Proportion of workers having work-related asthma symptoms in a cassava factory, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

Abstract

© 2020, Khon Kaen University,Research and Technology Transfer Affairs Division. All rights reserved. Flour dust is one of work-related asthma (WRA) allergens. Few researches have been done on WRA symptoms in workers exposed to cassava starch. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of WRA symptoms and definite WRA in a cassava factory. We conducted a descriptive study in which a sample of 148 employees was identified at a cassava factory in Nakhon Ratchasima. All had worked 6 months or longer. The study included: 1) screening for asthma-like symptoms using a modified ECRHS questionnaire; 2) screening for WRA symptoms using a questionnaire and physical examination by an occupational medicine doctor; and, 3) diagnosis confirmation using serial peak expiratory flow interpreted by OASYS-2 software. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the findings. The response rate was 87.2% (129/148)-males comprised 72.1% (93/129) of the sample. The proportion of asthma-like symptoms was 58.1% (75/129). Among 129, WRA symptoms was 11.6% (95%CI: 6.6, 17.3) and definite WRA was 3.1% (95%CI: 0.7, 6.5). In the 15 cases of WRA symptoms, 60% had a job task with high exposure to cassava starch. In cases of respiratory symptoms, most (86.7%) had upper respiratory symptoms and all had lower respiratory symptoms. Cough and dyspnea were the most common lower respiratory symptoms (each was 60%) followed by chest tightness (53.3%) and wheezing (26.7%). WRA symptoms and definite WRA constituted 11.6% and 3.1% in a cassava starch factory, respectively. The results showed a consistence with previous studies in developing nations. Cassava starch, like wheat flour, may cause WRA.