ABSTRACT

Introduction: Power loom workers are at constant exposure of different pollutants e.g. cotton dust and Particulate Matter emitted from textile industry. These substances have become main causes of respiratory problems among humans throughout the world including Pakistan. A survey-based research was conducted to study the prevalence and pattern of health problems among power loom workers in Mohallah Hajiabad, Faisalabad.  

Objectives:  The objectives of the study are to figure out prevalence and pattern of respiratory Health problems among power loom workers. And also observe current safety measures used by Power Loom workers and to make recommendations on the basis of study results.

Methodology:  Data was collected from a sample of 150 power loom workers in Mohallah Hajiabad, Faisalabad. A self-structured questionnaire was used to gather information about factors affecting respiratory health of power loom workers. Data was analyzed with the help of statistical software GNU PSPP (Version 0.7). Frequencies were calculated in descriptive analysis and associations were calculated by applying chi-squared test of significance.

Results: Out of the 150, 105 power loom workers (70%) were smokers and the rest were non-smokers. Among 150 workers 119 (79.33%) were suffering with respiratory problems and 31(20.67%) had no respiratory issues. There was a significant positive relation between working hours and respiratory problems among workers. The results also show a positive significant association between occurrence of respiratory problems and time span of job.

Conclusion: Time span of job and working hours increase the span of exposure to Particulate Matter and significantly increase the risk of respiratory illness. Smoking also proved out to be one of the major causes of respiratory illness among power loom workers. Cleanliness and proper ventilation can decrease the risk of exposure to Particulate Matter, thus decreasing the chance of respiratory health problems.

Keywords:  Prevalence, pattern, respiratory health problems, power loom workers