RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND LUNG FUNCTION AMONG ONLINE MOTORCYCLE TAXI DRIVERS

Abstract

SESSION TITLE: Population-Wide Lung Health: Exposures and Risks SESSION TYPE: Original Investigations PRESENTED ON: 10/23/2019 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM PURPOSE: Online motorcycle taxi drivers have been heavily exposed to high concentration of hazardous air pollutants. It will cause harmful effects especially on the respiratory system. This study aimed to describe the respiratory symptoms and lung function among online motorcycle taxi drivers and risk factors that influence them. METHODS: A survey research design of 99 online motorcycle taxi drivers in Bekasi City was done. Lung function was measured using spirometer and predicted volume value from Pneumobile Project Indonesia. Risk factors and respiratory symptoms were collected using questionnaire. RESULTS: This study showed that 10,1% of subjects had restrictive lung function impairment and 5,1% had obstructive lung function impairment. Age had significant association with restrictive disorders (p= 0,006). The mean predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) was 3451 ml and the mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 2959 ml. There was a significant relationship between sex (p=0,001) and age (p=0,001) with the mean percent predicted forced vital capacity (%FVC). Age had significant association with the mean of percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (%FEV1) (p=0,039). However there were no significant relationship founded between sex, body mass index, safety equipment, history of smoking, duration of work, asthma history and previous tuberculosis disease with obstructive and restrictive lung function impairment. A proportion of respiratory symptoms among online motorcycle taxi drivers were cough (17,2%) and shortness of breath (6,1%). There were no significant relationship founded between respiratory symptoms and lung function result. CONCLUSIONS: This survey showed online motorcycle taxi drivers have respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment, however the causal relationship with the workplace environment is still unclear. Therefore, it will need further study to explore this findings. Moreover, education to the online motorcycle taxi drivers about the importance of using personal protective equipment will help them to protect respiratory systems from harmful gases. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: We report for the first time survey of online motorcycle taxi drivers in Indonesia which showed respiratory and impairment of lung function. Causal relationship with the workplace environment will be better explore with cohort study. Therefore, mask as personal protective equipment should be used in daily basis to protect them from air pollutants. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Triya Damayanti, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Jaka Pradipta, source=Web Response no disclosure on file for Agus Susanto