A Comparative Study of Pulmonary Function Parameters in Construction Workers and Normal Healthy Volunteers.

Abstract

Construction work is common all over the world. Construction workers are exposed to various physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards that may directly affect respiratory health. Aim of the study was to assess construction workers' pulmonary function and compare pulmonary function with healthy volunteers. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology ARMCH & RC, Solapur, India from March 2022 to March 2023 on construction workers (n=25) and healthy subjects (n=25). Pulmonary function assessment in both groups was done using a Spiro Excel machine spirometer. The comparison was made between both groups for frequency of respiratory symptoms, spirometry pattern, and spirometry values. Statistical software used unpaired t-test and chi-square test. A normal pattern was observed in 40.0% of healthy subjects compared to 72.0% of construction workers (p<0.05). Restrictive and mixed patterns were evident in 4.0% and 1.0%, respectively, in healthy volunteers compared to 11.0% and 3.0% in construction workers (p<0.05). Statistical difference was seen in all lung function parameters, i.e. FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC%, FEF 25.0-75.0%, PEFR except MVV between both groups. In conclusion the construction workers are at risk of respiratory function derangement. This derangement is in the form of increased frequency of respiratory symptoms, restrictive & mixed patterns and decreased spirometry values of various parameters.