A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND OCCURRENCE OF RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS AMONG AUTO RICKSHAW DRIVERS IN SELECTED AREAS OF KOLLAM DISTRICT

Mrs. Shyma S.*, Mrs. Badariyathul Sabira, Jasla Jaleel, Nandu Mohan, Rachana D.S., Rahna S., Saya P.

ABSTRACT

The present study was intended to assess the knowledge and occurrence of respiratory problems among auto rickshaw drivers in selected areas of Kollam district. The objectives of the study were assess the knowledge and occurrence regarding respiratory problems among auto rickshaw drivers in selected areas of Kollam district and find out the association between knowledge and demographic variables and the occurrence of respiratory problems and demographic variables among auto rickshaw drivers in selected areas of Kollam. A quantitative research approach and cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The data was collected from 130 auto rickshaw drivers who are selected conveniently. The investigator used a semi structured questionnaire to assess knowledge and respiratory problems. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The results revealed that 20% of the autorickshaw drivers had poor knowledge, 78.1% had average knowledge, and only 1.9% had good knowledge regarding respiratory problems. With regard to occurrence 17.7% of the drivers reported respiratory problems. The study concluded that knowledge regarding respiratory problem has significant association with year of experience and occurrence of respiratory problem has significant association with smoking habits of auto rickshaw drivers.

Keywords: Knowledge, Occurrence, Respiratory Problems, auto rickshaw Drivers, Occupational Health, Air Pollution.