Comparative cross-sectional study reveals respiratory issues in motorcycle drivers, suggesting urgent health interventions.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate the respiratory function and symptoms among commercial motorcycle drivers compared to age and sex-matched controls.
Conducted a comparative cross-sectional study among 64 commercial motorcyclists and 64 controls in Sawla town.
Used a structured questionnaire and a handheld spirometer to assess respiratory symptoms and lung function.
Employed descriptive statistics and various statistical tests for data analysis.
Commercial motorcycle drivers exhibited a higher prevalence of cough (37.5% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.009) and phlegm (31.3% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.019) compared to controls.
Lung function indices, including FVC, FEV1, and PEFR, were significantly lower in motorcyclists.
Negative correlations between work duration and lung function (FVC r = -0.416, P = 0.001; FEV1 r = -0.371, P = 0.003) were observed.