Lung Function and Aerobic Capacity in Sugarcane Factory Workers in Kopargaon : A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sugarcane factory workers are exposed to considerable occupational hazards, which may impair lung function and aerobic capacity. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the pulmonary function and aerobic capacity of sugarcane factory workers with direct and indirect exposure. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 sugarcane factory workers: 57 with direct exposure and 98 with indirect exposure. Spirometry tests (FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC%) and aerobic capacity (VO₂ Max via YMCA Step Test) were measured. Workers were classified into normal, obstructive, restrictive, and mixed lung function categories using standard spirometry criteria. Statistical comparisons between groups were tested using Mann-Whitney U test and significance set at p<0.05. Results: Workers with direct exposure had significantly lower lung function: FVC (2.85±0.60 L), FEV₁ (2.00±0.57 L), FEV₁/FVC (71.0±11.3%) compared to indirect exposure workers: FVC (3.26±0.66 L), FEV₁ (2.61±0.47 L), FEV₁/FVC (80.1±8.6%) (all p<0.001). VO₂ Max was also significantly lower in directly exposed workers (55.56±11.44 ml/kg/min) compared to indirect (65.36±10.10 ml/kg/min; U=734.0, p=0.000002). The direct group had a higher proportion of obstructive and mixed lung impairment. Conclusion: Direct occupational exposure in sugarcane factories is associated with significant reductions in lung function and aerobic capacity among workers.