“A PRE-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DEEP BREATHING EXERCISES ON THE RESPIRATORY STATUS AMONG PETROL PUMP WORKERS FROM SELECTED AREAS OF PUNE CITY”

Ms. Monal Kurane, Ms. Payal Gawade, Ms. Anjali Gire, Mr. Gurunath Jagtap

Abstract

Introduction: The respiratory rate is the rate at which breathing occurs; it is set and controlled by the respiratory center of the brain. A person's respiratory rate is usually measured in breaths per minute. The respiratory rate in humans is measured by counting the number of breaths for one minute through counting how many times the chest rises. A fibre-optic breath rate sensor can be used for monitoring patients during a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Respiration rates may increase with fever, illness, or other medical conditions.

Aims of the Study: The study aims to assess the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises in improving the respiratory status of petrol pump workers in selected areas of Pune city. It also seeks to evaluate any measurable changes in respiratory parameters following the intervention.

Methodology: The present study followed a quantitative research approach using a pre-experimental one-group pretest–post-test design. Data was collected from petrol pump workers in selected areas of Pune city. Based on the sample size calculation, 60 participants were included, selected through a non-probability purposive sampling method. To evaluate the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises on the respiratory status of workers, a structured questionnaire was used, and the reliability of the tool was assessed using the test–retest method. The investigator computed the r-value, which was found to be +0.9720, indicating a high level of reliability.

Results: Most participants were middle-aged males with secondary or lower education, prolonged exposure to petrol/diesel fumes, smoking habits, and poor use of protective equipment—factors that increased their risk of respiratory problems. Pre-test findings showed that 68.33% had low respiratory status, indicating poor respiratory health. Post-test results revealed a marked improvement, with 85% of participants achieving high or adequate respiratory status and none remaining in the low category. The t-test showed the intervention was highly effective (t = 22.59, p = 0.00001), and chi-square analysis indicated no significant association between respiratory status and demographic variables.

Conclusion: Deep breathing exercises were found to be highly effective in improving the respiratory status of petrol pump workers. A significant difference between pre- and post-test scores confirmed the intervention’s effectiveness, while demographic variables showed no significant association. This highlights deep breathing as a simple, low-cost, and feasible method to promote respiratory health among workers exposed to harmful fumes.