British Medical Research Council Questionnaire Research Articles

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function impairment among textile industry workers in Alexandria, Egypt.

Occupational exposure to cotton dust is still an important cause of respiratory problems in textile workers particularly in less developed countries like Egypt. Evaluate respiratory symptoms and diseases, and pulmonary function pattern among Egyptian textile workers. Cross sectional comparative study was conducted from December 2019 to September 2020 in a textile factory in Egypt; 364 male workers (184 cotton dust exposed workers, and 180 unexposed workers) were included. Participants were subjected to an interviewing questionnaire, British Medical Research Council questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function tests, and byssinosis grading format. Descriptive and analytic statistics were conducted. Chronic cough, phlegm production, and shortness of breath grade I, II and III were more reported in cotton dust exposed workers than unexposed workers (P#x003C;0.01, P#x003C;0.01, and P=0.02, respectively). Prevalence of chronic bronchitis was significantly higher among cotton dust exposed workers (12%) than unexposed workers (3.9%) (P#x003C;0.01). The mean percent predicted values of lung function indices reflecting large-1irway function (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEFR, and FEF75) were significantly lower in cotton dust exposed workers (P#x003C;0.01). Prevalence of byssinosis was 22.8%. Workers with byssinosis had significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, cross-shift reduction in PEFR and significant decrease in mean percent predicted values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF75, and FEF50 than workers without byssinosis. This study revealed a substantial association between cotton dust exposure at work and respiratory symptoms and morbidity. Regular measurement of cross shift change in PEFR is recommended among exposed workers for early diagnosis of byssinosis.

Prevalence and risk factors of chronic respiratory symptoms in public and private school teachers in north-western Ethiopia: results from a multicentre cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of chronic respiratory symptoms among school teachers in Gondar city, north-western Ethiopia.DesignA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to...

Better response to Tanreqing injection in frequent acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients-Real-world evidence from a nationwide registry (ACURE) study.

Objective: Our aim was to systematically investigate the efficacy of Tanreqing (TRQ) injection on in-hospital outcomes among inpatients with frequent or infrequent AECOPD. Methods: In this ongoing, nationwide multicenter registry designed to investigate clinical characteristics, management, and prognoses of Chinese patients admitted for AECOPD in real-world settings, we collected characteristics, comorbidities, in-hospital prognoses, and information on the COPD assessment test (CAT) questionnaire, PEACE questionnaire, and modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire from each enrolled patient. Frequent AECOPD was determined as being admitted to the hospital ≥1 time or visiting the emergency room (ER) ≥ 2 times due to AECOPD within a year. A propensity match method and univariable and multivariable regression models were performed to analyze the efficacy of TRQ on clinical outcomes for inpatients with frequent AECOPD. Results: A total of 4135 inpatients were involved in the analysis, including 868 administered with TRQ and 3267 not administered with TRQ. After propensity score match, among those administered with TRQ, 493 had frequent AECOPD and 358 had infrequent AECOPD. A significant reduction of CAT score at discharge (TRQ median 12, IQR 8.0-16.0; non-TRQ median 13, IQR 9.0-18.0, p = 0.0297), a lower rate of ICU admission (TRQ 0.8% vs. non-TRQ 2.6%, p = 0.0191), and a shorter length of stay (LOS) (TRQ median 11, IQR 9.0-14.0; non-TRQ median 11, IQR 8.0-14.0, p = 0.004) were observed in the TRQ group, compared with the non-TRQ group among frequent AECOPD patients. In the subgroup analysis, for those with a PEACE score >7 on admission, TRQ contributed to a significantly lower CAT score at discharge (p = 0.0084) and a numerically lower ICU admission rate with a marginal statistical significance. Among those with phlegm-heat symptom complex on admission ≥2, a lower CAT score at discharge and a lower ICU admission were also observed in the TRQ group. Conclusion: TRQ injection had better efficacy in patients with frequent AECOPD in reducing ICU admission and alleviating respiratory symptoms, especially for those with higher severity on admission or more phlegm-heat symptoms.

Comparison of physiological responses after incremental shuttle walking test and 6-minute walk test in patients with systemic sclerosis.

