Assessment of respiratory function status among commercial motorcycle drivers in Sawla town, southern Ethiopia: comparative cross-sectional study.

Commercial motorcycle drivers are highly exposed to ambient air pollution, increasing their risk of respiratory diseases. Air pollution contributes to millions of deaths worldwide and is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. This study aimed to assess respiratory function status among commercial motorcycle drivers in Sawla Town, southern Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 commercial motorcyclists and 64 age and sex-matched controls in Sawla town from October to November, 2024. A pre-tested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire using the Kobo Toolbox was used to collect data regarding respiratory symptoms. Lung function was measured using a Contec SP-10 handheld Spirometer. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, independent sample t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were employed for data analysis. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. This study revealed a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lower lung function indices among commercial motorcycle drivers than in the controls. Prevalence of cough, phlegm, wheeze, breathlessness, and chest tightness was found (37.5% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.009), (31.3% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.019), (18.8% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.118), (15.6% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.157), (17.2% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.099) among motorcyclists and controls, respectively. The odds of experiencing cough and phlegm were significantly higher among commercial motorcycle drivers than the controls. The mean of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), the ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1/FVC), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), and Forced Expiratory Flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) were significantly lower among commercial motorcycle drivers. A negative correlation was observed between work duration and both FVC (r = -416, P = 0.001) and FEV1 (r = -0371, P = 0.003), suggesting an association between longer work duration and lower lung function. Commercial motorcyclists experience increased respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function tests. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive interventions, including providing personal protective devices (PPDs), to reduce potential occupational respiratory health risks.