Agus Yosep Parulian, I Gusti Ngurah Bagus Artana, Ni Luh Putu Eka Arisanti, Ida Ayu Jasminarti Dwi Kusumawardani, Ni Wayan Candrawati, Made Agustya Darma Putra Wesnawa

Occupational asthma screening for textile product business person at Semarapura Market, Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia

Introduction

Occupational asthma screening for textile product business person at semarapura market, klungkung, bali, indonesia. Occupational asthma screening at Semarapura Market, Bali, found 9.2% of textile traders experienced work-related asthma symptoms due to dust exposure & lack of masks.

Abstract

Background: Work-related asthma is a significant occupational health problem in the textile industry due to exposure to sensitizing and irritant agents such as cotton dust. Data on the prevalence of work-related asthma among textile workers in Klungkung, Bali, remain very limited. This study is important to identify the prevalence of work-related asthma symptoms and related factors in this population. This study aims to determine the prevalence of work-related asthma symptoms based on a screening questionnaire and to analyze the characteristics, comorbidities, and occupational safety practices among textile traders in Semarapura Market, Klungkung, Bali. Methods: This research employed a descriptive observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The study was conducted at Semarapura Market, Klungkung, Bali, from August to November 2025. The sample consisted of 76 textile traders selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collected included participant characteristics, physical examination, spirometry test, Work-related Asthma Symptoms Questionnaire (WRASQ), and in-depth interviews based on Fishman’s Pulmonary Diseases & Disorders (6th ed.). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 76 respondents participated, predominantly female (81.6%), aged 41–50 years (26.3%), with a work duration of more than 10 years (53.9%). Seven respondents (9.2%) tested positive for work-related asthma based on the WRASQ. The most frequently reported exposures were dust (27.2%), cold air (25%), and cotton dust (17.4%). However, all respondents had normal spirometry results. In-depth interviews revealed that all respondents experienced shortness of breath during working hours that improved when not working. None of the respondents had a previous history of asthma, and the main triggering factor was the lack of mask use during work. Conclusion: Symptoms of work-related asthma among respondents were influenced by prolonged exposure to irritant materials and the absence of mask use during work.

Review

This study addresses a pertinent public health concern regarding occupational asthma among textile traders in Semarapura Market, Klungkung, Bali, a region where data on this issue is notably scarce. The researchers employed a descriptive observational, cross-sectional design, integrating multiple data collection methods including a Work-related Asthma Symptoms Questionnaire (WRASQ), physical examinations, spirometry tests, and in-depth interviews. This multi-faceted approach, aiming to capture both subjective symptoms and objective physiological data, is commendable and provides a comprehensive initial screening for a potentially underdiagnosed condition. The focus on a specific, vulnerable occupational group contributes valuable preliminary insights into the local prevalence and associated factors of work-related respiratory symptoms. The findings indicate that 9.2% of the 76 predominantly female traders, many with long work durations, tested positive for work-related asthma based on the WRASQ. Common exposures reported were dust, cold air, and cotton dust, strongly linking symptoms to the work environment. A critical point, however, is the abstract's statement that "all respondents had normal spirometry results." While normal spirometry does not definitively rule out intermittent or early asthma, especially if not performed during symptomatic periods or post-exposure, this discrepancy warrants further discussion. The in-depth interviews, revealing symptom improvement away from work and the lack of mask use as a key trigger, strongly support the work-related nature of the reported shortness of breath despite the normal spirometry. Additionally, the reported study dates (August to November 2025) are unusual for a published abstract and would typically imply a planned rather than completed study; assuming this is a typographical error for a past date is necessary for a meaningful review of the reported results. In conclusion, this research provides an important initial screening for work-related asthma symptoms among textile traders in Semarapura Market, highlighting the influence of prolonged irritant exposure and the critical role of personal protective equipment like masks. The study effectively identifies a population at risk and generates hypotheses for further investigation. Future research should aim to objectively diagnose asthma through methods such as bronchial provocation tests, especially in those with positive WRASQ results, and explore the temporal relationship between exposure, symptoms, and spirometry findings. This foundational work is crucial for developing targeted occupational health interventions and public health strategies to protect the respiratory health of textile workers in Bali and similar settings.

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