The 6‑minute walk test (6MWT) is acommonly used to evaluate exercise capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), but there was no study using the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) for assessing exercise capacity and comparing the patient's cardiorespiratory responses to these tests. The aim was to investigate the usability and determinants of the ISWT in patients with SSc and compare the physiological responses after the ISWT and 6MWT. A total of thirty four female patients with SSc were included. Dyspnea during daily activities and knee extensor muscle strength was assessed, skin fibrosis and disease severity were recorded, and 6MWT and ISWT were carried out for the exercise capacity measurement. Pulmonary function test results were recorded from the individuals' medical records for SSc with interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) patients. The ISWT distance was significantly correlated with the 6MWT distance (p < 0.001). The 6MWT was correlated with age, modified Rodnan skin score, Medsger severity score, modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire (mMRC) score, and knee extensor muscle strength (p < 0.05). The 6MWT was correlated with the forced expiratory volume in thefirstsecond (FEV1) (lt) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (lt) in patients with SSc-ILD (p < 0.05). The ISWT distance was correlated with age, modified Rodnan skin score, mMRC score, and knee extensor muscle strength (p < 0.05). Age, mMRC, and knee extensor muscle strength explained 33.8% of the variance in 6MWT distance, while age, mMRC, and knee extensor muscle strength explained 51.7% of the variance in the ISWT distance. Because of the higher cardiopulmonary responses, and having amore standardized procedure, the ISWT may be preferable for investigating symptom-limited exercise capacity in patients with SSc. Age, dyspnea, and knee extensor muscle strength were the determinants of exercise capacity in patients with SSc.

A study on the safety profile and clinical outcomes in patients using tulobuterol transdermal patch as an add on therapy in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Tulobuterol Transdermal Drug Delivery (TTD) may be beneficial in COPD management. We aimed to study the effect of adding TTD to Triple Inhalation therapy (TI). Participants on TTD and TI (TTD-TI cohort) and, TI only (TI cohort) were identified at the out-patient pharmacy counter. There was no loss to follow-up from 35 participants each enrolled in the cohorts. They were assessed with Modified British Medical Research Council questionnaire (modified Medical Research Council), COPD Control Questionnaire (CCQ) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The latter two were repeated at the end of six months. The change in score were compared with Mann-Whitney-U test. Mean age of participants in years was 63.4 and 65.7; 31% and 20% were females and rest were males in TTD-TI and TI cohorts respectively. All of them had modified Medical Research Council grade 2 or above. CCQ and CAT scores were comparable at baseline. Change in both CCQ and CAT scores were statistically significant between the cohorts (p&amp;#60;0.001). Median (minimum, maximum) change in CCQ score were -0.6(-2.8, 0) in TTD-TI cohort and 0.3(-2 to 1.2) in TI cohort. Median (minimum, maximum) change in CAT score were -4(-16, -2) in TTD-TI cohort and 2(-7 to 7) in TI cohort. All of the participants in TTD-TI cohort and, 5(14.3%) and 7(20%) participants improved in TI cohort by CCQ and CAT score respectively. There would be a subjective improvement with addition of tulobuterol transdermal patch on to triple inhalation therapy for older persons with COPD.

Characteristics and Determinants of the Presence of Respiratory Symptoms among Sewage Workers in Malaysia.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships of PM 2.5 and H2S exposure with the presence of work-related respiratory symptoms among sewage workers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in eleven sewage plants located in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia. One hundred ninety-one sewage workers were assessed using the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire. Area air sampling was performed in three different sewage plants to measure the following parameters: physical air quality and concentration of PM 2.5 and H2S. Result Chronic cough (34.0%) was reported as the most common symptom, followed by chronic phlegm (26.2%), shortness of breath (7.9%), and chest tightness (3.7%). There were five significant determinants of the presence of respiratory symptoms among the sewage workers: shift work (AOR 23.50, 95% CI: 1.90–616.52), working at a sludge treatment facility (STF) (AOR 25.46, 95% CI: 2.06–314.29), a longer duration of working years (AOR 1,21, 95% CI: 1.01–1.44), individual cumulative exposure to PM 2.5 (AOR 9.01, 95% CI: 1.98–83.33), and individual cumulative exposure to H2S (AOR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07). The majority of STF and non-STF workers had higher exposure to PM 2.5 and H2S concentrations in the air than office workers. Conclusion Sewage workers working at non-STFs or STFs reported a significantly higher prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms and exposure to PM 2.5 and H2S compared with office workers. Exposure-response relationships were also found in sewage workers' cumulative exposure to PM 2.5 and H2S and the presence of respiratory symptoms.

