PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRONIC RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND LUNG FUNCTION AMONG VINEYARD WORKERS

Abstract

Aim: To determine the frequency of chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function in a group of vineyard workers. Results: Most of the vineyard workers believe that they are sufficiently informed about the health risks related to their work activities and the necessary measures needed for health protection. Also, most of them use the mandatory personal protective equipment, while almost all workers during their work, to a greater or lesser extent, were exposed to occupational respiratory hazards: dust, smoke, fumes, gases and pesticides. About 45% of subjects had one or more respiratory symptoms, and the most common symptoms were cough (40%), cough with phlegm (31.1%), as well as dyspnea and wheezing (22.2%). The frequency of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher in workers with more than 15 years of exposure, with a statistically significant difference in frequency of cough, cough with phlegm, and dyspnea. The risk of respiratory symptoms was about 3 times higher in active smokers and about 2 times higher in vineyard workers with exposure duration longer than 15 years. The mean values of all spirometric parameters were within the reference values, while lung function impairment of obstructive, restrictive and combined pattern was registered in about 20% of them. The mean values of spirometric parameters in vineyard workers with exposure duration longer than 15 years were lower than those with less than 15 years of experience, with a significant difference for small airways flow indices. Conclusion: The obtained results indicate the need to improve preventive measures.</jats:p>