Browsing by Author "Onesmo, Brigitha"

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    Air pollution exposure and non-communicable respiratory diseases among fish vendors in Bagamoyo and Kunduchi fish markets in Tanzania
    (NM-AIST, 2023-08) Onesmo, Brigitha
    Approximately 2.6 billion people in the world use polluting fuels in cooking. Small-scale fish vendors in Bagamoyo and Kunduchi fish markets rely on use of firewood in frying fish for business purposes. Unfortunately, this results in higher levels of air pollutants as an occupational exposure. The study assessed the magnitude of air pollution and related impacts on lung function among small-scale fish vendors along coastal area of Tanzania. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in Bagamoyo and Kunduchi fish markets. Air pollution levels and composition were measured. EasyOne spirometer was used to test for lung function and a standardized questionnaire was used to assess respiratory symptoms among small-scale fish vendors. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 17. Results shows that the average hourly concentration levels of Particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), and Carbon monoxide exposure during fish frying were 653.6 (±206.3 SD) µg/m3 , 748.5 (±200.6 SD) µg/m3 , 798.7 (±181.7 SD) µg/m3 and 62.6 (±12.3 SD) ppm respectively which is higher than the WHO recommended limits. About 32.04% of participants were categorized as having chronic obstructed pulmonary disease which was associated with coughing, wheezing, sputum production and breathlessness among the participants. Findings suggest that three out of ten participants had COPD and the major environmental air pollutants concentration levels were too high, suggesting occupational exposure to biomass smoke may be a major risk factor. This calls for effective approaches to reduce exposure and prevent known acute and chronic respiratory diseases that are associated with such exposure to air pollutants.
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    Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and associated factors among smallholder fish vendors along coastal areas in Tanzania
    (BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 2023-08-02) Onesmo, Brigitha; Mamuya, Simon; Mwema, Mwema; Hella, Jerry
    Background In Tanzania little is known about how the respiratory system of small-holder fish vendors is affected by occupational exposure to biomass smoke and other associated factors. This study assessed the prevalence of lung obstruction and associated factors among small-holder fish vendors along coastal areas in Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Bagamoyo and Kunduchi fish markets along coastal areas of Tanzania. Environmental air pollutant levels and composition were measured using a hand-held device. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess respiratory symptoms while EasyOne spirometer was used to test for lung function among small-holder fish vendors. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was defined as FEV1/ FVC below the lower limit of normal. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 17. Descriptive statistics was performed and logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors that are associated with poor lung function presented as crude and adjusted odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals. Results A total of 103 participants were included in the study who were predominantly males 82 (79.6%). The participants’ mean age was 35.47 (±8.77 SD) years. The hourly average concentration levels of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and CO exposure during fish frying were 653.6 (±206.3 SD) μg/m3 , 748.48 (±200.6 SD) μg/m3 , 798.66 (±181.71 SD) μg/m3 and 62.6 (±12.3 SD) ppm respectively which are higher than the WHO recommended limits. The prevalence of COPD was found to be 32.04% (95% CI 0.23–0.42). Most of the participants reported respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, sputum production and breathlessness during performing their daily activities. Conclusion Findings suggest that three out of ten participants had COPD and the major environmental air pollutants (PMs and CO) concentration levels were too high, suggesting that occupational exposure to biomass smoke may be a risk factor. This calls for effective approaches to reduce exposure and prevent known acute and chronic respiratory diseases that are associated with such exposure to air pollutants. Also the study calls for follow up or cohort studies to be conducted in this area