SAÚDE E AMBIENTE: PREVALÊNCIA DE SINAIS E SINTOMAS RESPIRATÓRIOS EM POPULAÇÃO RESIDENTE PRÓXIMA A UMA FÁBRICA DE CIMENTO, CEZARINA GO, 2011.

Abstract

During the process of cement manufacture are emissions of various pollutants known to have toxic effects in humans, especially the fractions of smaller particles. The permanent and lasting these pollutants can cause various health problems. One possible way to know the effects of pollution on populations living near cement plants is through the identification of respiratory signs and symptoms among those living. Methods: A crosssectional epidemiological study conducted in Cezarina, Goiás. The sample was randomly selected by cluster sampling. Inclusion criteria were residents who lived for more than 10 years in the city and over the age of 20 years. The instrument used was adapted from the questionnaire British Medical Research Council for research into respiratory signs and symptoms. In addition to the questionnaire data were collected the following variables: sex, age, education, income, time and place of residence in the city, main occupation and workplace. Data were collected by trained staff using household interviews in the period from April 19 to May 31, 2011. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 15.0. The Project was submitted to the Ethics Committee from PUC Goiás and approved under opinion number 1674/2011. Results: The mean age was 40.4 years. The average time of residence was 24.1 years. The sample was composed mostly of women (60.9% - p = 0.000). The cement plant was the site of work cited by 11.1%. The prevalence of chronic cough was 23.1%, sputum 22.8%, 29.3% shortness of breath and wheezing 17.9%. Smoking was reported by 16.6% of respondents. Smoking showed a moderate correlation with respiratory signs and symptoms. The place of residence and length of residence were not associated with the frequency of these signs and symptoms. Conclusion: The respiratory signs and symptoms were not associated with the location and length of residence in the city. Smoking showed correlation with all respiratory symptoms studied and it was more prevalent among men.