Research Article

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Symptoms Among Oil and Gas Workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This study assessed ARS prevalence and associated factors among oil and gas workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 141 workers from selected oil-related facilities. Data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. ARS meant reporting at least one of four symptoms: cough lasting at least three months, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness/pain. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used. Odds ratios included 95% CIs; p < 0.05 denoted significance. Results: Seventy-seven workers reported symptoms (ARS prevalence: 54.6%; 95% CI: 46.4–62.6). Shortness of breath was most common (36.2%), followed by wheezing (29.8%), prolonged cough (29.1%) and chest tightness/pain (27.0%). Associations involved exposure frequency (p = 0.003), daily exposure time (p = 0.017), employment duration (p = 0.015) and current smoking (p = 0.013). Adjusted analyses found lower odds among men than women (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.80; p = 0.014), and among workers reporting occasional (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10–0.86; p = 0.025) or no exposure (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04–0.56; p = 0.004), compared with daily/frequent exposure. Sometimes using personal protective equipment (PPE) (AOR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.43–11.02; p = 0.008) and current smoking (AOR = 13.59, 95% CI: 1.38–133.59; p = 0.025) were associated with higher odds. Among symptomatic workers, 48.1% sought medical care. Conclusion: More than half reported an assessed symptom. Findings support workplace exposure reduction, appropriate respiratory protection, confidential reporting and occupational health assessment. Cross-sectional, self-reported findings cannot establish causality or confirm clinical diagnoses.

Authors affiliation:

Favour Oluebube Nwamadi: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Anthony Ike Wegbom (ORCID): Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Queen Desmond Atuzie (ORCID): Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Azubuike Amaka Ogba (ORCID): Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Emeka Umezuruike (ORCID): Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

How To Cite: F.O. Nwamadi, A.I. Wegbom, Q.D. Atuzie, A.A. Ogba, and E. Umezuruike. Prevalence and factors associated with acute respiratory symptoms among oil and gas workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Journal of Public Health and Environmental Research, 2(2):106–114, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58612/jpher2212