Pharyngeal reconstruction for severe pharyngeal stenosis in Behçet's disease: a retrospective case series.

Pharyngeal scarring stenosis is a rare yet very severe complication in Behçet's disease (BD). Previously, such patients had to undergo tracheostomy for life, which seriously affected the patient's speech and swallowing function. We aim to present the effect of pharyngeal reconstructive surgeries using flaps for severe pharyngeal stenosis in BD. The medical history, the surgical procedures of reconstruction and the clinical outcomes of BD cases with pharyngeal stenosis were analysed. British Medical Research Council questionnaire (MRC), Chinese version of the Swallowing Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SWQOL), the dysphagia score (DS) and the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) based on videofluoroscopic swallowing study were used. Six BD cases with pharyngeal stenosis underwent reconstructive operations. Submental island flaps and forearm free flaps were used in reconstructive procedures in three female and three male patients, respectively. All patients successfully removed the tracheotomy cannula and nasal feeding tube after reconstruction. Dyspnoea was significantly relived as MRC scores decreased from 3 (3-4) to 1 (1-2) (p=0.020, Z=-2.333). SWQOL scores were remarkably improved from 782.5 (657.0-854.0) to 826.5 (768.0-864.0) (p=0.027, Z=-2.207). There was non-significant decrease in DS (from 2.5 to 1.5, p=0.066, Z=-1.841) and increase in PAS (from 1 to 1.5, p=0.317, Z=-1.000). Reconstructive surgery using flaps is an effective and safe approach to rebuild pharyngeal cavity in BD patients with severe pharyngeal stenosis, which can improve the quality of life of these patients.

Confirmatory Evaluation of the Modified Medical Research Council Questionnaire for Assessment of Dyspnea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Portugal.

The Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire is considered an adequate and simple measure of breathlessness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is widely used in clinical practice in Portugal, but it still lacks confirmatory evaluation for the Portuguese setting. The aim of this study was to perform a cultural adaptation and validation of the Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire so that its most suitable version can be made available to researchers and clinicians in Portugal. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study involving patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseaged 40 years or older. We applied the Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire and the previously validated Portuguese-language version of the clinical questionnaire for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease between January and June 2019.We determined the agreement between the two questionnaires with kappa agreement, with a 95% confidence interval, and we used Spearman correlation to find a correlation between two scores. The study included 65 patients managed in a hospital pulmonology clinic (aged 68 ± 7 years; with predicted FEV1 of 49.86%± 16.5%). The Modified British Medical Research Council scale correlated significantly with all the domains and the overall score of the clinical questionnaire for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0.46 < r < 0.68; p < 0.001). In bilingual patients, interclass correlation coefficient was 0.912 (p < 0.001). Our study showed that the Portuguese-language version of the Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire is feasible and externally valid when compared with a traditional and previously validated instrument. The Portuguese version of the Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire is a valid instrument for measurement of breathlessness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Effect of new reflexology maneuver on lung function and functional ability of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in pulmonary rehabilitation program: A randomized control trial

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disease that requires multidisciplinary interventions provided by a team work of care providers working closely. Pulmonary rehabilitation should be considered a part of integrated patient management. Aim. The main goal of this study was to search for the effectiveness of introducing new reflexology maneuver as main component in pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP). Material and Methods. Randomized control trial was done on 35 COPD patients of both genders their ages ranged from 50-70 with different degrees of functional severity. Patients were grouped into two groups; Reflexology Group (20 patients) including patients underwent classic PRP with addition of the new reflexology maneuver&amp; control group(15 patients) who underwent classic PRP without reflexology maneuver.Outcomes were mentioned as refinement of pulmonary function,exercise tolerance and capacity measured by 6-min walk test,dyspnea score measured by the Modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) Questionnaire, health status assigned by Combined Assessment test (CAT) score and parameters of blood gases. Results. Comparison between different variables in both groups before PRP and reflexology revealed statistically significant differences as regards the mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC) only, although the same comparison after full course of PRP and reflexology assigned statistically significant differences as regards the mean values of partial pressure of O2 (PO2), partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2), oxygen saturation (SaO2),forced expiratory volume in 1sec (FEV1), dyspnea &amp;CAT score considering (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion. With addition of reflexology to PRP the comprehensive PR program outcomes in COPD patients resulted in significant improvement in dyspnea, blood gases, FEV1 and CAT score.

