Respiratory health survey in an Indian South African community : distribution and determinants of symptoms, diseases and lung function.
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Date
1992
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Abstract
A cross-sectional epidemiologic survey of the respiratory health status
was conducted in the adult (15 years and older) Indian South African
population resident in Lenasia, Johannesburg to study the distribution
and determinants of respiratory symptoms, disease and lung function
level. A slightly modified self-administered version of a standardised
respiratory health questionnaire and a wedge spirometer was used.
There were a high proportion of current smokers among men. Although
women smoked less than men in other communities they nevertheless
smoked on average more heavily than other Indian South African
women. Indian men and women who smoked had a high prevalence of
respiratory symptoms. The women also demonstrated an increased
susceptibility to the effects of cigarette smoking when compared with
women in other communities. Indians in this study had spirometric lung
function levels that were lower than that recorded in recent studies in
Blacks and Whites in South Africa. Respiratory symptoms, disease and
lung function level were examined in a multiple logistic regression model
which contained all the potential determinants recorded in the present
study. Voluntary tobacco smoking, recent chest illnesses and any kind
of heart trouble was associated with a significant risk for having most of
the respiratory symptoms and diseases in men and women. In addition
exposure to dust in the work environment, little or no exercise,>Std. 8
education a history of any kind of chest trouble and respiratory trouble
before the age of 16 years was associated with an increased risk for
having respiratory symptoms in men in this model. An increased risk for
respiratory symptoms was demonstrated in women only with age. Age
and standing height were the most important determinants of lung
function level in men and women in the regression model. Dust
exposure in the work environment was associated with a significantly
lower lung function level in men. Alcohol consumption and a history of
whooping cough was also independently associated with a lower lung
function level in men but were of borderline significance. In women
involuntary /passive tobacco smoke exposure and respiratory trouble
before the age of 16 years were associated with a lower lung function
level. Women who spent most of their lives in a rural area and those
who had a university education had a higher lung function level. The
deleterious effects of smoking on lung function were minimal in this
study possibly because lung function was performed only in subjects in
the 18-45 year age category. A "healthy smoker" effect was
demonstrated in men. Men who ever smoked and were without
cardiorespiratory symptoms had significantly higher lung function levels
compared to men who never smoked and were without symptoms.
Description
Thesis (M.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1992.
Keywords
Indians--Diseases--South Africa., Lungs--Diseases., Respiratory organs--Diseases., Theses--Pulmonology and HIV.