Environmental risk assessment of chronic lower respiratory tract problems predicted by ventilatory tests among urban and rural Egyptian school children

ABSTRACT

There is a strong evidence that environmental pollution adversely affects respiratory health of children. Indoor and outdoor pollutants may contribute to development of chronic respiratory diseases leading to impairment of pulmonary functions. The aim of the study is to detect possible environmental risk factors of chronic lower respiratory diseases [CLRD] among urban and rural school children. Two governmental primary schools were visited in Giza Governorate, one of them is in Boulak El Dakrour representing urban area and the other is in Bashteel representing rural area. The study sample was 300 children from urban [150] and rural [150] areas within age range 10-12 years. The study instruments were a questionnaire sheet, weight and height measuring scales and an electronic spirometer. Each student was subjected to full clinical examination and pulmonary function testing. The prevalence of CLRD was mostly the same among urban and rural children [20% and 29% respectively]. Logistic regression analysis proved that the type of furniture passive smoking, household insects, residence in the first floor and outdoor pollutants were significant risk factors of CLRD in urban area while rural risk factors were kerosene fuel, passive smoking, household insects, low socioeconomic class .residence in the first floor and outdoor pollutants