Evaluating Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Sawmill Workers Exposed to Wood Dust in Enugu Metropolis: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a significant global health concern, yet there is still a dearth of region-specific data on cardiovascular risk factors connected to the workplace, especially among sawmill workers in low- and middle-income environments.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in sawmill workers in Enugu Metropolis.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study recruited 80 age and sex-matched respondents (40 sawmill workers exposed to wood dust and 40 administrative staff used as controls). Anthropometric and hemodynamic indices were measured according to WHO-standardized protocols. Five millilitres of venous blood were drawn per participant for biochemical analysis, which was analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Correlation and multivariate regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the duration of wood dust exposure and cardiometabolic parameters. Lifestyle and sociodemographic variables were accounted for using four models.

Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, multivariate analysis confirmed a negative correlation between exposure duration and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Years of wood dust exposure were positively correlated with blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and total cholesterol among the exposed respondents. In addition, exposed respondents exhibited elevated blood pressure compared with the unexposed. Only 31.7% of workers exposed to hazards consistently utilized personal protective equipment.

Conclusion: Prolonged wood dust exposure among sawmill workers in Enugu City is strongly associated with adverse cardiovascular risk markers. Regular health screenings, comprehensive health education and awareness programs, and consistent use of personal protective equipment are recommended.