Individual Characteristics and Particulate Matter Exposure Associated with Lung Function Impairment Among Online Taxi-bike Drivers in Medan City

Abstract

Impaired lung function contributes to a range of major health problems, including poor respiratory health and chronic lung disease. Online taxi-bike drivers are a vulnerable group of workers exposed to air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), thereby risking lung function impairment. This study aims to determine the association between individual characteristics and PM exposure with lung function impairment among online taxi-bike drivers in Medan City. The sample size in this cross-sectional study was 138 online taxi-bike drivers in Medan City who were selected by accidental sampling. Data analysis using simple logistic regression test. The results showed that the prevalence of lung function impairment among online taxi-bike drivers in Medan City was 26.8%. Age (p=0.001), BMI (p=0.006), years of work (p=0.002), length of work (p=0.032), smoking (p=0.006), and inhaled PM10 intake ≥0.0048 mg/kg/day on maximum PM10 concentration (40.10 mg/m³) (p=0.045) are associated with lung function impairment, while the behavior of using masks as personal protective equipment (p=0.332) and inhaled PM10 intake ≥0.0028 mg/kg/day on minimum PM10 concentration (23.20 mg/m³) (p=0.464) are not significantly associated with lung function impairment among online taxi-bike drivers in Medan City. The local government is expected to conduct regular vehicle emission tests as well as preserve green open spaces to reduce air pollution in Medan City, and facilitate education for online taxi-bike drivers to maintain and improve lung health and seek medical attention when experiencing respiratory symptoms. Online taxi-bike drivers are also advised to continue using good quality masks and wearing them properly while working.