Respiratory Symptoms and lung function of poultry workers in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Poultry farming is a major sector of the Nigerian agriculture industry and work-related exposure to poultry dust can cause respiratory illnesses. Objectives: To determine the association between exposure to poultry dust and respiratory health of poultry workers in Benin City. Hypothesis: Poultry dust exposure will be associated with poor respiratory health status. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was done. Respiratory symptoms and lung function of poultry workers were compared with their matched controls. Spirometry was done according to ATS/ERS standards. Results: A total of 174 workers (57.5% female) were sampled along with 174 matched hospital administrative workers. The mean age (SD) of workers was 36.4 (12.9) years with a mean work duration of 4.6 (6.1) years. 95.4% of workers were never smokers. Prevalent symptoms were nasal discharge (32.2%), cough (24.1%), chest discomfort (23.0%), sputum production (19.5%) and breathlessness (17.2%). About half (58.6%) of workers had at least one respiratory symptom and were more likely to have symptoms compared to controls (OR 5.43; 95% CI 3.377 – 8.732). The mean FEV1 (2.34 ± 0.65 versus 2.78 ± 0.69 L), FVC (2.87 ± 0.83 versus 3.29 ± 0.87 L) and FEF25-75 (2.55 ± 1.12 versus 3.35 ± 0.85 L/s) were significantly lower in poultry workers compared to controls. There was a restrictive pattern in 39.1% and an obstructive pattern in 11.5% of workers. Only 24.1% of poultry workers had ever used face masks. Conclusion: Poultry dust exposure is associated with higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lower lung function parameters. It is recommended that occupational health legislation be implemented in the Nigerian poultry industry.