Asthma symptoms, spirometry and air pollution exposure in schoolchildren in an informal settlement and an affluent area of Nairobi, Kenya

Citation

Meme H, Amukoye E, Bowyer C, Chakaya J, Das D, Dobson R, Dragosits U, Fuld J, Gray C, Hahn M, Kiplimo R, Lesosky M, Loh MM, Price H & Semple S (2023) Asthma symptoms, spirometry and air pollution exposure in schoolchildren in an informal settlement and an affluent area of Nairobi, Kenya. Thorax. https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax-2023-220057

Abstract
Abstract Background Although 1 billion people live in informal (slum) settlements, the consequences for respiratory health of living in these settlements remain largely unknown. This study investigated whether children living in an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya are at increased risk of asthma symptoms. Methods Children attending schools in Mukuru (an informal settlement in Nairobi) and a more affluent area (Buruburu) were compared. Questionnaires quantified respiratory symptoms and environmental exposures; spirometry was performed; personal exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) was estimated. Results 2373 children participated, 1277 in Mukuru (median age, IQR 11, 9–13 years, 53% girls), and 1096 in Buruburu (10, 8–12 years, 52% girls). Mukuru schoolchildren were from less affluent homes, had greater exposure to pollution sources and PM2.5. When compared with Buruburu schoolchildren, Mukuru schoolchildren had a greater prevalence of symptoms, ‘current wheeze’ (9.5% vs 6.4%, p=0.007) and ‘trouble breathing’ (16.3% vs 12.6%, p=0.01), and these symptoms were more severe and problematic. Diagnosed asthma was more common in Buruburu (2.8% vs 1.2%, p=0.004). Spirometry did not differ between Mukuru and Buruburu. Regardless of community, significant adverse associations were observed with self-reported exposure to ‘vapours, dusts, gases, fumes’, mosquito coil burning, adult smoker(s) in the home, refuse burning near homes and residential proximity to roads. Conclusion Children living in informal settlements are more likely to develop wheezing symptoms consistent with asthma that are more severe but less likely to be diagnosed as asthma. Self-reported but not objectively measured air pollution exposure was associated with increased risk of asthma symptoms.

Keywords
asthma; asthma epidemiology; paediatric asthma

Notes
Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Online Additional co-authors: Jean McKendree, Kevin Mortimer, Amos Ndombi, Louis Netter, Angela Obasi, Fred Orina, Clare Pearson, Jennifer K Quint, Marsailidh Twigg, Charlotte Waelde, Anna Walnycki, Melaneia Warwick, Jana Wendler, Sarah E West, Michael Wilson, Lindsay Zurba, Graham Devereux

Journal
Thorax

People

Dr Heather Price

Senior Lecturer, Biological and Environmental Sciences

Professor Sean Semple

Professor, Institute for Social Marketing