Work

Effect of improved cook stove intervention on pulmonary function tests of rural women in Andhra Pradesh

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: OPS 60: Social factors and environmental health across the world, Room 210, Floor 2, August 27, 2019, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Background: Traditional biomass fuels remain the most common sources of household energy in most rural areas of the developing world. Biomass in these households is often used in inefficient and poorly vented combustion devices. High concentrations of particulate matter are emitted when the combustion of solid fuels are inadequate, as a result of which, severe respiratory impairment ensues. This study was done to compare the lung function parameters of rural women using traditional cook stoves and improved cook stoves. Methods: In this cluster randomized study, 48 households across 12 hamlets were randomly assigned either to control group (24) or intervention group (24) and one woman in each household participated in the study. Data collection comprised of a structured questionnaire and pulmonary function testing using spirometry. Post bronchodilator spirometric values of Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), etc., were taken for data analysis. Results: Both the groups were comparable. Parameters such as FVC, FEV1,FEF 25 -75% and PEFR values were significantly lower (p< 0.05) during follow up when compared with the baseline measurement in the control group whereas they were increased in the intervention group. The comparison of mean differences between baseline values and follow up values between control and intervention groups showed a significant change in FEV1 (-0.13±0.27 vs 0.04±0.25; p value - 0.02) and FEF25-75% (-0.30±0.69 vs 0.15±0.47; p value 0.01). Conclusion: The study highlights the improvement of the lung functions that occur following the use of ICS due to reduction in the emission of particulate matter which has a negative impact on respiratory health signifying the need for an early intervention. Dissemination of this information to health authorities and the general public will help in implementing these intervention strategies in future. Key words Improved cook stove, pulmonary function tests, respiratory health, spirometry

Source: Environmental Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1097/01.ee9.0000607844.36660.bb