Predictors of lung impairmentamong rural dwellers in Southern Thailand

Abstract

© Suranaree University of Technology. Objective: This study aimed to identify the predictors of lung impairment among people in rural communities of southern Thailand. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed and 434 persons who had been living for at least 15 years in four communities in two provinces in the southern part of Thailand were recruited. A questionnaire was completed by the participants; a physical examination and pulmonary function test with a flow-sensing spirometer was then administered. Chi square and one-way ANOVA were used in univariate analysis, while multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of lung impairment. Results: Tobacco leaf curing predicted obstructive, restrictive and combined obstructive and restrictive lung impairment (OR = 14.333, 95% CI = 5.118-40.142; OR9.354, 95%CI4.308-20.314; OR1.19E10, 95%CI3.77E10-3.74E10); restrictive lung disease was predicted by age, BMI >30, and BMI = 25 .0 -29 .99 (OR 1.024, 95% CI1.003-1.046; OR3.713, 95%Cl1.655-8.331; OR2.997, 95%Cl1.536-5.847); and combined obstructive and restrictive lung impairment was predicted by brick kilns (OR6.72E8, 95%CI1.20E8-3.51E9). Conclusions: Standard guidelines for running tobacco leaf curing, brick kilns and regulating local manufacturing need to be addressed to protect people from chronic lung diseases. Moreover, regulation should be imposed on the control of polluting plants located far away from the residents of the community. Polluting plants (small cottage factories) should be located far away from the residential areas of communities and regulations or laws need to be approved to ensure air pollution control.