Evaluating the Pulmonary Function Disorders toward Mattress Makers in Wonoyoso Village, PringapusSub-District, Semarang Regency

Abstract

Background: Regarding the personal dust sampler measurement, the cotton dust level from mattress industry is relatively high reaching 5.1 mg/m3 and 6.2 mg/m3 compared to the standard threshold value (3 mg/m3).Therefore, this study aims to determine the relation of respirable cotton dust exposure toward pulmonary function disorders in mattress makers. Method: In this study, observational analytic with cross-sectional research was used. The population used was all workers in the production division. Data were analyzed by the univariate and bivariate approach; then statistical test was validated using the chi-square test. Results: Univariate analysis showed the exposure to respirable cotton dust with concentration exceeded 3 mg/m3 (56.7%), occasional and never use personal protective equipment category (43.3%), length of exposure more than eight hours per day (60.0%), working periodmore than10 years (46.7%), workers age more than30 years (73.3%), history of pulmonary disease (23.3%), abnormal nutritional status (60.0%), never doing exercise (36.7%), and smoking habits (36.7%). Moreover, the results of the bivariate analysis showed there was a significant relationship between respirable cotton dust exposure (p=0.001), working experience (p=0.000), workers age (p=0.034) and smoking habits (0.018) with pulmonary function disorders. Conclusion: About 60% of workers experienced pulmonary function disorders. Importantly, the respirable cotton dust, working experience, age and smoking habits are associated with pulmonary function disorders.