Respiratory Symptoms and Lung function among Female Flower Farm workers in Ethiopia

Background: The workforces in the growing flower farms of Ethiopia are mainly females. Greenhouse workers are exposed to pesticides, fertilizers and dust, and might be at risk for developing respiratory diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to assess respiratory symptoms and lung function of greenhouse workers and compare them to packinghouse flower farm workers. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted comparing female flower farmworkers from greenhouses, with female workers in packinghouses. Participants were interviewed for chronic respiratory symptoms using a standardized questionnaire from the British Medical Research Council. A Minispir light spirometer, with Winspiro software was used for lung function tests to measure Forced vital capacity (FVC) and Forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1). Study groups background characteristics were compared using an independent t-test and chi-square test. Poisson regression analysis and a general linear model were also performed. Results: Three hundred fourteen workers participated,160 from greenhouses and 159 from pack houses. The response rate showed that 99.7% was for the interview and 98% was for spirometry. The mean (SD) age of greenhouse workers was 26(8) years and of packinghouse workers 24(7) years. There was no significant difference in respiratory symptoms and spirometry indices while comparing workers in greenhouse with workers from packinghouse. But service month was a significant predictor for the reduction of FEV1, by a reduction of 2ml/month with a p-value of 0.01. Conclusion: There was no difference in respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters comparing greenhouse and packinghouse workers from flower farms. Service duration was a significant predictor for the reduction of FEV1. This may indicate the development of lung obstruction among flower farm workers over a course of time. Workers respiratory health including lung function change needs to be monitored regularly.