CORRELATION BETWEEN RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS AMONG CONSTRUCTION WORKERS- A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY ACROSS GUJARAT, INDIA

Background: Construction workers are exposed to multiple risks at working and living places. They are at an increased risk of exposure to high levels of respirable dust, ultimately leading to pulmonary hazards. Currently, there is very limited data on prevalence of morbidities such as musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory disorders among construction workers in developing countries like India. Purpose of the study was to determine the correlation between respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests in construction workers of Gujarat. Methods: In this cross sectional survey, 457 full time workers construction workers above 20 years, having complaints of respiratory symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, phlegm, chest tightness etc. and having work experience more than 2 years were included. Individuals who were unable to cooperate or unwilling to participate, having BMI > 25 kg/m2 or had any pre-existing respiratory or cardiac morbidities were excluded. Demographic details including age, gender, BMI, working experience, working hours per day, literacy, marital status, type of work, native state, addiction, use of personal protective equipment, were also documented. Respiratory symptoms were then correlated with parameters of pulmonary function tests. Results: A statistically significant and strong negative correlation was found between observed FEV1/ FVC% and the total score of SGRQ (r=-0.90, p=0.01). Conclusion: Construction workers reported respiratory symptoms, which significantly correlated with pulmonary function tests suggesting impaired lung function.