Pulmonary Function Status among Petrol Filling Workers in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2018

Abstract

Background: Petroleum has disastrous effects on human health, especially on the respiratory system due to its high accessibility and excellent absorption surface. Despite working at the petroleum station has serious health effects on respiratory system, in Ethiopia; there are no published data available to assess pulmonary function test among petrol filling workers.

Objective: To Assess Pulmonary Function Status of Petrol Filling Workers in Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia, 2018.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 132 study participants (66 petrol fill workers and 66 controls) were employed in the study. An interview administered pre?tested structured questionnaire (BMRC) was used to collect data. Lung function was measured using a digital portable spirometer. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant

Result: the study revealed that the there is significant reduction (p<0.05) in FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, FEF25-75% and PEFR was found in the study group (Petrol fill workers) as compared to the controls. The prevalence of abnormal lung function is 37.9 and 15.2 among petrol fill workers and controls respectively.

 Conclusion: This study concluded that petrol fill workers are at greater risk of pulmonary function impairment. Creating awareness about proper utilization and effect of petroleum exposure.