuel smoke exposure adjusting the effect of residential factors and mother and child characteristics.@*RESULTS@#Around 40% of the mothers exclusively used biomass fuel irrespective of the kitchen location and 54% of them were habituated in indoor cooking. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms of under-five children among in-house and outdoor biomass fuel users was 23.0% and 21.9%, respectively. Results of fitted multiple logistic regression models showed that the odds of having respiratory symptoms among children under 5 years of age were increased due to in-house biomass fuel use [OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04-1.36] compared with the non-biomass user. An increased risk of respiratory symptoms was also significantly associated with mother's birth complication [OR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.36-1.67], non-government organization (NGO) membership of mothers [OR = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.16-1.51], age of the child (6-23m) [OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.10-1.52], and nutritional status (stunting) [OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.31].@*CONCLUSION@#This study found the use of in-house biomass fuel as a significant risk factor associated with respiratory symptoms of children under 5 years of age. More longitudinal studies should be designed to establish a causal relationship between HAP (household air pollution) and respiratory symptoms among children with more direct measures of HAP and clinical procedure.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Preschools and Its Association with Respiratory Inflammation among Pre-schoolers

Abstract@#Introduction: Children spend most of the time indoors and make them easily exposed to indoor air contaminants. Exposure to poor indoor air quality has led to various health problem especially, respiratory-related illness. This study is intended to determine the relationship between indoor air pollutants exposure and the airway inflammation among children aged 5 to 6 years old in selected preschools from mid-2015 until mid-2016. Methods: Four hours of indoor air quality assessment had been conducted at six preschools in Puchong district (urban area) and six preschools in Hulu Langat district (suburban area) of Selangor. The respiratory inflammation among 120 healthy preschool children had been assessed using non-invasive biomarker of Fractional Exhale Nitric Oxide (FeNO). Meanwhile, respiratory symptoms and information on possible residential air pollutant exposures were obtained from a standardized questionnaire. Results: The indoor air quality measurement demonstrated significant high concentration air pollutants (PM0.1, PM2.5, PM10, VOCs) at the preschools in the urban as compared to preschools in the suburban area(p < 0.05). Besides, PM2.5 was found to be significantly associated with respiratory inflammation (FeNO value) measured (p<0.05). Conclusion: The exposure of PM0.1, PM2.5, and PM10 had increased occurrences of respiratory inflammation and respiratory symptoms among susceptible populations like children.

Sintomáticos respiratorios desde un enfoque poblacionalª / Respiratory symptomatology from a population approach

RESUMEN La tuberculosis (TB) es una enfermedad infecciosa crónica de alta transmisibilidad, constituye un problema de salud pública y un reto para su Programa de control. El Programa ha determinado como metas: el tratamiento efectivo de la enfermedad y la captación temprana a través de la búsqueda de sintomáticos respiratorios, definidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) como toda persona con tos y expectoración de más de 15 días. Dado que este es un indicador fundamental para evaluar el programa, y que existe poca información respecto al comportamiento de este evento en el ámbito poblacional, es pertinente realizar una revisión exhaustiva que permita dar cuenta del comportamiento de este indicador a nivel comunitario. Un trabajo de esta índole es una herramienta que permite fortalecer las acciones operativas y de gestión del Programa de control de la TB. La búsqueda de literatura se realizó haciendo uso de los descriptores "Tuberculosis", "sintomáticos respiratorios", "prevalencia" y "factores de riesgo", a través de diversas bases de datos como Pubmed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Proquest. Se identificó que la prevalencia en países con condiciones similares a las de Colombia oscila entre el 2 % y el 10 %. Sin embargo, la frecuencia reportada en la mayoría de los artículos no puede ser inferida poblacionalmente, dado que los diseños realizados no lo permiten, adicionalmente no son realizados en población general, sino en población en condición de vulnerabilidad, con riesgo diferencial de padecer TB.

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly transmissible, chronic infectious disease that is a public health problem and a challenge for its TB Control Program. This Program has set as goals the following: effective treatment of the disease and early uptake through the search for symptomatic respiratory defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as any person with cough and expectoration for more than 15 days. Given that this is a fundamental indicator to evaluate the program and that there is little information regarding the behaviour of this event in the population area, it is pertinent to carry out a comprehensive review that allows to record the performance of this indicator at the community level, as a tool that allows strengthen the operational and management actions of the TB control program. The literature search was carried out using the descriptors "Tuberculosis", "symptomatic respiratory", "prevalence" and "risk factors", through various databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and Proquest. It was identified that the prevalence in countries with conditions similar to those in Colombia ranges among 2 and 10 %. However, the frequency reported in most articles cannot be inferred in population terms as the designs do not allow it; additionally, those are not performed in general population terms, but in populations in vulnerable conditions with differential risk of suffering TB.

