Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function among Ethiopian Women in Relation to Household Fuel Use

Mulugeta Tamire, Adamu Addissie, Abera Kumie, Emma Husmark, Susann Skovbjerg, Rune Andersson and Mona Lärstad
Additional contact information
Mulugeta Tamire: Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia
Adamu Addissie: Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia
Abera Kumie: Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia
Emma Husmark: Bergsjön Primary Care Center, Rymdtorget 8D, 41519 Gothenburg, Sweden
Susann Skovbjerg: Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
Rune Andersson: Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
Mona Lärstad: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 16A, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Exposure to household air pollution has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. This study aims to assess respiratory symptoms and lung function among Ethiopian women in relation to exposure to HAP. We conducted a cross-sectional study among non-smoking women responsible for household cooking. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms and risk factors using a validated questionnaire. Spirometry with reversibility testing was performed according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines. We used independent t-test and multivariable logistic regression to compare the means and measure association respectively. A total of 545 women participated in the study out of which 231 (42.3%) performed spirometry with at least three acceptable manoeuvres. Everyone in the rural group and 43% of the urban group were exposed to HAP from solid fuels during cooking. The odds of developing at least one respiratory symptom when compared with those using cleaner fuels are twice as high for women cooking within the living house. We also found significantly lower forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (L) among solid fuels users compared with cleaner energy users. Given the larger population settlement in the rural areas and the use of solid fuel as the only energy source, there is a higher risk of developing chronic respiratory health problems for those women in Ethiopia.

Keywords: household air pollution; solid fuel; respiratory symptoms; lung function; Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2019:i:1:p:41-:d:299725

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