Situation and some factors related to respiratory diseases among aquaculture workers in the coastal area of Hai Phong in 2022 – 2023

Abstract

A cross - sectional descriptive study was conducted involving clinical examination, chest X-ray, and direct interviews with 1,220 aquaculture workers in the coastal area of Hai Phong. The study aimed to describe the current situation and factors associated with respiratory diseases among these workers. Respiratory diseases were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, ICD - 10 (Chapter X, disease codes: J00 - J99). The results indicated that the prevalence rates of various respiratory diseases were as follows: allergic rhinitis (19.0%), chronic pharyngitis (13.2%), acute pharyngitis (7.7%), asthma (6.1%), bronchitis and bronchiolitis (5.5%), chronic laryngitis and laryngotracheitis (4.5%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4.5%). Factors associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases included regular exposure to seafood (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.51; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.13 - 2.11), frequent renovation of ponds and lagoons (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.25 - 2.55), working
experience of 10 years or more (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.11 - 2.45), and smoking (OR = 2.79; 95% CI: 2.21 - 3.54). It is recommended that aquaculture workers regularly wear masks while renovating ponds and handling seafood to prevent respiratory diseases.