Lung Function Capacity among Traffic Police in Dhaka City
Ahamed Khairul Basher *
National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Sadia Afrin
National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Md. Nazmul Huda
Sheikh Sayera Khatun Medical College Hospital, Gopalganj, Bangladesh.
Md. Motiur Rahman
Sheikh Sayera Khatun Medical College Hospital, Gopalganj, Bangladesh.
Md. Azazul Haque
State University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Manobik Sarker
Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barisal, Bangladesh.
Wahida Yasmeen
Department of Dental Public Health, Udayan Dental College, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
Hafiza Sultana
Department of Health Education, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Air pollution from car exhaust has a negative impact on health. People who are constantly exposed to this car pollution can develop various health problems including respiratory diseases.
Objective: To assess the extent of respiratory failure among traffic police officers in Dhaka.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the spirometric parameters of a group of 157 traffic police officers between the ages of 25 and 55 years old serving in the city of Dhaka. Lung function was measured with a portable stationary spirometer. Data were collected using the American Thoracic Society Department of Lung Disease Questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78A). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM's SPSS software. Study location and period: The study was conducted from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, in the city of Dhaka.
Results: The mean age was 40.94 ± 9.30 years. The FEV1/FVC ratio showed that over 50% of the respondent's lung function parameters were 70% and above. FEV1 and FVC were significantly lower in smokers (2.60 ± 0.71, 3.88 ± 0).76) compared to non-smokers (3.50 ± 0.83, 4.70 ± 0.56). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age over 20 years (OR 6.87; 95% CI) and smoking (OR 13.62; 95% CI) were independently associated with traffic police respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: The adverse effects of air pollution from direct vehicle exhaust can have a significant impact on these lung dysfunctions.
Keywords: Respiratory diseases, traffic police, lung function, air pollution