Association between Respirable Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health among Cement Workers

@#Introduction: Cement industry contributes to the major constituent of airborne dust in the atmosphere. This study aims to determine the level of respirable cement dust exposure associated with workers’ respiratory health. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 84 administration workers as the comparative group and 84 manufacturing workers as the exposed group. Method: A set of validated questionnaires was used to obtain some pertained background information as well as respiratory symptoms among the respondents. Personal Air Sampling Pump was used for assessing personal exposure towards cement dust in 8 hours. For lung function performance, a Spirometry test was carried out and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) test was conducted to assess airway inflammation. Results: The median for personal exposure level to respirable dust of manufacturing workers was 2.68 (5.90) mg/ m3 with range 0.351 to 10.60 mg/m3. The lung function abnormality among the manufacturing workers was FVC% (PR=3.82, 95% CI=1.52-9.58) and FEV1% (PR=5.16, 95% CI=1.65-16.10). Cough was reported to occur the most likely among the manufacturing workers (PR=2.40, 95% CI=1.12-5.15). After adjusting the smoking status, the prevalence of phlegm and cough were 35.7% and 29.8% respectively. 16.7% of manufacturing workers recorded a high level of FENO. The increasing exposure to respirable dust significantly reduces the FVC% of manufacturing workers (r=-0.36, p=0.05). Conclusion: The personal exposure to respirable cement dust increases the risk of lung impairment by highly developing respiratory health symptoms, reducing lung function level and increasing the higher level of airway inflammation among highly exposed workers.

Association of MBL With Work-Related Respiratory Symptoms in Bakery Workers

Baker's asthma is the most prevalent occupational asthma, and IgE-mediated response is known as a major pathogenesis. However, recent studies have suggested the involvement of innate immune response because wheat flour contains bacterial endotoxins or lipopolysaccharides. To further understand a role of innate immune response in the development of work-related respiratory symptoms (WRS) in bakery workers, we investigated mannose-binding lectin (MBL), one of the initiating components of the complement cascade in a single cohort of bakery workers. A total of 373 bakery workers completed a questionnaire regarding WRS. The bakery workers were divided into 2 groups according to previous history of allergic rhinitis (AR)/bronchial asthma (BA): those with history of AR/BA (group I) and those without (group II). We measured serum MBL levels by using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay and genotyped 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms of the MBL2 gene (226G>A in exon 1, -554G>C, -431A>C, and -225G>C in the promoter) by using TaqMan assays. Fifty-nine subjects (15.5%) were previously diagnosed with AR/BA, and 64 subjects (16.8%) complained of WRS. No significant differences were found in serum MBL levels between groups I and II. However, in group II subjects, but not in group I subjects, the serum MBL levels were significantly higher in bakery workers with WRS than in those without. In addition, the serum MBL levels were significantly different according to genetic polymorphisms of the MBL2 gene and its haplotypes. In conclusion, serum MBL, affected by genetic polymorphisms, may be associated with WRS in bakery workers with no previous history of AR/BA.

Occupational Tasks Influencing Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms Among Charcoal-Production Workers: A Time-Series Study

BACKGROUND: Tasks involved in traditional charcoal production expose workers to various levels of charcoal dust and wood smoke. This study aimed to identify specific tasks influencing lung function and respiratory symptoms. METHODS: Interviews, direct observation, and task/symptom checklists were used to collect data from 50 charcoal-production workers on 3 nonwork days followed by 11 workdays. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured four times per day. RESULTS: The PEFR was reduced and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms increased over the first 6–7 workdays. The PEFR increased until evening on nonwork days but not on workdays. Loading the kiln and collecting charcoal from within the kiln markedly reduced the PEFR and increased the odds of respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSION: Tasks involving entry into the kiln were strongly associated with a short-term drop in the PEFR and the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, suggesting a need for the use of protective equipment and/or the operation of an effective kiln ventilation system.