Lung Function Decline in Farm and Nonfarm Rural Residents of Saskatchewan

J Occup Environ Med. 2020 Jun;62(6):e250-e259. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001854.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the annual changes in lung function among farm and nonfarm adult residences in rural Saskatchewan, Canada.

Methods: Data from the Saskatchewan Rural Health Study survey (2010 to 2014) among 724 adults were used.

Results: For forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) measurements, estimates of annual decline (in milliliters) were highest in older age male (65+ years) (Mean, SD) (-42.63, 21.16); and among old heavy smokers (-57.79, 24.30). Estimates of annual decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) were highest in current smokers without the use of natural gas (-25.78, 14.78) and among old heavy smokers (-33.88, 20.28). Living on a farm is associated with decreased FEV1 and FVC, but not statistically significant by sex and age.

Conclusions: A complex mix of personal and contextual factors may affect these estimates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Farmers*
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Lung* / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rural Population*
  • Saskatchewan
  • Vital Capacity