C., F., A., M., A., K., M., M., F., A. (2009). CARDIO-RESPIRATORY DISORDERS AMONG SEWAGE WORKERS. Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 33(2), 197-209. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2009.679
Fahmy C.; Mansour A.; Kamel A.; Moselhi M.; Abbas F.. "CARDIO-RESPIRATORY DISORDERS AMONG SEWAGE WORKERS". Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 33, 2, 2009, 197-209. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2009.679
C., F., A., M., A., K., M., M., F., A. (2009). 'CARDIO-RESPIRATORY DISORDERS AMONG SEWAGE WORKERS', Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 33(2), pp. 197-209. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2009.679
C., F., A., M., A., K., M., M., F., A. CARDIO-RESPIRATORY DISORDERS AMONG SEWAGE WORKERS. Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 2009; 33(2): 197-209. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2009.679
1Department of Occupational Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandia Univiversity
2Department of Occupational Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandia Univiversity.
Abstract
Objective: The present study was designed to investigate cardio-respiratory disorders among sewage workers in Alexandria in order to suggest the suitable preventive measures for this sector. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 67 male sewage workers and a control group of 60 non-exposed matched persons. All participants of the study were subjected to an interview using a pre-designed questionnaire and clinical general and systemic examinations as well as specific investigations including resting ECG, pulmonary function testing, plain chest X-ray and measurement of the level of sulf-hemoglobin. Results: This study showed high smoking rate among sewage workers in comparison to controls (p=0.010). The resting ECG changes reported among the exposed workers in the present study were mainly left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and ischemic changes (p=0.027). Sulf-hemoglobin level was an independent determinant factor in multiple logistic regression models with LVH and ischemic changes as the dependent variables (p= 0.050 and 0.000 respectively). Significant reductions in percent predicted FVC and FEV1 among the exposed group versus controls (p=0.000 and 0.001 respectively), suggesting a restrictive pattern of impairment, were observed. Respiratory manifestations were the independent determinant for FVC and FEV1 in multiple regression analyses (p= 0.031 & 0.05 respectively). Conclusion: Cardio-respiratory disorders among sewage workers should be considered in health surveillance of this sector with emphasis on antismoking measures.