Determining the pulmonary functions and capacities of firefighters in the City of Cape Town fire and rescue service
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Date
2024
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University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Exposure to chronic and excessive smoke inhalation in performing occupational duties significantly increases the rate of decline in firefighters’ pulmonary functions and capacities. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the pulmonary functions and capacities of firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational design. A total of 278 full-time firefighters from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service were recruited using convenience sampling to participate in the study, comprising of males and females aged 18 years and older. Pulmonary functions and capacities were measured using a standardised spirometry test. A researcher-generated questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, such as past medical history, smoking status, physical activity behaviour, age, sex, marital status, educational level, as well as pulmonary symptoms. Selected physical measurements were performed, such as height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, and body fat percentage. The research data was analysed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Kruskal-Wallis H test and Pearson’s Chi-squared correlation) were used to interpret the pulmonary functions and capacities of the participants. A p value of less than 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Ethics clearance to conduct the study was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BMREC) at the University of the Western Cape (BM23/3/13). The results showed pulmonary disorders present in 10.43% of firefighters, with over half (53.60%) reporting respiratory symptoms.
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Keywords
Pulmonary functions, Dynamic pulmonary volumes, Spirometry, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Restrictive pulmonary disease