RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Lung function tests reflect the underlying physiological condition of the airways and the alveoli. Therefore, they help to evaluate the respiratory health of an individual. Lung functions are compromised far before appearance of the signs and symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases. Air pollution adversely affects lung function. Exposure to sources of pollution differ between men and women due to commuting and smoking habits. The present study was carried out in Delhi to assess the association of exposure to air pollution sources with lung function of young adult females, as this younger age group is expected to have a different exposure profile than older women. METHODS: The present study was conducted on the campus of a central university in Delhi among 18- to 25-year old females (n=200). A pre-tested, close-ended and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used that consisted of information on sociodemographic details of the participants and self-reported exposure to air pollution sources at the residence of participants, during their commute to and from college, and at school. Both active and passive smoking status were recorded. Lung function was assessed using a digital spirometer. RESULTS: A significant association was observed between percentage of predicted value of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) with the number of years the participant had resided in Delhi (p<0.05). Forced vital capacity and FEV1 of those using closed transport methods such as car, metro, and air-conditioned (A/C) bus were significantly better than those who used open transport methods such as non-A/C bus and scooter (p<0.05). Forced vital capacity and FEV1 were significantly decreased among those who had a smoke-producing factory in the vicinity of their residence (p<0.05). A significant decrease in FVC and FEV1 was observed among active smokers and among those who were exposed to passive smoking by family members in comparison to those who were not exposed (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that air pollution exposure plays a role in determining the lung function profile of young adult females. This study provides baseline data on lung function of young adult females which could be used in future longitudinal cohort studies. PARTICIPANT CONSENT: Obtained. ETHICS APPROVAL: The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of University College of Medical Sciences. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no completing financial interests.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in India is not well understood. Due to geographical and environmental heterogeneity, the epidemiological profile of COPD may not be uniform across the country. Studies carried out in small geographical areas can help to determine the prevalence and risk factors of COPD. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted in one city in northwest India in order to calculate prevalence in small geographically determined areas within the city as well as across socio-economic strata and adjoining neighborhoods. METHODS: The present study was conducted in Ludhiana, an industrial town in Punjab, India. Residential colonies were identified in an industrial and nonindustrial area and all households were screened for COPD using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria and confirmed by spirometry. Information about exposure to possible risk factors was also collected from suspected cases of COPD. Cases were mapped on a digital map of the city and hotspots were identified. RESULTS: Fifty-six cases of COPD were detected. More than half (71%) were in the industrial area. The overall prevalence rate of COPD in the city was 3.17 per 1 000. The highest prevalence (5.6-9.4 per thousand) was observed in the colonies of the industrial area. All surveyed colonies in the nonindustrial area showed a low prevalence (0.0 to 0.9 per thousand). CONCLUSIONS: Hotspots were located in the industrial area and there was no such aggregation in the nonindustrial area. This suggests a potential association of industrial air pollutants with COPD. A strength of the present study is that it provides important baseline data. However, the study was limited, as it did not show a temporal association of exposure to air pollution and smoking with COPD. PARTICIPANT CONSENT: Obtained. ETHICS APPROVAL: The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee for Human Research of the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India. INFORMED CONSENT: Obtained. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.