Chest Tightness and Chronic Cough; Respiratory Symptoms Among Home-Based Textile Industry Workers

Authors

  • Sidra Ahmad University of Lahore, Pakistan
  • Misbah Jehangir Kashmiri FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Kashif Ur Rehman Khalil Department of Community Medicine, Khyber Medical College Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Azra Shaheen Nishtar Medical University Multan, Pakistan
  • Munir Akhtar Saleemi Department Community Medicine, UCMD, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Shahid Iqbal Department of Community Medicine, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32413/pjph.v14i1.1235

Keywords:

Cotton dust, chest tightness, chronic cough, home-based textile industry

Abstract

Background: The textile industry, rooted in agriculture, stands as Pakistan's second-largest employer. Within this sector, home-based textile production plays a significant role, albeit largely unregulated and undocumented, resulting in substandard working conditions. Workers in this setting are frequently exposed to cotton dust, posing serious health risks alongside other occupational hazards. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, particularly chest tightness and chronic cough, among home-based textile industry workers in Jhang, Pakistan, underscoring the importance of preventive measures.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2017, to February 28, 2018. A sample of 300 participants with over 20 years of work experience was selected from 10 home-based textile units. Data collection utilized a structured questionnaire and analysis was performed using SPSS 25.

Results: The study revealed that 23% of workers reported chest tightness and 18.7% reported chronic cough. These symptoms were notably prevalent among workers aged 45 and above, those with limited formal education, non-users of masks during work, and those directly exposed to cotton dust.

Conclusion: Workers in the home-based textile industry face respiratory symptoms due to exposure to cotton dust. This underscores the necessity of health education and the enforcement of protective measures, such as mask usage and dust control, to safeguard their respiratory health.

Author Biographies

  • Misbah Jehangir Kashmiri, FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan

    Senior Demonstrator

  • Kashif Ur Rehman Khalil, Department of Community Medicine, Khyber Medical College Peshawar, Pakistan

    Assitant Professor

  • Azra Shaheen, Nishtar Medical University Multan, Pakistan

    Senior Demonstrator

  • Munir Akhtar Saleemi, Department Community Medicine, UCMD, Lahore, Pakistan

    Professor and Head of Department, Community Medicine 

    University College of Medicine and Dentistry

    University of Lahore

  • Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Department of Community Medicine, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

    Professor and Head of Department

    Sharif Medical and DentalCollege 

    Lahore

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Published

29-03-2024

How to Cite

1.
Ahmad S, Jehangir Kashmiri M, Khalil KUR, Shaheen A, Saleemi MA, Iqbal MS. Chest Tightness and Chronic Cough; Respiratory Symptoms Among Home-Based Textile Industry Workers. Pak J Public Health [Internet]. 2024 Mar. 29 [cited 2024 Dec. 11];14(1):24-7. Available from: https://pjph.org/pjph/article/view/1235