Rural-urban disparity in lung function parameters of Nigerian children: effects of socio-economic, nutritional and housing factors

Abstract

IntroductionThe effect of socio-demographic and nutritional factors on lung functions of African children is poorly studied. This study set out to determine the effects of these factors on lung functions of Nigerian school children.MethodsRural and urban secondary schools students in Ilesa, Nigeria were selected by multistage sampling. The socio-demographic, nutritional status as well as lung function parameters measured using incentive Spirometry (MIR Spirolab III srl, Italy) of the children were obtained and compared among the rural and urban children.ResultsA total of 250 children (128 rural and 122 urban) aged 9 to 17 years participated in the study over a 12 month period. Mean (SD) age was 12.6 (1.9) years and Male: Female 1:1.1. The urban children were heavier, taller and have larger lung volumes than their age and sex matched rural counterpart. Stunted rural males [Mean (SD) FVC 1.8 (0.3) L vs. 2.2 (0.6) L t-test = 2.360; p = 0.022], underweight females [Mean (SD) FVC 1.8 (0.4) L vs. 2.2 (0.6) L; t-test = 2.855; p = 0.006] and those exposed to unclean fuel [Mean (SD) FVC 2.1 (0.6) L vs. 2.4 (0.5) L; t-test = 2.079; p = 0.041] had significantly lower lung volumes compared to their counterparts without these conditions.ConclusionUndernutrition, low socio-economic class and use of unclean fuels adversely affect the lung functions of Nigerian children. Improved standard of living, use of clean fuel and adequate nutrition may ensure better lung health among these children.

Lung Function of Children at Three Sites of Varying Ambient Air Pollution Levels in Uganda: A Cross Sectional Comparative Study

“…The pathophysiology of biomass smoke airway damage is not yet fully understood but a recent study in China suggests that biomass smoke probably causes disease through damage to the small airways which is consistent with the association with FEF 25–75 % observed in this study [39]. Nutritional status has been previously found to affect lung function [38,40,41,42]. In Nigeria, Kuti et al assessed the effect of nutritional status in 250 children and found that underweight children had significantly lower lung function than normal weight children [38].…”

“…Children in urban sites, those with cough, exposure to biomass smoke and underweight had lower lung function. The association between lung function and, cough, urbanization, underweight and biomass smoke exposure has been previously reported [15,36,37,38]. In the current study, the association between biomass smoke exposure and lung function was found only for FEF 25–75 %, a key marker of small airway dysfunction.…”

“…Nutritional status has been previously found to affect lung function [38,40,41,42]. In Nigeria, Kuti et al assessed the effect of nutritional status in 250 children and found that underweight children had significantly lower lung function than normal weight children [38]. Overweight is usually associated with lower lung function.…”

Social Aspects in the Assessment of Biobased Value Chains

“…Many people in developing countries rely on biomass such as wood and dung as an energy source for cooking and also lighting. Exposure to smoke from the combustion of biomass can lead to respiratory diseases [71] and other symptoms including eye irritation [38]. Survey studies performed in Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh report positive impacts from the installation of biogas digesters in smallholder farms and households [36,38,51].…”

Spirometry Abnormalities and Its Associated Factors Among Primary School Children in a Nigerian City

“…Most reports have focused on comparisons of mean differences in spirometric indices based on demographics and health status. 14 , 15 Few have interpreted their findings using globally accepted reference standards like the Global Lung Initiative (GLI-2012). The GLI-2012 has been shown to be applicable in children and adults (3-95 years) from different countries as it eliminates age, gender, ethnic, and height bias in lung function interpretation.…”