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

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.

Human exposure to indoor air pollution in Ethiopian households

“…IAP is a less studied subject in Ethiopia, and synthesizing available evidence in the literature is very challenging owing to the evidence quality and heterogeneity. Several studies have found a link between biomass fuel use and acute respiratory infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and tuberculosis in Ethiopian households ( Andarge et al., 2021 ; Balidemaj et al., 2021 ; Desalegn et al., 2011 ; Downward et al., 2018 ; Mengesha et al., 2004 ; Tamire et al., 2020 ; Andualem et al., 2020 ). According to a study conducted in Gondor, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among women was 46.1% [95% CI: 42.6 %–49.7 %], with a runny nose, shortness of breath, and phlegm accounting for 32.07 %, 15.03 %, and 12.63 %, respectively ( Andualem et al., 2020 ).…”

Environmental effects from the use of traditional biomass for heating in rural areas: a case study of Anogeia, Crete

“…Moreover, a growing body of literature (WHO, 2015;Sigsgaard et al, 2015;Hystad et al, 2019;Tamire et al, 2019) , 2010). Its effect is strictly related to the toxic compounds attached to the particle surface, since toxic compounds such as PAHs and dioxins/furans, heavy metals may be easily carried into the lungs (Stabile et al, 2018).…”

Blinded to Their Own Daily Sufferings: the Lived Experience of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Ethiopia

“…Only two of the participants had exposure to tobacco smoke: one former smoker and the other because of environmental tobacco exposure. Given the low prevalence of tobacco smoking in the country, further research into other risk factors for COPD, including the use of biomass fuel, is indicated (7,21). Meanwhile, health promotion and protective measures in the community and in the workplaces should be initiated.…”