PREVALENCE OF SYMPTOMS (RESPIRATORY AND NON-RESPIRATORY) AMONG POULTRY FARM WORKERS IN INDIA

Abstract: Background : Poultry confinement workers often develop adverse health effects as a result of exposure to poultry dust arising from work activity . Exposure to high levels of airborne dust and endotoxins are known to cause many respiratory diseases and deterioration of lung function .Aim: To record the symptoms and to evaluate the association between the symptoms and pulmonary test result in poultry farm workers. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 66 poultry farm workers and 66 healthy controls of Ludhiana city of Punjab (India). Data was analyzed using student’s t test and chi-square test. Results : Overall 43.93% poultry farm workers reported symptoms, shortness of breath (20.68%), cough (34.48%), sneezing (20.68% ), nasal discharge (17.24% ), phlegm (24.13%), sore throat (6.89%), itching eyes (27.58%), itching skin(6.89%), pain abdomen (6.89%), headache (10.34%), fever(3.44%) . Overall respiratory morbidity was 53.03%. The association between number of symptoms and pulmonary functions was statistically non significant (p=0.2400).Conclusion: Poultry farm workers are more prone to work-related symptoms both respiratory and non respiratory. So, there is a need for an intervention program to protect poultry workers health.