Clinical trial on the effects of oral magnesium supplementation in stable-phase COPD patients

Background and aimsCOPD is a common chronic condition in older age that impacts on daily activities and quality of life. Previous studies suggest that magnesium deficit in COPD patients affects bronco-obstruction, inflammation, and physical performance. We investigated whether oral magnesium supplementation in stable-phase COPD patients improves lung function, physical performance, and quality of life.MethodsWe conducted a double-blind randomized-controlled clinical study with 49 participants divided into two groups: one given 300 mg/day of magnesium citrate (n = 25) and the other one sachet/day of a placebo (n = 24). The following parameters were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months: lung function (spirometry), physical performance (handgrip strength, lower limb strength, six-minute walk test), inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein, CRP), disease-related symptoms, and quality of life (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, EuroQoL-5D, the Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire).ResultsLinear mixed models revealed significantly lower CRP values in the intervention group than in the placebo group at the 6 month follow-up (β = − 3.2, 95% CI − 6.0, − 0.4, p = 0.03). Moreover, the maximum work for flexion tended to increase in both groups between the 3 and the 6 month assessments, especially in the placebo group. No significant differences within and between groups over the study period were observed for the other parameters tested.ConclusionsAlthough the established minimum sample size was not reached, our results suggests that oral magnesium supplementation may have a potential anti-inflammatory role. On the other hand, it does not seem to substantially influence lung function, physical performance, and quality of life in COPD patients.Trial registrationThe study is registered in clinicaltrial.gov (Trial Registration: NCT02680769, 13 June 2016, retrospectively registered).

PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION STATUS OF RESTAURANT WORKERS

The cooking process may emit toxic compounds and airway irritants from both the fuel combustion and cooking fumes which is harmful to the respiratory health among the restaurant workers. A cross-sectional study of 243 restaurant workers from the selected restaurants in Sungai Long, Malaysia was conducted. The standardized British Medical Research Council questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms (1986) was used during the interview to access the symptoms and the spirometry test was performed to evaluate the pulmonary functions of the participants. The data of socio-demography and occupational characteristics were also collected. The most complaint respiratory symptoms by the restaurant workers were breathlessness, which accounted for 33.7%, followed by wheezing (14%). The mean values of all pulmonary function tests (PFT) of the restaurant workers were within the normal range (&gt;80%), except for the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) (79.09%). The results of the bivariate statistical analysis, Chi-square, ANOVA and t-test, showed the determining factors of the respiratory health among the workers were workers’ age and gender in addition to the working duration and the ethnicity. The restaurant workers in Sungai Long were at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and lower pulmonary function values due to prolonged exposure to cooking fumes. Emphasis should be given to the safety and health of restaurant workers and health education should be provided to the restaurant workers and owners. Strategies to increase notification of such occurrences among these workers should be looked into by related agencies in the country.

RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT AMONG TEXTILE INDUSTRY WORKERS IN ALEXANDRIA GOVERNORATE

Introduction: Cotton dust inhalation is responsible for the major respiratory symptoms and disease among textile workers. In spite of the seriousness of exposure to cotton dust, little concern has been given to the problem in Egypt and other developing countries.Aim of the work: Assessment of the respiratory health status of textile industry workers.Subjects: All male textile workers exposed to cotton dust in a textile factory located in Alexandria Governorate(n=184). A comparison population consisted of 180 workers not exposed to cotton dust or any other hazards that might affect the respiratory system were selected from same factory. Methods: A cross sectional comparative design was adopted for this research. All workers were subjected to a self-structured interviewing questionnaire to obtain personal and occupational history, British Medical Research Council questionnaire (BMRC) on respiratory symptoms and smoking habit, byssinosis diagnosis questionnaire based on schilling criteria and pulmonary function measurement. Results: The prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm production and chronic bronchitis were significantly higher among exposed workers the mean values of lung function indices reflecting large airways function as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were significantly lower in exposed workers compared to unexposed workers.Conclusions: Occupational exposure to cotton dust was associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and obstructive pattern in pulmonary function test.

