ASSESSMENT OF RESPIRATORY FUNCTION STATUS AMONG COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE DRIVERS IN SAWULA TOWN, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: Commercial motorcyclists face significant exposure to ambient air pollution as they transport passengers within and outside the city for commercial purposes. This prolonged exposure increases their risk of developing various health problems. Ambient air pollution is a major health concern, contributing to 4.2 million deaths worldwide in 2015. It is also linked to serious respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, highlighting its widespread impact on global health. Objective: To assess respiratory function status among commercial motorcycle drivers in Sawula Town, southern Ethiopia. Method and population: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 64 commercial motorcycle drivers and 64 age- and sex-matched controls. Anthropometric measurements were done, and pulmonary function was assessed using a Contec SP-10 Handheld Spirometer. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated using a structured questionnaire based on the British Medical Research Council guidelines. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests with Yates' continuity correction, odds ratios, independent sample t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were employed for analysis. Results were presented as Mean ± SD (standard deviation), with numerical values and percentages. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Data were presented using text, figures, and tables. Result: The study found that the prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm, wheeze, breathlessness, and chest tightness among commercial motorcyclists was 37.5%, 31.3%, 18.8%, 15.6%, and 17.2%, respectively. The prevalence among the control group was 15.6%, 12.5%, 7.8%, 6.3%, and 6.3%, respectively. The prevalence of cough (P = 0.009) and phlegm (P = 0.019) was significantly higher among commercial motorcyclists compared to the control group. There were statistically significant differences in the lung function test indices for actual (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, and FEF25-75%) and percentage predicted values (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEFR) between the commercial motorcyclists and control group (P<0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between work duration and both FVC (P = 0.001) and FEV1 (P = 0.003). However, the correlations between work duration and FEV1/FVC (P = 0.094), FEF25-75 (P = 0.582), and PEFR (P = 0.399) were not statistically significant. Conclusion and recommendations: Commercial motorcycle drivers were associated with increased respiratory symptoms and a decline in lung function tests. To address this, it's crucial to improve the accessibility and affordability of personal protective devices (PPDs) for these drivers, develop targeted educational programs, and establish routine health check-ups.