Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function status of firefighters in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function status of the firefighters in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among firefighters in Benin City, Nigeria. Data was collected using relevant section of the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease Initiative (BOLD) questionnaire. The lung function parameters were measured using the Koko Legend® spirometer. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Results: A total of 59 firefighters were studied. Their mean age (SD) was 42.1 (11.6) years. Males constituted 69.5%. The commonest respiratory symptoms were nasal congestion 11.9%, chest pain 10.2%, dyspnoea 8.5%, cough 6.8%, shortness of breath 5.1%, wheezing 3.4% and sputum production 3.4%. The mean FEV₁ (2.69 ± 0.98L vs 2.15 ± 0.74L), FVC (3.29 ± 1.15L vs 2.54 ± 0.90L) and PEF (7.84 ± 3.30L/s vs 6.19 ± 2.07L/s) values were significantly higher among firefighters actively involved in firefighting than those in the administrative department (p = 0.024, 0.010 and 0.038 respectively). The FEV₁/FVC ratio of the active firefighters was lower, 81.8% ± 8.0 vs 84.1% ± 7.4 (p = 0.262). Firefighters in the administrative department were four and five times more likely to have lower predicted FEV₁ (Adjusted OR = 4.02, 95% CI = 0.87, 18.57) and FVC (Adjusted OR = 5.16, 95% CI = 1.11, 23.89) respectively than those in the operations department. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was generally low in the firefighters studied. Most of those in operations showed obstructive abnormality while a higher proportion of those in administrative department showed restrictive abnormality. We recommend yearly lung function testing on all firefighters and long-term medical monitoring.