Dust exposure and byssinosis among cotton textile workers in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Background: Cotton dust exposure increases the risk of developing lung diseases including Byssinosis. The prevalence of byssinosis is more in developing countries compare to developed countries. For the past forty years there are little information known about the prevalence of byssinosis and its associated risk factors among textile workers in Tanzania. Objective: The study aimed to assess dust exposure and associated risk factors among textile workers, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Material and methods: The study design was descriptive cross sectional study conducted from March to August 2019. Stratified sampling technique was used to obtain 325 participants (exposed 164 and control 161) respectively. A modified British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire and Side Kick Casella Pump were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software 23 versions. Chi square test and Binary logistic regression were performed to check for association. A 95% confidence Interval with a significance expressed in P˂0.05 was used. Results: Prevalence of byssinosis in the exposed group was 18.9% and 6.2% in the control group. Respiratory symptoms such as Coughing more days in three consecutive months (P˂0.001), wheezing (P˂0.02), dyspnoea I (P˂0.03), dyspnoea II (P˂0.007), and dyspnoea III (P˂0.002), were higher among exposed group compare to control group and the differences were statistically significant. The department of weaving had higher dust level of arithmetic mean of 2.20 mg/m3 (SD =0.32). Working experience (P˂0.02), previously respiratory symptoms (P˂0.001), were significant risk factors for byssinosis. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows that workers who are exposed cotton dust have higher prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory symptoms. Awareness of the byssinosis disease, and necessary preventive measure need to be highlighted among stakeholders.

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation programs including lower limb endurance training on dyspnea in stable COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended as an effective treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previous meta-analyses showed that PR improves exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, they did not evaluate the effect of PR on the sensation of dyspnea. We searched six databases in May 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined PR, including supervised lower limb endurance training as a minimal essential component that was continued for 4-12 weeks, in patients with stable COPD, with changes from baseline dyspnea as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were changes in exercise capacity, HRQOL, activity of daily life (ADL), physical activity (PA), and adverse events. We calculated the pooled weighted mean difference (MD) using a random effects model. We identified 42 studies with 2150 participants. Compared with the control, PR improved dyspnea, as shown using the British Medical Research Council (MRC) questionnaire (MD, -0.64; 95% CI, -0.99 to -0.30; p=0.0003), transitional dyspnea index (MD, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.81; p=0.0001), modified Borg score during exercise (MD, -0.62; 95% CI, -1.10 to -0.14; p=0.01), and Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) dyspnea score (MD, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.44; p=0.0007). PR significantly increased exercise capacity measured by the 6min walking distance time, peak workload, and peak VO2. It improved HRQOL measured by the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and CRQ, but not on PA or ADL. These results indicated that PR programs including lower limb endurance training improve dyspnea, HRQOL, and exercise capacity in patients with stable COPD.

Respiratory symptoms and associated factors among motorcycle taxi driver in Ubungo municipality, Dar Es salaam, Tanzania

Background: Motorcycle taxis have arisen as a key feature of rural and urban transport services. It is among occupation in which workers are highly exposed to ambient air pollutants and probably make them to be susceptible in developing respiratory diseases. Objective: To determine prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the associated factors among motorcycle taxi drivers in Ubungo municipality. Materials and methods: The study design was descriptive cross sectional study conducted from March to July 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to obtain sample of 200 motorcycle taxi drivers and 100 office attendants. A modified British medical research council questionnaire and personal sampling pump (SKC Sidekick pump) were used for data collection. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science software22versions. Results: Motorcycle taxi drivers had personal exposure to geometric mean dust concentration 1.60 mg/m3 (SD=2.12) while office attendants had 0.071 mg/m3 (SD=1.26) for eight hours, which was less than TLV according to the ACGIH. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms were reported to be higher among motorcycle taxi drivers compared to office attendants for all symptoms and the differences were statistically significant at P-value &lt;0.001, where morning cough (55.5% vs. 27%); cough last for three months yearly (26% vs 2%); phlegm (53.2% vs 15%), phlegm last for three months yearly (23% vs.0%) wheezing (29% vs 2%) and shortness of breath (47.7% vs. 16%). Work duration was the factor significantly associated with cough, cough last for three months, phlegm and shortness of breath among motorcycle taxi drivers. Conclusion: Prevalence of the respiratory health symptoms was higher among motorcycle taxi drivers than the control. Working as motorcycle taxi driver for four years and above is a risk factorfor developing respiratory health problems.

