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Objective respiratory screening among Dunedin public servants
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|August 11, 1976
Summary
Spirometry revealed impaired lung function in many Dunedin public servants, particularly those with chronic bronchitis symptoms and a history of smoking. Questionnaires identified more respiratory issues than spirometry, highlighting their complementary roles in health education.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous reports detailed respiratory symptoms in Dunedin public servants.
- This study focuses on spirometry results within the same population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess lung function (FEV 1.0) in Dunedin public servants.
- To identify factors associated with impaired lung function.
- To compare spirometry findings with questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Spirometry was performed on 1079 men and 310 women with normal chest X-rays.
- Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV 1.0) was measured and compared to predicted values.
- Correlation analysis was used to assess associations between FEV 1.0, symptoms, and smoking history.
Main Results:
- 55% of men and 59% of women had an FEV 1.0 below predicted values.
- Only 9% of each sex had an FEV 1.0 less than 80% of predicted.
- Bronchitic symptoms and smoking were linked to reduced FEV 1.0; overweight did not significantly impact FEV 1.0.
Conclusions:
- Chronic bronchitis is prevalent in this population, strongly correlated with smoking.
- Spirometry and symptom questionnaires provide complementary data for health education efforts.
- A significant proportion of public servants exhibit sub-optimal lung function, warranting further investigation and intervention.