PEFR and SpO2 In Textile Workers: A Non-Invasive Study

Introduction and Aim: The textile industry is a major occupational sector in India, where workers are routinely exposed to dust, chemical fumes, and oxidative stress–inducing agents that may adversely affect respiratory health. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) are simple, non-invasive indicators of pulmonary function and oxygenation status. The study aimed to evaluate and compare PEFR, SpO2, and related physiological parameters between female textile workers and non-textile female workers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 60 female participants aged 20–50 years, comprising 30 textile workers with a minimum of eight years of occupational exposure and 30 age-matched non-textile workers. Anthropometric parameters, respiratory rate, pulse rate, SpO2, perfusion index, PEFR, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and blood pressure were measured using standardized protocols and validated non-invasive instruments. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using independent Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation analysis, with statistical significance set at p< 0.05. Results: Textile workers demonstrated a significantly higher respiratory rate (15.16 ± 2.13 vs. 12.93 ± 2.33 breaths/min; p< 0.001) and significantly lower PEFR (112.26 ± 31.58 vs. 218.36 ± 71.50 L/min; p< 0.001) and FEV1 (0.59 ± 0.32 vs. 1.24 ± 0.45; p< 0.001) compared to non-textile workers. SpO2 values were comparable between groups (p> 0.05). Non-textile workers had a significantly higher body mass index (p = 0.002) and perfusion index (p = 0.020). Among non-textile workers, respiratory rate showed a positive correlation with body mass index and mean arterial pressure (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Female textile workers exhibited compromised pulmonary function, reflected by reduced PEFR and FEV1, despite preserved oxygen saturation, highlighting the impact of chronic occupational exposure. Regular respiratory monitoring and preventive workplace interventions are essential to safeguard respiratory health in textile workers.