Analysis of Respiratory Symptoms and Related Influencing Factors among Employees in Different Positions of Swimming Places in China

Objective To investigate the positive rate of respiratory symptoms and related influencing factors among employees of different positions in swimming places in China.

Methods Based on the China’s national data of health hazard monitoring in national public places in 2018, the multistage random sampling method was used to select 3 726 employees from 610 swimming places in 117 monitoring cities as researched subjects, and they were divided into groups based on their position. Chi-square test was used for comparison between two groups, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate related influencing factors.

Results Among 3 726 employees, for the position of coaches or lifeguard, male employees accounted for 88.4%, while employees aged (20-29) years accounted for 49.0%, and those with a length of service of (1-5) years accounted for 58.4%. The stratified analysis showed that the coaches or lifeguards in swimming places had significantly higher positive rates of different symptoms than these in ordinary positions. Multivariate logistic regression showed that length of service not less than 11 years, region, position, passive smoking, drinking, and poor ventilation were the influencing factors for positive respiratory symptoms, and the OR (95%CI) were 1.90 (1.31, 2.74) and 1.51 (1.08, 2.11), 2.19 (1.75, 2.73), 2.18 (1.73, 2.76), 1.20 (1.01, 1.42), 2.44 (2.02, 2.96), 2.39 (1.92, 2.97), 1.38 (1.14, 1.67), 2.74 (2.34, 3.22), respectively.

Conclusion This study shows that length of service over 11 years, regional difference, position difference, passive smoking, drinking, and ventilation affect the development of respiratory symptoms among the employees in swimming places, among whom coaches or lifeguards tend to have more obvious respiratory symptoms than those in ordinary positions. It is suggested to formulate specific standards and specifications for related indicators affecting water quality and indoor environment, such as water change frequency, disinfection frequency, ventilation measures, and visitor flow.