Cardio-respiratory Function among Cobble Stone Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mamo, Hailemariam (2013) Cardio-respiratory Function among Cobble Stone Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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Abstract

Background: Globally, an estimated 2.34 million people die from work-related accidents and diseases annually and 6,300 people die daily (ILO, 2013). Cobblestone work is becoming a good job opportunity in Ethiopia but it exposes workers to dust during excavating, cutting, drilling, handling, loading, transporting, chiseling and paving activities. Stone dust exposure has effect on the cardio-respiratory, liver and kidney functions with its associated symptoms as it contains metals and other substances risky for human health. Dust exposure is also associated with increased BP, reduced HR variability, increased HR, endothelial dysfunction and myocardial coronary heart disease. It induces pulmonary and systemic inflammation,accelerating atherosclerosis and altering cardiac autonomic function. Objectives: The present study was designed to determine the prevalence and types of cardiorespiratory problems associated with effect of exposure to cobblestone dust. It was also intended to investigate acute effects of cobblestone dust exposure on cardiopulmonary function in addition to assessing the awareness of cobblestone workers about dust effect on health and practice of PPDs. Materials and Methods: Comparative cross-sectional study and systematic random sampling was applied selecting 155 (82 chiseling and 73 quarry) workers who were 18-35 yrs old and exposed for one and above years. Twenty three of them were female chiseling workers. One hundred fifty one matched controls (128 males,23 females) were selected from AAU summer non- smoking normal students within the same age range. Acute exposure standard was established on an eight-hour exposure time frame, during work of normal intensity and data were collected at the early morning and after exposure for about 8-10 hours. Lung function indices, HR, %SPO2 and ABP were taken before and after exposure. The mean ages, height, weight and sex proportion were matching between the two groups. Questionnaire, digital spirometer, pulse oximeter, sphygmomanometer, digital balance and measuring tape were used for data collection. Results: The study showed higher prevalence of cardio-respiratory symptoms and changes in cardiopulmonary function indices. The mean values and percent predicted mean values of lung functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, PIFR and FEF25-75) were significantly reduced (p< 0.05). The mean value of %SPO2 was reduced significantly (p=0.030) in exposed groups compared to control. The mean valueSD of heart rate in exposed groups showed very significant increment (p=0.001) and reduced variability compared to the controls. Both systolic blood pressure (p=0.006) and diastolic pressure (p=0.001) showed very significant increment. Symptoms and reduction in lung function indices were more marked in chiseling workers. Neither control nor exposed group has had restrictive pattern alone; about 18.1% and 17.4% of cobble stone workers were found to have obstructive and mixed condition, respectively. In theacute exposure study very significant changes in cardiopulmonary functions and acute symptoms were observed (p<0.010). The practice to utilize PPDs and awareness on the health impact of dust were found to be very low. Most of the workers never use PPDs for various reasons. Appropriate training has not been given. Workers complained that they were getting very limited medical treatment, scarce supply of medical equipment and drugs in the clinics. Working environment was unsafe. The present study provides essential evidences on dust impacts on health and the lack of awareness among cobblestone workers. Conclusion and recommendations: From the present study, it could be concluded that dust emission during cobblestone preparation adversely affects the cardio-pulmonary function of workers. Acute exposure to dust for some hours leads very significant changes in cardiopulmonary functions. PPDs utilization and awareness about dust impact on health were very poor. It is recommended that further studies should be conducted on many workers to make standing decisions and regulations. Workers should be trained and appropriate PPEs should be accessible to them. Guideline has to be developed to provide guidance on how to assess and reduce the health impacts of dust emissions. Regular inspection should be carried out. There should be full co-operation among the competent authority, research institutions workers and occupational health professional.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Cobblestone, Quarry Work, Chiseling, Dust Exposure, Cardio-respiratory Function indices, Acute Effect of Dust, PPD
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Africana
Depositing User:	Emmanuel Ndorimana
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2018 11:48
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2018 11:48
URI:	http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/6374

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