Worede Eshetu Abera, Genet Mengesha, Simegn Wudneh, Abere Giziew, Tilahun Sefinew, Endalew Mastewal, Demeke Eyayaw Adisu, Engedaw Garedew Tadege, Feleke Hailemariam, Zele Yifokire Tefera, Azanaw Jember
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 12;15(1):12565. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96151-y.
Respiratory symptoms and lung function impairments are concerns in the woodworking industry. In Ethiopia, the woodwork industry has been growing; however, there is limited data on pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms, and risk factors among woodworkers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of impaired lung function and respiratory symptoms and determine their associated risk factors among woodworkers in Gondar City, Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 185 woodworkers and 176 controls. Spirometry was used for Lung function tests. The data were collected using a questionnaire in Kobo Toolbox software. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, t-test, and logistic regression were done in SPSS version 26. Almost all participants (96.4%) were male. The proportions of obstructive, restrictive, and mixed lung function impairments in woodworkers and control groups were 7.6% vs. 2.8%, 4.86% vs. 3.98%, and 1.08% vs.0%, respectively. The proportion of chronic respiratory symptoms in woodworkers and control groups was 35.5% vs. 12.7% with the proportion of cough (19.9% Vs 6.6%), phlegm (21.1% Vs 5.8%), wheezing (9.4% Vs 3.9%), shortness of breath (19.9Vs 6.6%), and breathlessness (13.3% Vs 8.3%). In woodworkers, and pooled models, the absence of a local exhaust ventilation system, working more than eight hours per day, being unable to use filter masks, and being unable to do physical exercise were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s/Forced Vital Capacity ratio (FEV/FVC ratio) (P = 0.001) and Mid-Expiratory Flow between 25% and 75% (MEF-) significantly decreased with work experience (P = 0.001). Woodworkers had higher rates of obstructive, restrictive, and mixed lung function impairments and more respiratory symptoms. Prioritizing workplace ventilation and the use of respiratory protective devices is crucial for mitigating these risks.
呼吸道症状和肺功能损害是木工行业关注的问题。在埃塞俄比亚，木工行业一直在发展；然而，关于木工的肺功能、呼吸道症状和风险因素的数据有限。本研究旨在评估埃塞俄比亚贡德尔市木工肺功能受损和呼吸道症状的患病率，并确定其相关风险因素。进行了一项比较横断面研究，涉及185名木工和176名对照者。使用肺活量测定法进行肺功能测试。数据通过Kobo Toolbox软件中的问卷收集。在SPSS 26版中进行了包括方差分析、t检验和逻辑回归在内的统计分析。几乎所有参与者（96.4%）为男性。木工组和对照组中阻塞性、限制性和混合性肺功能损害的比例分别为7.6%对2.8%、4.86%对3.98%和1.08%对0%。木工组和对照组中慢性呼吸道症状的比例分别为35.5%对12.7%，咳嗽比例为（19.9%对6.6%）、咳痰比例为（21.1%对5.8%）、喘息比例为（9.4%对3.9%）、气短比例为（19.9%对6.6%）和呼吸急促比例为（13.3%对8.3%）。在木工以及汇总模型中，缺乏局部排气通风系统、每天工作超过8小时、无法使用过滤口罩以及无法进行体育锻炼与呼吸道症状显著相关。一秒用力呼气量/用力肺活量比值（FEV/FVC比值）（P = 0.001）和25%至75%之间的呼气中期流速（MEF-）随工作经验显著下降（P = 0.001）。木工的阻塞性、限制性和混合性肺功能损害发生率更高，呼吸道症状更多。优先考虑工作场所通风和使用呼吸防护设备对于降低这些风险至关重要。
