Abstract

Reduction of respiratory function among textile workers in the textile industry has been observed since the 1970s.  A  contaminant  of  raw  cotton  fiber  and  cotton  dust,  has  been proposed as a affecting agent that may deteriorate the respiratory function. Present study aimed to find the factors associated with the deterioration of respiratory function among female textile workers. The sample consisted of 243 men above the age of 20 years who had worked for at least 3 months years in a textile factory and 235 female non textile workers of same area were studied. All the respondents were interviewed by a pretested questionnaire to gather information regarding the chest symptoms, certain personal characteristics and occupational history. Statistical analyses like Chi-square and odds ratio was done to determine the significant difference between female textile workers and female non textile workers. Univariate analysis of the factors for symptomatic byssinosis showed that dusty worksites, heavy smoking and duration of service years were significant. Logistic regression analysis showed that working in the scouring (odds ratio 11.0), spinning (odds ratio 4.7) and weaving sections (odds ratio 2.6), heavy smoking (odds ratio 12.4) and more than 10 years of service (odds ratio 2.8) were independent significant risk factors. Efforts to reduce dust levels in the working environment and to discourage smoking among textile workers need to be strengthened to minimize the risk of developing byssinosis.

Key words: Occupational health, respiratory problems, textiles workers, non textiles workers, FEV 1.0.