Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: January | Volume: 7 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 493-497
Assessment of Blood Pressure and Forced Vital Capacity of Workers at Quarry Sites in Ivo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Nwazunku, A.A.1, Amadi, A.N.2, Amadi, C.O.A.2, Ede, A.O.1
1Department of Environmental Health Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
2Department of Public Health, Federal university of Technology, Oweri, Nigeria
Corresponding Author: Nwazunku, A.A
ABSTRACT
Quarry workers are exposed to dust and gases that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. This study was a clinical study carried out at Ivo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria to assess the blood pressure and forced vital capacity of workers at quarry sites. An electronic sphygmomanometer and a spirometer were used to measure the blood pressure and forced vital capacity respectively. Data was uploaded into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, and descriptive statistics was used for analysis of data.A total of 123 workers participated in this study. Results showed that 3 (2.44%) subjects had a systolic pressure between 81 – 100 mmHg; for systolic pressure of 101 – 120, 39 (31.71%); for 121 – 140, 63 (51.21%); 9 (7.32%) subjects had a systolic pressure of 141 -160 and 161 – 180. Six (4.88%) subjects had a diastolic pressure between 41 – 60 mmHg; for a diastolic pressure of 61 – 80, 84 (68.29%); for 81 – 100, 30 (24.39%); for 101-120, 3 (2.43%). The mean systolic blood pressure value was 107 ± 15.02 mmHg. The mean diastolic blood pressure value was 76.22 ± 10.79.Twenty-one (17.07%) subjects had a Forced Vital Capacity between 1001 – 2000 ml; for a forced vital capacity of 2001 – 3000 ml, 69 (56.10%); for 3001 – 4000, 30 (24.39%); for 4001-5000, 3 (2.44%). The mean forced vital capacity of the workers was 1167 ± 726.93. Some of the workers were found to have a high blood pressure and forced vital capacity. Workers at quarry sites were advised to always wear their nose and face masks to prevent inhalation of air pollutants resulting from quarry activities.
Keywords: Quarry, Blood Pressure, Forced Vital Capacity, Systolic, Diastolic
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