COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LONG TERM OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE ON PULMONARY FUNCTION AMONG NON SMOKING FEMALE SWEEPERS AND HOUSEHOLD WORKERS: A CROSS -SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: This research explore the impact of occupational exposure on Respiratory function and pulmonary health among non- smoking female domestic workers and street sweepers. Methods: This cross-sectional investigation involved 100 non-smoking women between 29 and 60 years of age who had been employed in their respective occupations for 10 -12 years. The participants were allocated into two equal groups consisting of 50 street sweepers and 50 household workers. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), while pulmonary function was evaluated by measuring Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and comparing spirometric parameters with predicted reference values adjusted for age, sex and anthropometric characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Statistical significance was established at a p-value below 0.05. Results: The two occupational groups showed differences in lung function and respiratory symptoms.  The standardized mean differences for PEFR, 1.9200 in household workers and 2.2600 in sweepers; for CCQ, 1.9200 in household workers and 1.6200 in sweepers. The FEV1 predicted values were 1.9600 for household workers and 2.3000 for sweepers; FVC predicted values were 1.7600 and 2.2000 respectively. The FEV1/FVC ratio was 1.8200 in household workers and 2.1800 in sweepers. FEF25-75 predicted values were 2.0000 for household workers and 2.3600 for sweepers. Conclusion: this study concluded that both groups were affected, household workers showed slightly greater impairment in pulmonary function and reported more respiratory symptoms. Continuous exposure to dust and untreated respiratory symptoms may further increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory conditions over time. These findings highlight the importance of regular health screening, early treatment of symptoms and preventive measures to protect respiratory health.