Intensive hog farming operations, health risks, and quality of life of nearby residents in east Mediterranean

Abstract

As part of the Mediterranean region, Greece has a high mean temperature. Consequently, the amount of toxic gas emissions from intensive hog farming operations (IHFOs) is greater than that from equivalents in northern Europe and USA. This study evaluated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people who live near IHFOs in central and southern Greece. The collected data from 72-item self-report questionnaires, obtained from 377 residents in vicinity with three IHFOs, have been analyzed. The experimental group consisted of 209 people living within 3 km from IHFOs (near IHFOs), while the control group consisted of 168 people living more than 3 km but less than 5 km away from IHFOs (far IHFOs). There was a statistically significant difference between experimental and control groups in the following: wheezing (26.9 vs. 7.8 %), night-time awakenings due to dyspnea (24.5 vs. 7.2 %), night-time awakenings due to coughing (41.6 vs. 16.8 %), and night or day coughing for at least 3 months per year (42.5 vs. 17.3 %). Subjects living near IHFOs had increased odds for suffering from wheezing, night-time awakenings due to dyspnea, night-time awakenings due to coughing, and night or day coughing for at least 3 months per year. Our research verified that IHFOs adversely affect respiratory and mental health as well as the quality of life of nearby residents.