RESUMEN
Objective: To determine the frequency and predictors of chronic bronchitis and COPD among textile workers in Karachi, Pakistan
Study Design: Cross-sectional survey
Place and Duration of Study: Karachi, Pakistan, from October to December 2009
Methodology: Male textile workers from 15 mills of Karachi were inducted. Data was collected using American Thoracic Society respiratory questionnaire [ATS-DLD-78-a] and spirometry
Results: Out of 372 participants, 29 [7.8%] workers had chronic bronchitis [4, 9.1% aged >/= 40 years] and 25 [6.7%] had COPD [12, 27.2% aged >/= 40 years]. Workers with chronic bronchitis had significantly decreased lung function compared to the healthy workers. Those reporting severe self-perceived dust exposure at work, >/= 10 pack years of smoking, uneducated, longer duration of work [>/= 11 years], and ever smokers were more likely to have chronic bronchitis or COPD. In the multivariate analyses, severe self-perceived dust exposure at work [AOR = 7.4; 95% CI: 1.9, 28.0], family history of respiratory illness/symptoms [AOR = 4.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 20.9] and lack of education [AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 16.9] were significant predictors of chronic bronchitis. Duration of work >/= 11 years [AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 1.5, 19.7] and pack years of smoking >/= 10 years [AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 11.7] were strong predictors for COPD
Conclusion: There is a high frequency of chronic bronchitis and COPD among textile workers. Multiple important predictors for prevention are identified
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The rising burden of preventable risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents is a major public health challenge worldwide. We identified the preventable risk factors for NCDs in adolescents. METHODS: In a school-based study, pre-tested structured questionnaires were completed by 414 adolescents (14 to 17 years) at six schools in three cities in Pakistan. The chi-squared test and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated in a multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Over 80% of the adolescents had unhealthy diets, and 54% were physically inactive. Most adolescents were exposed to passive smoking, and 14% were also current smokers. More than one-third of participants chewed betel nut, and one-quarter used oral tobacco. More girls were physically inactive (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 2.69 to 6.17), whereas a greater proportion of boys were current smokers (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.19 to 3.91), exposed to passive smoking (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.72 to 3.83), and using betel nut (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.34 to 3.06). Only 3.1% of the participants were without any preventable lifestyle risk factor for NCDs, and over 80% had > or =2 factors. Co-existence of risk factors was independently associated with fathers being blue-collar workers (aOR, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.07 to 11.92) and parents not treating their child fairly (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 1.29 to 19.78). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the adolescents studied had preventable risk factors for NCDs. These results warrant comprehensive and integrated interventions to prevent lifestyle risk factors, and parents are front-line stakeholders.