Assessment of respiratory symptoms and cardiopulmonary indices among petrol pump attendants in Enugu Metropolis

Abstract

Background: Air pollution is a major concern as an occupational health hazard among petrol attendants. There is scarce literature on the effects of these pollutants on the pulmonary system of petrol attendants in south eastern Nigeria, hence the need for this study. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the respiratory symptoms and cardiopulmonary indices of petrol attendants in Enugu Metropolis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study recruited 128 consenting apparently healthy participants (64 petrol and 64 non-petrol attendants) with mean age of 28 years. Their respiratory symptoms, pulmonary functions (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], ratio of FEV1/FVC%, peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR]), and some cardiovascular indices (heart rate [HR], systolic blood pressure [SBP], and diastolic blood pressure [DBP]) were assessed. St George Respiratory Questionnaire was used to obtain information on the participants’ respiratory symptoms. Data were analyzed with independent t test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: There was a significant reduction in FVC, FEV1, and PEFR in the petrol attendants compared to the control (P < 0.05). There was also a significant increase in SBP, DBP, and respiratory symptoms in the petrol attendants compared to their control counterparts (P < 0.05). Cough and chest trouble were the most commonly reported symptoms experienced by the petrol attendants. Conclusion: Petrol attendants are at increased risk of respiratory and pulmonary disorders because of the frequent exposure to petrol vapors and other chemical pollutants around their breathing zone.

Keywords

• cardiovascular indices
• petrol attendants
• pulmonary function
• respiratory symptoms