Perceptions surrounding the possible interaction between physical activity, pollution and asthma in children and adolescents with and without asthma

Abstract

Abstract The interrelationship between air pollution and childhood asthma is debated. Specifically, the management of asthma is partially dependent on maintaining physical activity (PA), but this may lead to increased exposure to, and deeper inhalation of, pollutants. Despite the recent air quality campaigns and media coverage surrounding the dangers of air pollution to respiratory health, few target children and their understanding of such issues. Using semi structured interviews, understanding of PA, air pollution and their interaction was explored with 25 youth aged 7–17 years. Utilising NVIVO 12 software, an atheoretical, inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes which were subsequently presented as pen with the number of common responses within a theme indicative of its strength. The majority (88%) of youth’s indicated traffic-related air pollution and global manufacturing as key sources of air pollution. Whilst all youths were aware of outdoor pollution, only 52% were aware of indoor air pollutants, of which 62% had asthma. Despite some uncertainty, all youths described pollution in a negative fashion, with 52% linking air pollution to undesirable effects on health, specifically respiratory health. PA in a polluted area was thought to be more dangerous than beneficial by 44%, although 24% suggested the benefits of PA would outweigh any detriment from pollution. Youth are aware of, and potentially compensate for, the interaction between air pollution and PA. Strategies are needed to allow youth to make more informed decisions regarding how to promote PA whilst minimising exposure to air pollution.