Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among sisal processors in Tanzania.
Loading...
Date
2008-08-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Archives of environmental & occupational health
Abstract
Respiratory health among sisal workers has been an unresolved issue of concern for many years.
The authors performed a 1-week follow-up questionnaire study on acute respiratory symptoms and
cross-shift peak expiratory flows among 163 sisal brushing and decortication workers (exposed
participants) and 31 security workers (control participants) from 6 sisal estates in Tanzania. The
authors used the Optimal Symptom Score Questionnaire on Acute Respiratory Symptoms and the
standardized American Thoracic Society and British Medical Research Council respiratory
questionnaires. Decortication and brushing workers had a higher prevalence and higher severity
scores of acute symptoms throughout the week than did control participants. Shortness of breath
among brushing workers decreased (p < .01) from 39% on Monday to 20% on Friday. Brushing
workers also had significantly higher prevalence of chronic sputum (30%) and chest tightness
(48%) and the lowest preshift and postshift PEF values. The authors recommend preventive
measures and further research.
Description
Keywords
Peak expiratory flow, Respiratory symptoms, Sisal
Citation
Kayumba, A.V., Bråtveit, M., Mashalla, Y.J., Baste, V. and Moen, B.E., 2008. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among sisal processors in Tanzania. Archives of environmental & occupational health, 63(2), pp.76-86.