Prevalence of selected cardiorespiratory symptoms, measurement of PEFR and associated factors among carpenters in selected areas of Colombo district, Sri Lanka

Introduction: Indoor air pollution has become a significant health concern both within households and workplaces. Carpenters face risks from exposure to wood dust, particulate matter, and chemical vapours, which increase their likelihood of developing cardiorespiratory diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of selected cardiorespiratory symptoms and to measure pulmonary function using peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) among carpenters in the Moratuwa MOH area.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in 20 randomly selected Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions of Moratuwa from April 2017 to January 2018. Using multistage sampling, 461 carpenters were selected: 443 participated (response rate 96.1%). Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire, a peak flow meter, a bathroom scale, and a measuring board. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, chi-square testing, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Out of 443 participants, the most prevalent respiratory symptom during the previous month was cough (61.6%, n=273), followed by sneezing/allergic rhinitis (41.5%, n=184). Prevalence of wheezing was 35.4% (n=157). The most prevalent chronic respiratory symptoms were chronic cough (19.9%, n=88) and chronic phlegm, (18.5% n=82). Out of all participants, 25.3% (n=112) complained of central chest pain. In 24.8% (n=110), the chest pain had eased with rest, and 17.6% (n=76) of the people were diagnosed with hypertension. Of all, 86.9% (n=385) had at least one cardiorespiratory symptom. More than half of the carpenters (60.7%) had PEFR <80% of their predicted value. There was a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between the presence of at least one cardiorespiratory symptom with age, education level, working duration, awareness and practices to prevent dust exposure and family history of cardiorespiratory diseases. 
Conclusions: Carpenters in Moratuwa exhibited a high prevalence of cardiorespiratory illnesses and reduced lung function, likely due to prolonged exposure to dust. Immediate adoption of proper protective measures was strongly advised.