Pulmonary function among Latino thoroughbred horse farmworkers.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Latino thoroughbred workers face occupational exposure risks.
• These exposures may lead to abnormal pulmonary function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms.
• To identify demographic and occupational factors associated with respiratory outcomes in this population.

Main Methods:

• Community-based purposive sampling recruited 80 workers.
• Spirometry tests and questionnaires were administered by trained lay health promoters.
• Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between factors and respiratory outcomes.

Main Results:

• 27% of participants had abnormal pulmonary function (mainly restrictive).
• 79% reported respiratory symptoms; 94% rarely used dust masks.
• Shorter employment duration and time in the U.S. correlated with increased odds of abnormal pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Abnormal pulmonary function is prevalent in this vulnerable worker group.
• Recommendations include increased dust mask usage and further exposure assessment.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted occupational health interventions.