Comparative Assessment of Lung Function Among Woodwork Artisans and Non-Exposed Controls in Awka, South East Nigeria

Background: Occupational exposure to wood dust is a recognised cause of respiratory impairment, with evidence linking chronic inhalation to obstructive and restrictive lung disease patterns. In Awka, Anambra State, a thriving woodwork artisan sector employs thousands of individuals in poorly ventilated workshops without consistent use of respiratory protective equipment. Undergraduate-level characterisation of this occupational lung disease burden is warranted. Objectives: This study aims to compare spirometric indices of lung function, specifically forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and peak expiratory flow rate, between woodwork artisans and non-exposed office workers in Awka. Methods: Sixty artisans and forty controls will be recruited. Spirometry will be conducted using a portable MIR Spirolab III device following ATS guidelines. An interviewer-administered questionnaire will document years of exposure, type of wood processed, use of face masks, and respiratory symptoms. Independent t-tests and logistic regression will be applied. Expected Outcomes: Artisans are expected to demonstrate significantly reduced spirometric indices compared to controls, with longer exposure duration and absence of mask use predicting greater impairment. Conclusion: Findings will reinforce advocacy for occupational safety standards in Nigeria's informal woodwork sector. Keywords: lung function, wood dust, spirometry, woodwork artisans, Awka.