Characteristics of Respiration Symptoms and Lung Function of Rice Milling Workers in Suwug Village, Sawan District, Buleleng Regency

Abstract

Background: Rice milling is an important industry in the agricultural sector, but during the process can affect the health of workers. Method: This research is an observational analytical study using a cross-sectional design, which was conducted in Suwug Village, Sawan District, Buleleng Regency in August 2023. Results: There were 106 samples that met the inclusion criteria. Cough is the dominant respiratory symptom found in rice mill workers. The average FEV1 was 1.59 ± 0.64 liters and 74.34 ±24.21%, the average FVC was 2.04 ± 0.73 and 77.82 ± 38.73%, the median FEV1/FVC value was 76.59 (22.25) and the median FEF25-75 was 68.11 (58.50). Cough was found to be more common in female samples (p = 0.048). Wheezing was found more in samples that did not use PPE (p = 0.026). FEV1/FVC values were lower in active smokers 71.80 ± 16.33 (p = 0.043). FEV1(%), FEV1/FVC (%), and FEF25-75 were significantly lower in more than 20 years old workers with values respectively 64.06±24.42; 67.93±15.44; and 46.65 ± 31.73 (p = 0.00). The mean FEF25-75 was lower in samples <63.94 years old (p = 0.028). Airway obstruction was predominantly in workers for more than 20 years. Conclusion: There was no correlation between all respiratory symptoms including coughing, hemoptysis, shortness of breath, chest pain, sputum, purulent sputum, and wheezing based on age, smoking status, and length of work. There were no significant differences in spirometry results based on age, gender, smoking status, and use of PPE.