Prevalence and factors influencing abnormal respiratory symptoms from air pollution among working-age population, Ban Bueng District, Chonburi Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical research aimed to study the prevalence and analyze factors influencing abnormal respiratory symptoms related to air pollution among the working-age population in Ban Bueng District, Chonburi Province. Data were collected from 342 participants recruited by computer-generated simple random sampling, between April – June 2025, through a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The results revealed that the majority of participants were female (84.21%), with an average age of 41.55 years (SD = 11.75), and engaged in general labor (39.47%). Most had no underlying diseases (84.21%), no history of respiratory illness within the past six months (93.27%), worked in enclosed spaces for no more than eight hours (90.06%), had a work duration of less than or equal to five years (54.09%), worked in urban areas (54.39%), and wore respiratory protection equipment while working sometimes (60.82%). The prevalence of abnormal respiratory symptoms was 26.61%, with the most frequently reported symptoms including difficulty breathing, followed by wheezing and coughing. Risk factors significantly associated with the abnormal symptoms at the 0.05 level included: working in environments situated within transportation zones (AOR=22.37, p<0.001), working in enclosed spaces for more than eight hours per day (AOR=16.17, p<0.001 ), a history of respiratory illness within the past six months (AOR=13.35, p<0.001), and working in environments situated within agricultural zones (AOR=3.20, p=0.008), while the protective factor was the occupation of trading (AOR=0.19, p=0.004). Therefore, relevant agencies should implement area-based health risk maps to monitor the working-age population in transportation and agricultural areas, along with increasing strictness in controlling dust sources. Workplaces should enhance indoor ventilation systems and consider flexible working policies, especially during pollution crises.