Abstract Rationale Agricultural workers face a heightened risk of developing respiratory diseases and impaired lung function due to prolonged exposure to diverse animal- and plant-derived substances. Despite this, the occupational health impacts particularly the respiratory risks among farm workers remain insufficiently understood. Globally, agricultural exposures such as organic dust, pesticides, and chemical fumes have been associated with chronic respiratory conditions. However, evidence from the Gulf region is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and evaluate pulmonary function among farmers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2023 and May 2024 among farmers with at least five years of agricultural experience. Participants were recruited from different Eastern Province farms. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using the validated Arabic version of the ATS-DLD-78A questionnaire. Spirometry was performed with the COSMED Pony FX spirometer according to ATS/ERS standards. Farmers lung function data were compared with data from age and sex matched healthy controls. Results Forty-four farmers and 25 healthy controls participated. Mean age of farmers was 40.3 ± 10.8 years; mean BMI was 29.2 ± 8.2 kg/m². Acceptable spirometry data were obtained from 33 farmers. Compared with controls, farmers exhibited significantly lower mean FEV1 (3.1 ± 0.6 vs. 3.6 ± 0.5 L, p = 0.002) and FVC (3.9 ± 0.7 vs. 4.5 ± 0.5 L, p = 0.001), though FEV1/FVC ratios were similar (79.4% vs. 79.6%, p = 0.911). Breathlessness was the most frequently reported symptom (45.5%), followed by cold/flu (29.5%) and wheezing (22.7%). Dust exposure was reported by 88.6% and gas/chemical fume exposure by 44.5% of farmers. No significant associations were found between exposure levels and spirometric indices. Conclusions Farmers in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province demonstrated reduced lung function and high rates of respiratory symptoms compared with non-farming controls, suggesting occupational exposure impacts respiratory health. Although spirometric patterns did not significantly correlate with specific exposures, observed declines in FEV1 and FVC warrant further investigation. Larger, longitudinal studies incorporating quantitative exposure assessment are needed to clarify causality and guide preventive strategies within Saudi agricultural settings. This abstract is funded by: None
Al-Khathlan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.