Impact of Exposure of Chemical Fumes on Blood Pressure and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Industrial Workers of Faisalabad

Objectives: 1. To determine the impact of duration of exposure to industrial chemical fumes on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and blood pressure of the industrial workers. 2. To find out the association between changes in blood pressure and PEFR due to exposure to industrial chemical fumes in these subjects. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad. The study participants were 151 males working in the chemical industries. The study was approved by institutional ethical committee and informed consent was taken from the participants. Free camp was arranged for three days in September 2020 in the industrial area of Faisalabad. Thorough history of exposure to chemicals was taken using structured proforma. PEFR values were recorded using Wrights handheld peak flow meter. Blood pressure was taken by auscultatory method using mercury sphygmomanometer. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly raised with increase in duration of exposure.  PEFR levels were significantly declined with increase in duration of exposure to chemicals. Significant negative association was noted between diastolic blood pressure and PEFR (p value = 0.003). Negative correlation was observed between PEFR and systolic Blood pressure, however it was not statistically significant (p value = 0.92). Conclusions: PEFR decreased while Systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased significantly with increase in the duration of exposure to chemicals. There was a significant negative correlation between PEFR and diastolic blood pressure while there was no association between PEFR and systolic blood pressure.

Analysis of Gender Roles in Home Management and Agricultural Development: A Case Study in Faisalabad Tehsil

This study was designed to analyze the role of females in rural area of Tehsil Faisalabad regarding the home management and agricultural development. The area was selected under the purposive sampling and 8 villages were selected using the proportionate random sampling. The sample size (384 respondent farm families) was determined keeping in view the rural population of the area. Total respondents were 384 husbands and 384 wives. Thus the total size of sample was 768 respondents. Pre-tested interview schedule was administered. The data were subjected to analysis to obtain the descriptive statistics. Average literacy rate of husbands was higher than their wives (74.74%). The husband’s average age was higher (45.9 year) than wives (41.23 years). Most of the rural families desire to live in combined family structure. Rural women remained involved in household chores which include food preparation, washing clothes, house keeping and washing utensils. In childcare activities was lower as compared to other household chores (74.7%). Regarding outdoor activities rural women remained involved actively in crop production, vegetable production, livestock production and post harvest activities. The major source of information of rural women related to home management and agriculture development were neighborers. Medium to high level of competency was identified among rural women in different roles. About 75% wives agreed that formal and vocational education is necessary for development of female in rural area. It was concluded that educational status of women in rural area must be enhanced with measures taken to join in social matters. Training/workshops should be arranged for the rural women with the purpose to educate them regarding household management and agricultural development.