Abstract

LLANQUI GUTIERREZ, Uriel. Chemical irritants and prevalence of asthma and chronic bronchitis among cleaner workers of health institutions at the Puno region, Peru.. Rev. Univ. Ind. Santander. Salud [online]. 2015, vol.47, n.1, pp.69-73. ISSN 0121-0807.

Introduction: Studies around the world show the presence of respiratory diseases such asthma and chronic bronchitis in hospital cleaning service workers related to the use of chlorine and other irritants. Objective: To determine the presence of asthma and bronchitis in workers cleaning services in hospitals of Puno, Peru and establish their association with chemical irritants. Material san Methods: Cross-sectional study of 201 workers (response rate 33%). The instrument was developed taking into account European studies on working conditions and health, and the asthma questionnaire of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Associations were estimated using odds ratios (OR). Results: A high percentage of respondents (64%) reported exposure to chemicals. Asthma and bronchitis were reported with 18 and 11%, respectively. Statistical evaluation showed no predictor of respiratory diseases; specificly for wheezing in the chest, OR 0.72 (95% CI: 0.18-2.87) or for chronic bronchitis, OR = 1.92 (95% CI 0.22-16.75). Gender was not evident as a confounder in this study. Conclusion: The study showed no association between exposure to chemicals and the presence of respiratory disease in hospital cleaning service workers; the probable cause was the high turnover of personnel, and level of chemical dilution.

Keywords : asthma; bronchitis; occupational health; detergents; hospital; Perú.

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