Assessment of Cardiovascular Changes among Indoor and Outdoor Cleaners in a Tertiary Institution in Delta State, South-South Nigeria

Abstract

This study is aimed at assessing cardiovascular changes amongst indoor and outdoor cleaners in Delta State University, Abraka. A total of one hundred (100) cleaners were randomly selected for the study, comprising of fifty (50) indoor and fifty (50) outdoor cleaners. Data were collected and the digital sphygmomanometerwas used to measure blood pressure and pulse rate of subjects. Results obtained ranged from 93/73mmHg – 177/102mmHg, 62 – 102beats/min and 85/50- 139/90mmHg, 60- 107beats/min for indoor and outdoor cleaners respectively. The result showed that the mean blood pressure was higher in indoor cleaner than outdoor cleaners and the mean pulse rate of outdoor cleaners was higher than that of indoor. Also, age was positively correlated with pulse rate and systolic blood pressure while the duration of work per day was correlated negatively with blood pressure and pulse rate. The study has established that blood pressure was higher among indoor cleaner than outdoor cleaner, while pulse rate was higher among outdoor cleaner than indoor cleaners. The study has also strengthened the need for cleaners to put on protective devices to reduce exposure to air pollution and encourage cleaners to undergo regular medical check.

Keywords: Assessment, cardiovascular changes, indoor and outdoor cleaners