“A PRE-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DEEP BREATHING EXERCISES ON RESPIRATORY STATUS AMONG WORKERS IN SELECTED FACTORIES OF PUNE CITY”

Sharmila Kulal, Sakshi Kamane , Sakshi Kajave, Madhumati Katepalle

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory health is crucial for overall well-being, especially for industrial workers who are regularly exposed to airborne pollutants, dust, and harmful fumes. The WHO states that workplace exposure to pollutants is a key cause of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, and other occupational lung conditions. In India, the rise in industrialization has worsened this issue, particularly in cities like Pune, where factory workers face long-term exposure to dangerous particulate matter.

Aims of the Study: to Assess the Effectiveness of Deep Breathing Exercises on Respiratory Status Among Workers in Selected Factories of Pune City.

Methodology: The present study followed a quantitative research approach using a pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design. Data was collected from workers in selected factories 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, the investigator computed the r-value, which was found to be +0.9363, indicating a strong poitive relationship.

Results: Most participants were middle-aged males with low education, long work exposure, smoking habits, and poor protective practices, making them prone to respiratory issues. Pre-test results showed severe breathlessness, while post-test findings revealed marked improvement, with 70% achieving normal status. The t-test confirmed deep breathing exercises were highly effective, and chi-square analysis showed no significant link between respiratory status and demographic factors.

Conclusion: Deep breathing exercises were found to be highly effective in improving the respiratory status of factory 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.