Occupational risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms among tannery workers in Mojo town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2018: a comparative cross-sectional study

IntroductionWork-related respiratory diseases (WRDs) account for 10–20% of all chronic respiratory illnesses affecting hundreds of millions of people of all ages. Tannery industries are often associated with hazardous working conditions favourable for respiratory conditions. However, information about the prevalence and occupational factors that predispose to respiratory symptoms is meagre in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude and risk factors associated with work-related respiratory symptoms among tannery industry workers in Mojo town, Ethiopia.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2018. A total of 602 (299 exposed to tannery factories) and 303 unexposed (civil servants) were included using the stratified sampling method. The British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire was pretested and interviewer-administered for data collection. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with respiratory symptoms. The significance of associations was ascertained at a < 0.05 p and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI was computed to evaluate the strength of associations.ResultsThe prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exposed workers was 27.1% [95% CI (21.7, 32.1)] and 8.3% [95% CI (5.3, 11.6)] among unexposed workers in the previous 12 months and the prevalence was significantly different (X2 = 36.82; p < 0. 00001). The odds of developing respiratory symptoms was 3.37 times higher among tannery workers than unexposed workers [AOR: 3.37; 95% CI (1.71, 6.46)]. Female sex [AOR:1.80; 95% CI (1.24, 3.34)], temporarily workers [AOR = 3.43; 95% CI (2.63, 7.95)], working in a poorly ventilated working unit [AOR = 1.88; 95% CI (1.22, 3.98)], absence of occupational health and safety training [AOR = 2.37; 95% CI (1.14, 4.92)], and not using personal protective equipment [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI (1.25, 3.46)] were significant factors.ConclusionThe prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among exposed workers compared to unexposed ones. Sex, employment status, ventilation of working units, absence of occupational health and safety training, and not using personal protective equipment were the factors associated with occupational-related respiratory symptoms. Strategies targeting health and safety training, creating awareness on the use of personal protective equipment, and improving workplace conditions, like the provision of adequate ventilation are useful means for assuaging the condition.

Occupational risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms among tannery workers in Mojo town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2018: a comparative cross-sectional study

Introduction: Work-related respiratory diseases (WRDs) account for 10–20% of all chronic respiratory illnesses affecting hundreds of millions of people of all ages. Tannery industries are often associated with hazardous working conditions favourable for respiratory conditions. However, information about the prevalence and occupational factors that predispose to respiratory symptoms is meagre in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude and risk factors associated with work-related respiratory symptoms among tannery industry workers in Mojo town, Ethiopia. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2018. A total of 602 (299 exposed to tannery factories) and 303 unexposed (civil servants) were included using the stratified sampling method. The British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire was pretested and interviewer-administered for data collection. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with respiratory symptoms. The significance of associations was ascertained at a &lt; 0.05 p and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI was computed to evaluate the strength of associations. Results: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exposed workers was 27.1% [95% CI (21.7, 32.1)] and 8.3% [95% CI (5.3, 11.6)] among unexposed workers in the previous 12 months and the prevalence was significantly different (X2 = 36.82; p &lt; 0. 00001). The odds of developing respiratory symptoms was 3.37 times higher among tannery workers than unexposed workers [AOR: 3.37; 95% CI (1.71, 6.46)]. Female sex [AOR:1.80; 95% CI (1.24, 3.34)], temporarily workers [AOR = 3.43; 95% CI (2.63, 7.95)], working in a poorly ventilated working unit [AOR = 1.88; 95% CI (1.22, 3.98)], absence of occupational health and safety training [AOR = 2.37; 95% CI (1.14, 4.92)], and not using personal protective equipment [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI (1.25, 3.46)] were significant factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among exposed workers compared to unexposed ones. Sex, employment status, ventilation of working units, absence of occupational health and safety training, and not using personal protective equipment were the factors associated with occupational-related respiratory symptoms. Strategies targeting health and safety training, creating awareness on the use of personal protective equipment, and improving workplace conditions, like the provision of adequate ventilation are useful means for assuaging the condition.

