The effects of air pollution on patients with endocrine diseases of different genders and ages in Zhengzhou city: a 6-year cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: It is well known that air pollution is closely connected with endocrine diseases, but the related studies are few. This study is aim to investigate the effects of various air pollutants on endocrine system diseases of different genders and ages. Methods: Endocrine system diseases daily medical visits (DMV) and daily air pollutant data of Zhengzhou were collected from October 28, 2013 to August 31, 2019. The descriptive statistical description and Spearman correlation matrix were constructed. Using distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM), the effects and relationship between air pollutants and DMV, including visits of endocrine system diseases in different genders (female and male) and ages (≤18, 18-59, and >59) were analyzed. Results: A total of 241,263 visits were included. There was a nonlinear relationship and a lag effect between air pollution and the occurrence of endocrine system diseases. PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO all contributed to the increased risk of endocrine disease incidence, with NO2 posing the greatest risk to endocrine system diseases. The female, and groups of 18-59 years old and higher were more susceptible to air pollution than the male and ≤18 years age groups. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis had significant positive associations with PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO. Conclusion: Air pollution has a cumulative lag effect on endocrine system diseases. Various pollutants had different effects in terms of genders and ages. The findings will provide evidence for a link between air pollution and endocrine diseases.