Respiratory symptoms and peak expiratory flow among sawmill workers in south western Nigeria

J Environ Occup Health. 2014; 3(3): 141-146

doi: 10.5455/jeos.20140205093223

Oluwatosin Adediran Adeoye, Adeleye Abiodun Adeomi, Adenike I Olugbenga-Bello, James O Bamidele, Olugbemiga L Abodunrin, Olukemi A Sabageh.

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Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the respiratory symptoms and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) of sawmill workers. Methods: The comparative cross–sectional analytical study was carried out among 50 randomly selected sawmill workers in Osun State from March to May 2013. Age and sex matched controls consisting of 50 local government workers were also used. The respondents all had their Peak Expiratory Flow measured and also underwent Modified British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16 and level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The most prevalent respiratory symptoms among the study group were cough (60%) and sneezing (54%). The prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as cough (60%), phlegm production (46%), and sneezing (54%) were significantly higher among sawmill workers than the control (p-value Key words: Respiratory symptoms, Peak Expiratory Flow, Sawmill workers, Wood dust