Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function evaluation in local foundry workers in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction. Aluminium foundry for kitchen utensils production is a major employer in Kano State, Nigeria. We hypothesized that significant occupational hazard such as presence of respiratory symptoms and impairment in lung function might be prevalent among the workers. The study assessed respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers. Methods. The cross-sectional survey involved 83 male foundry workers and applied the convenience sampling method. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated with the American Thoracic Society (ATS-dLd-78) questionnaire. Lung function was assessed by using an MSo4 spirometer. The data obtained were summarized by descriptive statistics. Spearman rank order correlation and chi-square were determined between the variables of interest (p < 0.05). Results. The participants’ mean age was 24.8 ± 6.7 years, with 10–19 years of exposure in the majority (43; 51.8%). The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was as follows: phlegm: 69.9%, cough: 33.7%, chest pain: 27.7%, wheeze: 16.9%, haemoptysis: 4.8%. Lung function (FVC: 0.000; FEV1: 0.000) was significantly lower than normative. The association between occupational exposure duration and respiratory symptoms was significant for phlegm production (p = 0.008), wheeze (p = 0.008), and chest pain (p = 0.01). Lung function showed no significant association with exposure duration (p = 0.71 for FVC and p = 0.45 for FEV1). Weak negative relationship existed between respiratory symptoms and lung function; phlegm, chest pain, and haemoptysis presented a weak positive relationship. Conclusions. Respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function are common among foundry workers in Kano State. Exposure duration was a determinant of some respiratory symptoms.