Perception and Barriers to Indoor Air Quality and Perceived Impact on Respiratory Health: An Assessment in Rural Honduras

Audrey Le,Gonzalo Bearman,Michael P Stevens,Kakotan Sanogo

doi:10.1155/2014/105260

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify household-specific factors associated with respiratory symptoms and to study the perceived impact of indoor air pollution (IAP) as a health issue.Methods. An IRB-approved, voluntary, anonymous 23-item survey was conducted in Spanish at a medical outreach clinic in June 2012 and at the homes of survey respondentsN=79. Comparative analyses were performed to investigate relationships between specific house characteristics and respiratory complaints.Results. Seventy-nine surveys were completed. Respiratory symptoms were frequently reported by survey respondents: 42% stated that smoke in their household caused them to have watery eyes, 42% reported household members with coughs within the past two weeks, and 25% stated that there were currently household members experiencing difficulty in breathing. Stove location and kitchen roof construction material were significantly associated with frequency of respiratory symptoms. The vast majority used firewood as their major fuel type. Most respondents indicated that neither indoor air quality was a problem nor did it affect their daily life.Conclusions. Respiratory complaints are common in Yoro, Honduras. Stove location and kitchen roof construction material were significantly associated with frequency of respiratory symptoms; this may have implications for efforts to improve respiratory health in the region.

Highlights

Two-thirds of the developing world population or 3 billion people rely on biofuels such as wood, dung, and crop residues, for domestic energy [1]
The main aim of this study was to identify household-specific factors associated with respiratory symptoms and to study the perceived impact of indoor air pollution as a health issue in a rural Honduran community
This study focused on perceptions and barriers to indoor air quality in rural Honduras

Summary

Introduction

Two-thirds of the developing world population or 3 billion people rely on biofuels such as wood, dung, and crop residues, for domestic energy [1]. The level of exposure to these pollutants is many times higher for those who live in houses with limited ventilation compared to those whose homes meet the standards outlined by the World Health Organization Guidelines [2]. Indoor air pollution (IAP) increases the risk of pneumonia, chronic obstructive lung disease, and many other health conditions [1]. It is estimated that indoor air pollution is the cause of as many as 1.6–2 million deaths per year through its effect on respiratory illness as well as 20% of childhood deaths (

Methods

Results

Conclusion