P Salameh1, C Karaki2, S Awada3, S Rachidi3, A Al Hajje3, W Bawab3, N Saleh4, M Waked5. 1. Laboratoire de recherche clinique et épidémiologique, faculté de pharmacie, campus Rafic Hariri, université libanaise, Hadath, Beyrouth, Liban; Section II, faculté de santé publique, université libanaise, Beyrouth, Liban. Electronic address: pascalesalameh1@hotmail.com. 2. École doctorale des sciences et technologie, université libanaise, Beyrouth, Liban. 3. Laboratoire de recherche clinique et épidémiologique, faculté de pharmacie, campus Rafic Hariri, université libanaise, Hadath, Beyrouth, Liban; École doctorale des sciences et technologie, université libanaise, Beyrouth, Liban. 4. Section II, faculté de santé publique, université libanaise, Beyrouth, Liban; École doctorale des sciences et technologie, université libanaise, Beyrouth, Liban. 5. Hôpital Saint-Georges, faculté de médecine, université de Balamand, Beyrouth, Liban.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Many studies have demonstrated that outdoor pollution might exacerbate respiratory symptoms and childhood asthma. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between asthma and outdoor and indoor pollution. METHODS: We undertook a survey in May-June 2012 about schoolchildren aged 12-19 years in six Lebanese schools. This combined the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) standardized questionnaire with other questions addressing outdoor and indoor exposure. RESULTS: Among 717 subjects (response rate 71.7%), 4.5% had physician-diagnosed asthma, 34.7% had probable asthma and 60.8% were asymptomatic. Exposure to indoor contaminants was positively associated to asthma. The risk for asthma was higher in those residing near heavy road traffic (ORa=4.30 [95% CI 1.45-12.71], P<0.05), those previously exposed to fire (ORa=1.84 [95% CI 1.01-3.36]), and those exposed to smog (ORa=4.15 [95% CI 1.42-12.12]). Airing the house in the morning or in case of indoor smoking had a protective effect against asthma. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the risks of asthma or having respiratory symptoms are not only related to indoor pollution but also to outdoor pollution especially from road traffic.
INTRODUCTION: Many studies have demonstrated that outdoor pollution might exacerbate respiratory symptoms and childhood asthma. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between asthma and outdoor and indoor pollution. METHODS: We undertook a survey in May-June 2012 about schoolchildren aged 12-19 years in six Lebanese schools. This combined the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) standardized questionnaire with other questions addressing outdoor and indoor exposure. RESULTS: Among 717 subjects (response rate 71.7%), 4.5% had physician-diagnosed asthma, 34.7% had probable asthma and 60.8% were asymptomatic. Exposure to indoor contaminants was positively associated to asthma. The risk for asthma was higher in those residing near heavy road traffic (ORa=4.30 [95% CI 1.45-12.71], P<0.05), those previously exposed to fire (ORa=1.84 [95% CI 1.01-3.36]), and those exposed to smog (ORa=4.15 [95% CI 1.42-12.12]). Airing the house in the morning or in case of indoor smoking had a protective effect against asthma. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the risks of asthma or having respiratory symptoms are not only related to indoor pollution but also to outdoor pollution especially from road traffic.
Authors: Hongzhe Dou; Yuejia Zhao; Yanhong Chen; Qingchun Zhao; Bo Xiao; Yan Wang; Yonghe Zhang; Zhiguo Chen; Jie Guo; Lingwei Tao Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2018-06-14 Impact factor: 3.295