Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among cement workers at Ipoh, Perak: a cross-sectional study

Razali, Nur Khusairi (2019) Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among cement workers at Ipoh, Perak: a cross-sectional study. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia reported that the Occupational Health Diseases were increasing from 86 cases in 2015 to 150 cases in 2016. Social Security Organization (SOCSO) reported the number involving respiratory symptoms were 451 cases in 2016. In Malaysia, there were lack of study that comparing on the exposure of dust with the respiratory symptoms and lung function between different work stations in these factories. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung functions among cement workers using lung functions test. Method: This study was conducted in a cement factory in lpoh, Perak. A total of 104 workers involved in this study. This study was set up to measure the particulate matter from different work stations (raw material, kiln and packing), respiratory symptoms data and lung function test. The data were obtained by a set of questionnaire adapted from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (EC-RHS II, 2014), spirometer and DustTrak. Outcome: Kiln workstation recorded the highest distribution of lung function abnormalities. Meanwhile, the highest reading of dust measurements is in the packing (0.44 mg/m3). This is due to the work process in this work station which generated high volume of dust. The correlation between the dust exposure and lung function, FVC and FEVI showed significant relationship with the exposure of dust with value of (r = -0.307, p-value = 0.002) and (r = -0.270, p-value = 0.006) respectively. Most significant symptoms reported by the workers was coughing in the morning (p-value = 0.044). The comparison of lung function between all work station, FVC and FEVI shows statistical differences among work station with the value of (z = 9.568, p-value = 0.008) and (z = 7.769, p-value = 0.021) respectively. Conclusion: Majority of the workers had respiratory symptoms of shortness of breath. The highest number of workers that exposed to the dust was workers from the kiln work station. It is also been observed that the workers do not practice of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) properly in this workstation. Thus, several prevention programs should be conducted for the workers in order to educate them on the importance of wearing PPE. Moreover, this study also can be used as baseline data for the particular cement industry. Also, it is crucial for the management to arrange for a proper medical screening and periodic lung function test by the specialist such as Occupational Health Doctors (OHO). Keywords: Lung function, spirometry test, cement manufacturing, particulate matter

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2025 07:01
Last Modified:	25 Feb 2025 07:01
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2337

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