The Impact Of Environmental Factors On Respiratory Health Outcomes Among Pediatric Populations In Urban Settings

Abstract

Background: City-based setting exposes children to a variety of environmental risks such as air pollution, allergens, as well as overcrowding, which is becoming more and more linked with poor respiratory health outcomes. Pediatric populations are the most vulnerable group because their lung functioning is not fully developed and they are more exposed. Objective: This paper will discuss how the environment has influenced the respiratory health status of the population of pediatric groups living in urban areas. Methodology: Secondary data was used to analyze cross-sectionally 1,200 children aged between 5-14 years in three of the main urban areas. The indicators of environmental exposure were particulate material (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) and the household population density. The clinical records and caregiver-reported symptoms were used to measure the respiratory outcomes. Findings: The findings revealed that children who were exposed to increased levels of PM2.5 (over 35 µg/m 3 ) were at a higher risk of asthma diagnosis, 1.8 times. They found that heightened levels of NO 2 were largely related to regular wheezing (p < 0.05). Also, bad living conditions were associated with increased cases of respiratory infections, with 42% of people getting infected. Conclusion: The environmental factors play a major role in respiratory disease among pediatrics in urban areas. Reduction of respiratory morbidity requires specific measures of interventions such as pollution and housing conditions.