Respiratory symptoms, lung function testing, and PPE use among flour mill workers in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lung function parameters among flour mill workers in Calabar, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was employed to sample 222 flour mill workers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and spirometry tests. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and inferential tests, were conducted to test: (1) the association between the level of exposure to flour dust and respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters; (2) the difference in respiratory symptoms and lung function between workers who use PPE and those who do not. From this study, 39.2% of workers reported experiencing occasional cough, 9.9% reported coughing with shortness of breath, and 5.0% experienced cough and wheezing. Most respondents, 57.7% had normal FVC values, and 24.8% experienced mild reductions. 9.9% exhibited moderate reductions, and 7.7% had severe reductions. The majority of the respondents, 60.8% had normal FEV1 values, 19.8% exhibited mild reductions, 8.6% had moderate reductions, and 10.8% had severe reductions. 85.6% of respondents had a normal FEV1/FVC ratio, 7.2% exhibited mild obstruction, 3.2% experienced moderate obstruction, and 4.1% had severe obstruction. Respiratory symptoms were significantly ( χ 2 = 68.162, p < 0.001) higher among exposed workers. There was a significant difference in lung function parameters between directly exposed subjects and those who were indirectly exposed or unexposed ( χ 2 = 20.421, p < 0.001). The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in non-PPE users was significantly higher ( χ 2 = 12.886, p < 0.001)) and lung function parameters also showed a significant difference ( χ 2 = 24.857), p < 0.001). This study confirms that flour mill workers in Calabar are at increased risk of respiratory health problems due to flour dust exposure. Effective use of PPE and reducing dust exposure are essential in mitigating these risks.