SS67-02 DUST EXPOSURE AND PREVENTING RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract Introduction Growing up on a farm can be fun and foster independence. Habits learned in the family farm context include safety behaviours to prevent injury or exposures. Respiratory diseases have been associated with agriculture for centuries and continue to rise. Targeted education to reduce exposures in young people has been haphazard and poorly evaluated. Aim To increase knowledge of farm hazards, their possible impact, and promote practices that grow individual agency and empower young people to reduce their individual exposure to respiratory hazards. Materials and Methods Twenty-one programs at 20 Victorian schools in farming communities were delivered. A pre-program survey qualified relevance of program content by identifying farming type, exposures and common work tasks. A post-program survey assessed (i) changes in knowledge of hazards, (ii) self-reported changes to safety practices and behaviors of students. Results Overall, 393 students (12 to 24 years) completed the pre-program survey. Of those, 79% (n=310) worked in dusty environments with 29% reporting shortness of breath, cough, fever or chills after work in dusty environments. Six-week post-program 97% of students reported increased understanding of when and why they should wear respiratory protection. Further, 48% reported wearing respiratory protection in dusty environments and 34% described discussing safety concerns with their family, and friends post program. Conclusion Young people working on farms often have little choice on safety equipment or exposure risk. This school program increased knowledge and agency to reduce individual exposure on farm. Individual agency was highlighted with demand for and wearing of respiratory protection and discussion with peers.