Biomass smoke exposure and respiratory health in Madagascar

This study aimed to describe respiratory health in general population, to describe biomass exposure in two regions (urban and rural area), and then to assess respiratory symptoms and biomass smoke exposure in subsample.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in two regions (Antananarivo and Mahajanga). For each region, a rural population and an urban population were included. Validated questionnaire (respiratory symptoms and exposure) and spirometry were administrated at home by interviewers. In a subsample of homes (n=20), indoor PM2.5 and PM10 were measured during 48 hours.Results: We enrolled 2182 subjects, n=1122 in Antananarivo (824 adults and 298 children), n=1060 in Mahajanga (685 adults and 375 children)) from November 2016 to August 2017. 1490 subjects underwent a spirometry. In adults, means age was 36 yrs old in Mahajanga and 39 yrs old in Antananarivo, with more women (sex-ratio 0.56). Prevalence of chronic cough was 16% in Antananarivo (14% in rural, 17% in urban), and 17% in Mahajanga (20% in rural vs 15% in urban area). Prevalence of dyspnea was 44% in Antananarivo (35% in rural vs 52% in urban), and 35% in Mahajanga (35% in rural vs 36% in urban area). 8.1% had obstructive pattern. Concentration of PM2.5 vary from 5.7 to 60.98 ug/m2, concentration of PM 10 vary from 24,15- to 206,62 µg/m2.Our preliminary results showed a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Madagascar with high level of small particles as found in few tested households.These...

Source: European Respiratory Journal - November 19, 2018 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Raharimanana, R. N., Rajaonary, A. H., Randriamanana, D., Rakotomizao, J., Rakotoson, J., Tiaray Harison, M., Andriamahenina, N., Andrianarisoa, A., Ralison, A., Charpin, D., Rahoelina, B., Rakotomanga, J. D. D. M., L'Her, P., Tschopp, J.-M., Andriambolol Tags: Occupational and Environmental Health Source Type: research