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Abstract

The prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms in south-central Durban, one of the most heavily polluted areas of South Africa, has been determined using a cross-sectional survey of 213 households in the communities of Merewent (97% Indians) and Austerville (98% coloreds). The study population consisted of 367 children (less than 17 years old) and 693 adults. About 10% of the children and 12% of adults reported doctor diagnosed asthma. The self-reported prevalence rates for wheezing (3740%) and attacks of shortness of breath with wheeze (16-28%) were much higher than that for doctor diagnosed asthma and common co-occurrence of the three symptoms is found. The prevalence rates for other respiratory symptoms include 33-35% for chronic cough, 31-32% for chronic phlegm, 44-50% for frequent blocked-runny nose, and 16-27% for sinusitis. Factors in the community that were associated with asthma, wheeze and shortness of breath with wheeze among the adult population included cigarette smoking, use of insecticides (coils and pump spray) and home ownership. An association between asthma among children and a number of household risk factors including dampness, carpet, pets or use of pesticides was not apparent in the community. Asthma prevalence was strongly correlated with missing of school by children (odds ratio (OR): 44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 13-141). The study serves to draw attention to a growing but neglected public health problem in urban areas of Africa.

Pulmonary function and respiratory health of rural farmers and artisanal and small scale gold miners in Ghana

“…Chronic bronchitis and shortness of breath prevalence in Kejetia is similar to some other studies among rural Canadian swine farmers (Dosman et al, 1988) and urban South African adults (Nriagu et al, 1999). Usual phlegm production, usual phlegm production for longer than three months, and wheezing are higher in Kejetia than found in other groups of rural and urban adults (Dosman et al, 1988; Gallotti et al, 2006; Nriagu et al, 1999).…”

“…Chronic bronchitis and shortness of breath prevalence in Kejetia is similar to some other studies among rural Canadian swine farmers (Dosman et al, 1988) and urban South African adults (Nriagu et al, 1999). Usual phlegm production, usual phlegm production for longer than three months, and wheezing are higher in Kejetia than found in other groups of rural and urban adults (Dosman et al, 1988; Gallotti et al, 2006; Nriagu et al, 1999). In Gorogo, cough for longer than three months, usual phlegm production, usual phlegm production for longer than three months, chronic bronchitis, breathlessness when walking, wheezing, and shortness of breath are all generally lower than other potentially exposed and non-exposed groups (Gamsky et al, 1992; Gallotti et al, 2006; Nriagu et al, 1999; Dosman et al, 1988).…”

“…The prevalence of usual cough and breathlessness when walking are lower in Kejetia than other studies of rural and urban adults have observed (Gamsky, Schenker, McCurdy, & Samuels, 1992, Gallotti et al, 2006; Nriagu et al, 1999). Chronic bronchitis and shortness of breath prevalence in Kejetia is similar to some other studies among rural Canadian swine farmers (Dosman et al, 1988) and urban South African adults (Nriagu et al, 1999).…”

“…Usual phlegm production, usual phlegm production for longer than three months, and wheezing are higher in Kejetia than found in other groups of rural and urban adults (Dosman et al, 1988; Gallotti et al, 2006; Nriagu et al, 1999). In Gorogo, cough for longer than three months, usual phlegm production, usual phlegm production for longer than three months, chronic bronchitis, breathlessness when walking, wheezing, and shortness of breath are all generally lower than other potentially exposed and non-exposed groups (Gamsky et al, 1992; Gallotti et al, 2006; Nriagu et al, 1999; Dosman et al, 1988). Exposure to elemental mercury may also cause coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath (Clarkson & Magos, 2006; Poulin & Gibb, 2008).…”

Ambient pollution and respiratory outcomes among schoolchildren in Durban, South Africa

“…[14] In south Durban children aged under 17 years, parents reported that 16.3% had experienced attacks of shortness of breath with wheeze during the last 12 months, and that 10% had ever been diagnosed with asthma. [15] The ISAAC-based prevalences show wide variation between countries in Africa, prevalences of wheeze symptoms ranging from 4.0% to 21.5%. [7] Our rates of 14.8% for doctor-diagnosed asthma and 24.5% for ever wheezing reported by the caregivers are within the range of other South African and international studies.…”