Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

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Effect of Chalk Dust Exposure on PEFR and CAT in School Teachers


Affiliations
1 Cardio Vascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy, Department of Kinesiotherapy and Physical Diagnosis, School of Physiotherapy, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
2 Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, School of Physiotherapy, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
3 D.Y. Patil University, School of Physiotherapy, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra,, India
     

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In teachers, occupational exposure to chalk dust is very common. Classrooms contain of fine particulate matter that source from chalk dust.

To further evaluate and study the symptoms of respiratory illness in school teachers, the present study was conducted in order to evaluate individual’s degree of obstruction using the PEFR, and its impact on their overall health, using COPD assessment test.

This comparative study was conducted in 40 School teachers and 40 normal healthy individuals. The data for this study was collected using mini Bell’s PEFR device and the COPD Assessment test (CAT). An analysis of the data showed that the mean CAT score of group A (teachers) was significantly higher (p=0.001) than group B (normal individuals). The mean PEFR for group B was higher than group A, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Hence, the study concluded that respiratory symptoms significantly impacted the health of school teachers. They also showed signs of airway obstruction as compared to normal individuals.


Keywords

Chalk Dust Exposure,PEFR, CAT, Teachers.
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  • Effect of Chalk Dust Exposure on PEFR and CAT in School Teachers

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Authors

Sukhada Prabhu
Cardio Vascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy, Department of Kinesiotherapy and Physical Diagnosis, School of Physiotherapy, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Manasi Desai
Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, School of Physiotherapy, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Samiksha Harer
D.Y. Patil University, School of Physiotherapy, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra,, India

Abstract


In teachers, occupational exposure to chalk dust is very common. Classrooms contain of fine particulate matter that source from chalk dust.

To further evaluate and study the symptoms of respiratory illness in school teachers, the present study was conducted in order to evaluate individual’s degree of obstruction using the PEFR, and its impact on their overall health, using COPD assessment test.

This comparative study was conducted in 40 School teachers and 40 normal healthy individuals. The data for this study was collected using mini Bell’s PEFR device and the COPD Assessment test (CAT). An analysis of the data showed that the mean CAT score of group A (teachers) was significantly higher (p=0.001) than group B (normal individuals). The mean PEFR for group B was higher than group A, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Hence, the study concluded that respiratory symptoms significantly impacted the health of school teachers. They also showed signs of airway obstruction as compared to normal individuals.


Keywords


Chalk Dust Exposure,PEFR, CAT, Teachers.

References