Abstract

This is a study on peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) of petrol station attendants using a Wright peak flow metre, conducted on 30 petrol station attendants within Nnewi town, Anambra State and 20 control (students of college of health sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus) based on inclusion/exclusion criterion. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of petroleum on the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of petrol station attendants and also check if this effect increases or decreases with exposure time and correlate the effect with lifestyle parameters of the petrol attendants. 30 questionnaires were distributed with a 1005 return rate. Peak flow meter, weighing scale, standiometer were used for preliminary measurements. Subjects were instructed to expire maximally into the peak flow meter after the procedure was demonstrated to them. The breathing manoeuvre was carried out three times and then the peak flow reading recorded. The study revealed that mean PEFR of the test group was 379.83 (P-value 0.091) and PEFR of control was 416.00. This study shows a statistically insignificant P-value (P>0.05), although it shows there was a change in the mean PEFR of test group and control. This study is contrary to earlier reports on PEFR of petrol station attendants, though this difference can be attributed to the small sample population use for this experiment. This study shows a statistically insignificant P-value (P>0.05), although it shows there was a change in the mean PEFR of test group and control. Suggestions for further studies and recommendation is geared towards conducting a follow up research on a larger sample population to assess level of significance of findings in this experiment

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