Prevalence and factors associated with respiratory symptoms among civil construction workers: an occupational health surveillance proposal.

The civil construction industry is associated with the some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates in Brazil. Despite their epidemiological relevance, occupational health surveillance actions within the primary care setting still exhibit weaknesses. To analyze the prevalence of and factors associated with respiratory symptoms among civil construction workers in Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Cross-sectional analytic study conducted with 545 civil construction workers to analyze occupational health surveillance actions. Presence of respiratory symptoms was investigated by means of the British Medical Research Council questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. The Mantel-Haenszel χ 2 test was used for bivariate analysis and Poisson regression for multivariate analysis. The significance level was set to 5%. Most participants were young adults and almost half exhibited respiratory symptoms. The odds to develop cough were higher for the participants exposed to chemicals (PR=1.70; 95%CI 1.22-2.37). The odds to develop wheezing were higher for the participants who had not undergone pre-employment spirometry (PR=1.57; 95%CI 1.17-2.10). Biological monitoring of civil construction workers might be useful to improve occupational health surveillance actions within the primary care setting.

Validation of the brief international classification of functioning, disability, and health core set for obstructive pulmonary disease in the Chinese context.

In order to determine the validity of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health brief Core Set for Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (ICF-OPD) for the assessment of functioning and environmental factors in Chinese chronic OPD (COPD) patients, we conducted a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 100 COPD patients. Data were collected using common questionnaires for COPD patients (Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire, COPD Assessment Test, St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)), the Brief ICF Core Set for OPD, and the comprehensive ICF checklist. All except one category of the Brief ICF-OPD Core Set were confirmed in our evaluation of its content validity, but there is a high prevalence of problems in 8 categories that were not considered in the Brief ICF-OPD Core Set. The functioning-related components of the Brief ICF-OPD Core Set largely performed similarly to SGRQ in terms of differentiating between patients with different disease severity. Moreover, high correlations between the Brief ICF-OPD Core Set overall score and component scores with the respective SGRQ scales and moderate correlations between ICF-OPD Core Set overall score and component scores and lung function parameters. This study largely confirmed content, known group, and convergent validity of the ICF-OPD.

Enhancing our understanding of the time course of acute exacerbations of COPD managed on an outpatient basis.

PurposeAcute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are associated with pulmonary/systemic changes; however, quantification of those changes during AECOPD managed on an outpatient basis and factors influencing recovery are lacking. This study aimed to characterize patients’ changes during AECOPD and identify factors influencing their recovery.MethodsBody mass index, the modified British Medical Research Council questionnaire, number of exacerbations in the previous year, and the Charlson comorbidity index (independent variables) were collected within 24–48 hours of hospital presentation (T0). Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), forced expiratory volume in one second, percentage predicted (FEV1% predicted), maximum inspiratory pressure, quadriceps muscle strength, 5 times sit-to-stand, and COPD assessment test (CAT) (dependent variables) were collected at T0 and approximately at days 8 (T1), 15 (T2), and 45 (T3) after T0.ResultsA total of 44 outpatients with AECOPD (31♂; 68.2±9.1 years; 51.1±20.3 FEV1% predicted) were enrolled. All variables improved overtime (P<0.05); however, at day 8, only SpO2 and CAT (P≤0.001) showed significant improvements. Changes in FEV1% predicted and SpO2 were not influenced by any independent measure, while changes in other outcome measures were influenced by at least one of the independent measures. Independently of the time of data collection, being underweight or overweight and having increased dyspnea, previous exacerbations, and severe comorbidities negatively affected patients’ outcomes.ConclusionFEV1% predicted and SpO2 were not influenced by any independent measure and, thus, seem to be robust measures to follow-up outpatients with AECOPD. No single indicator was able to predict patients’ recovery for all measures; thus, a comprehensive assessment at the onset of the AECOPD is required to personalize interventions.