CHRONIC RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND SPIROMETRIC PARAMETERS AMONG PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS - THE IMPACT OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE AND WORK TENURE
Journal
Academic Medical Journal
Date Issued
2026-06-18
Author(s)
Andonov, Goran
DOI
10.53582/32hsk265
Abstract
Aim. To assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, spirometric parameters
and the effects of occupational exposure among professional drivers.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted
including 70 male professional drivers and 70 administrative staff matched by age, work tenure,
occupational exposure and smoking status. Data on respiratory symptoms, smoking status,
occupational exposure to harmful agents and work tenure were collected using a standardized
questionnaire. Spirometry was performed to assess lung function.
Results. Professional drivers had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory
symptoms compared to controls, including any respiratory symptom (81.4% vs. 58.6%,
p=0.003), nasal symptoms (35.7% vs. 8.6%, p<0.001), cough (61.4% vs 34.3%, p=0.002),
cough with phlegm (37.1% vs. 20.0%, p=0.040), dyspnea (31.4% vs. 17.1%, p=0.049) and
wheezing (25.7% vs. 7.1%, p=0.006). All spirometric parameters were significantly lower in
drivers, indicating involvement of both large and small airways (p<0.05). Drivers with ≥ 20
years of work tenure exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of symptoms and lower
spirometric values. Multivariable logistic regression identified exposure to gases as the
strongest independent predictor of respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR up to 12.4, p<0.01),
followed by exposure to smoke (adjusted OR up to 6.31, p<0.05). Dust exposure showed a
non-significant trend, while vapors were not associated with respiratory symptoms.
Conclusion. Professional drivers are at increased risk of developing respiratory
symptoms and lung function impairment compared to the control group. Occupational
exposure to gases and smoke represents the main independent risk factor, while longer work
tenure suggests a cumulative adverse effect.
and the effects of occupational exposure among professional drivers.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted
including 70 male professional drivers and 70 administrative staff matched by age, work tenure,
occupational exposure and smoking status. Data on respiratory symptoms, smoking status,
occupational exposure to harmful agents and work tenure were collected using a standardized
questionnaire. Spirometry was performed to assess lung function.
Results. Professional drivers had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory
symptoms compared to controls, including any respiratory symptom (81.4% vs. 58.6%,
p=0.003), nasal symptoms (35.7% vs. 8.6%, p<0.001), cough (61.4% vs 34.3%, p=0.002),
cough with phlegm (37.1% vs. 20.0%, p=0.040), dyspnea (31.4% vs. 17.1%, p=0.049) and
wheezing (25.7% vs. 7.1%, p=0.006). All spirometric parameters were significantly lower in
drivers, indicating involvement of both large and small airways (p<0.05). Drivers with ≥ 20
years of work tenure exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of symptoms and lower
spirometric values. Multivariable logistic regression identified exposure to gases as the
strongest independent predictor of respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR up to 12.4, p<0.01),
followed by exposure to smoke (adjusted OR up to 6.31, p<0.05). Dust exposure showed a
non-significant trend, while vapors were not associated with respiratory symptoms.
Conclusion. Professional drivers are at increased risk of developing respiratory
symptoms and lung function impairment compared to the control group. Occupational
exposure to gases and smoke represents the main independent risk factor, while longer work
tenure suggests a cumulative adverse effect.