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The European Journal of Public Health Advance Access published online on May 9, 2006
The European Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckl061
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© The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.
Received June 28, 2005
Accepted March 28, 2006

Article

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in Bangkok school children

Uma Langkulsen 1, Wanida Jinsart 2 *, Kanae Karita 3, and Eiji Yano 3

1 International Postgraduate Program in Environmental Management NRC-EHWM Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
2 Department of General Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
3 Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Wanida Jinsart, E-mail: jwanida{at}chula.ac.th


  Abstract

Background: Previous epidemiological studies have shown acute effects of ambient air pollutants in children with respiratory disorders. Methods: The chronic effects of air pollution in Bangkok children were investigated. Children aged 10-15 years were examined for lung functions using spirometry tests and for respiratory symptoms by the American Thoracic Society's Division of Lung Diseases (ATS-DLD-78-C) questionnaire during May-August 2004. Effects of residential area were estimated by multiple logistic regression analysis. Of the 878 children, 722 (82%) had completed lung function test and ATS-DLD questionnaire. Results: In children, who live in roadside (R) and general (G) areas with high (H) pollution, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms increased significantly [odds ratios (95% confidence interval) in HR and HG are 2.44 (1.21-4.93) and 2.60 (1.38-4.91), respectively]. Children with normal lung function were less observed in H- and M-polluted roadside and general area [HR, OR = 1.41 (95% CI 0.89-2.22); HG, 1.08 (0.71-1.64); and MR, 0.99 (0.63-1.57)]. Residential locations and family members were associated with the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, whereas factors such as the responder of ATS-DLD, gender, age, residential years, home size, parental smoking habits, use of air conditioners, and domestic pets were not associated. Age was associated with the impaired lung function, whereas others factors were not associated. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function were higher among children living in areas with high pollution than those in areas with low pollution.

Keywords: air pollution; Bangkok; children; lung function; respiratory symptoms.
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