Byssinosis and other respiratory disorders among textile mill workers in Bahr Dar northwest Ethiopia

The prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory symptoms were studied among 433 workers who were occupationally exposed to cotton dust in Bahr Dar Textile Mill. One-hundred-one nonexposed workers living in the same geographical area were included as controls. All of the subjects completed the British Medical Research Council Questionnaire. Pulmonary function tests were administered on a vitalograph spirometer before starting the shift for all subjects, and after at least four hours of exposure for exposed subjects. Among the cotton dust exposed workers, byssinotics behaved distinctly and showed the maximum acute and chronic changes in pulmonary functions. The overall prevalence of byssinosis was 45.5%. The highest prevalence was found in carding (57.9%) and in ring frame (57.1%) operatives and the lowest in weaving preparatory section (32.1%). Unlike bronchial asthma, chronic cough and chronic bronchitis were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in cotton dust exposed subjects compared with controls. The mean measured values of ventilatory capacity (FEV1 and FVC) are to a significant extent reduced in the exposed groups compared with controls (p < 0.01). In view of the above findings, preventive measures are of paramount importance in minimizing the prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory disorders.