P-489 PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS, DISEASES AND VENTILATORY DISORDERS AMONG DENTAL TECHNICIANS

Abstract Objective To assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, diseases and ventilatory disorders among dental technicians. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 372 people working in 75 laboratories in Casablanca, Fez, Meknes, Rabat and Tangiers, and with at least two years’ seniority. It included a questionnaire, spirometry and thoracic radiophotography. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, smoking habits, medical history and clinical respiratory symptoms. Chronic bronchitis is defined as chronic cough and chronic sputum production occurring for at least three months per year and for at least two consecutive years without any other identified cause. The diagnosis of COPD was made in the presence of an obstructive ventilatory defect based on a ratio forced expiratory volume at the first second/ forced vital capacity (FEV1/ FVC) <70% after administration of a bronchodilator Results Average age was 31.8±8.4 years. The predominance was male (73%) and the average seniority was 9.7±6.3years. 32.9% were current smokers, 12.4% former smokers and 54.7% non-smokers. The prevalence of tracheobronchial irritation symptoms was 25.2% for chronic cough, 9.7% for respiratory discomfort, 7.2% for chronic sputum and 8.7% for chest wheezing. Rhinitis was 18%, asthma 8.2%, chronic bronchitis 7.1% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 6.7% (7.1% in current and former smokers versus 3.4% in non-smokers). 19% had deficits in the (FEV1) and the (FVC). This prevalence reached 32% in current and former smokers. The prevalence of radiological abnormalities was 13.2% (5.2% had small parenchymal opacities suggestive of pneumoconiosis). Conclusion Prevention and early detection must be a priority in this sector.