The Effect of Industrial vs. Rural Environment in the Respiratory Status of Schoolchildren

Abstract

Introduction: This is the first study in Greece where specific methodology is used controlling for all known confounders on the morphology of the children’s spirometric curve in  industrial vs. rural area.

Materials and Methods: A parental questionnaire and a spirometry test in 62 children in Oinofyta (Industrial area) and 42 in Makrakomi (Rural Area) (5^th and 6^th Grades, 11-12 years).

Results: Higher rates in the industrial area for children’s history of asthma and asthma related symptoms were observed. Subnormal spirometric curve rates in Oinofyta was 25.8% vs. 12.2% in Makarakomi (P=0.074). Similarly, the number of children who had FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) <90% was higher in Oinofyta than in Makrakomi (P=0.037). After adjusting for confounding factors, statistically significant differences in asthma diagnosis and related symptoms, in subnormal spirometric curves and spirometric indices existed between children in the two study groups.

Conclusion: Industrial residential area is significantly associated with children’s history of asthma and reduced pulmonary function.