Lung Function Capacity among Traffic Police in Dhaka City

Abstract

Introduction: Air pollution from car exhaust has a negative impact on health. People who are constantly exposed to this car pollution can develop various health problems including respiratory diseases. Objective: To assess the extent of respiratory failure among traffic police officers in Dhaka. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the spirometric parameters of a group of 157 traffic police officers between the ages of 25 and 55 years old serving in the city of Dhaka. Lung function was measured with a portable stationary spirometer. Data were collected using the American Thoracic Society Department of Lung Disease Questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78A). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM's SPSS software. Study location and period: The study was conducted from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, in the city of Dhaka. Results: The mean age was 40.94 ± 9.30 years. The FEV1/FVC ratio showed that over 50% of the respondent's lung function parameters were 70% and above. FEV1 and FVC were significantly lower in smokers (2.60 ± 0.71, 3.88 ± 0).76) compared to non-smokers (3.50 ± 0.83, 4.70 ± 0.56). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age over 20 years (OR 6.87; 95% CI) and smoking (OR 13.62; 95% CI) were independently associated with traffic police respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: The adverse effects of air pollution from direct vehicle exhaust can have a significant impact on these lung dysfunctions.