Exploring the link between ambient PM2.5 concentrations and respiratory diseases in the elderly: a study in the Muang district of Khon Kaen, Thailand
Author:
Jirapornkul Chananya12, Darunikorn Kornkawat3, Limmongkon Yuparat24, Junggoth Rittirong4, Maneenin Naowarat12, Sakunkoo Pornpun24, Rayubkul Jetnapis25
Affiliation:
1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand 2. Research Group in Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Epidemiology (OHSEE-PH), Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand 3. Dr. P.H., Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand 4. Department of Environmental Health Occupational Health and Safety , Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand 5. Central Affiliation, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
Abstract
Abstract
The impact of air pollution is a major public health concern. However, there are few studies on the correlation between PM2.5 and respiratory infections. This study aimed to determine a link between PM2.5 and respiratory diseases among the elderly in Thailand. The data source for this study consisted of 43 electronic files from the Khon Kaen Provincial Health Office covering years 2020 and 2021 and surveyed a total of 43,534 people. The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to determine the adjusted odds ratio (AOR), and 95 % CI. We found that exposure to PM2.5 concentrations (in 10 μg m−3 increments) was associated with respiratory diseases (AOR: 3.98; 95 % CI [1.53–10.31]). Respondents who are male, aged less than 80 years, single, self-employed, or working as contractors, have a body mass index (BMI) not equal to the standard, have NCDs (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease), are smokers, live in sub-districts where more than 5 % of the land is planted to sugarcane, or live in close proximity to a biomass power plant were at significantly higher risk of developing respiratory diseases (p<0.05). Therefore, environmental factors including ambient PM2.5 concentrations, the proportion of sugarcane plantation areas, and biomass power plants impact the occurrence of respiratory diseases among the elderly. Also, demographic factors and NCDs are serious issues. Systematic approaches to reducing PM2.5 levels in industrial and agricultural sectors are necessary for both the general population and vulnerable groups, including the elderly and NCD patients.
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
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