Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of Residents with Persistent Lower Respiratory Symptoms or Asthma Following a Sulphur Stockpile Fire Incident.

Shahieda Adams,Mohamed Fareed Jeebhay,Mayuri Rajani,Roslynn Baatjies,Faieza Omar

doi:10.3390/ijerph19052915

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in residents with persistent lower respiratory symptoms (PLRS) or asthma six years after exposure to sulphur dioxide vapours emanating from an ignited sulphur stockpile. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out, using interview data collected at three time points (prior to, one- and six-years post incident), medical history, respiratory symptoms and HRQOL using the Medical Outcomes Study Form 36 (SF-36). Results: A total of 246 records, 74 with and 172 without PLRS or asthma, were analysed. The mean age was 42 (SD:12) years in the symptomatic group and 41 (SD:13) years in the asymptomatic group. Mean SF-36 scores were significantly lower for the symptomatic group in the Physical Functioning (24 vs. 39), Role—Physical (33 vs. 48) and General Health (GH) domains (24 vs. 37). Symptomatic residents experienced a significant decline in their Role—Physical (OR = 1.97; CI 1.09, 3.55) and GH (OR = 3.50; CI 1.39, 8.79) at year 6 compared to asymptomatic participants. Residents with co-morbid reactive upper airways dysfunction syndrome demonstrated stronger associations for GH (OR = 7.04; CI 1.61, 30.7) at year 1 and at year 6 (OR = 8.58; CI 1.10, 65.02). Conclusions: This study highlights the long-term adverse impact on HRQoL among residents with PLRS or asthma following a sulphur stockpile fire disaster.

Highlights

Exposure to sulphur dioxide following air pollution and industrial incidents has been associated with the development of poor respiratory health and adverse outcomes in exposed individuals [1–3]
The mean age of residents was 42 (SD: 13) years, with almost 60% being current or ex-smokers and a greater proportion being females (61.3%). While these characteristics were generally comparable between residents with persistent lower respiratory symptoms (PLRS) or asthma and those without
PLRS or asthma, a previous history of pulmonary TB was more prevalent in the former group

Summary

Introduction

Exposure to sulphur dioxide following air pollution and industrial incidents has been associated with the development of poor respiratory health and adverse outcomes in exposed individuals [1–3]. A few studies have reported long-term respiratory health effects post incident among individuals exposed to high levels of sulphur dioxide, manifesting mainly as bronchial hyperresponsiveness, persistent lower respiratory symptoms (PLRS), irritant-induced asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [4,5]. York demonstrated persistent respiratory symptoms during follow-up surveillance medical examinations [7–10] Individuals affected by such exposures and resultant respiratory morbidity may experience reduced health health-related quality of life (HrQoL) [11]. This study evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in residents with persistent lower respiratory symptoms (PLRS) or asthma six years after exposure to sulphur dioxide vapours emanating from an ignited sulphur stockpile. Conclusions: This study highlights the long-term adverse impact on HRQoL among residents with PLRS or asthma following a sulphur stockpile fire disaster

Methods

Results

Conclusion