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Exposure to Outdoor Particles (PM2.5) and Associated Child Morbidity and Mortality in Socially Deprived Neighborhoods of Nairobi, Kenya.

Exposure to Outdoor Particles (PM2.5) and Associated Child Morbidity and Mortality in Socially Deprived Neighborhoods of Nairobi, Kenya.

Authors :
Egondi, Thaddaeus
Ettarh, Remare
Kyobutungi, Catherine
Ng, Nawi
Rocklöv, Joacim
Source :
Atmosphere; Sep2018, Vol. 9 Issue 9, p351, 12p
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, the health burden related to ambient outdoor air pollution in sub-Saharan Africa remains unclear. This study examined the relationship between exposure to outdoor air pollution and child health in urban slums of Nairobi, Kenya. We conducted a semi-ecological study among children under 5 years of age from two slum areas and exposure measurements of particulate matter (PM<subscript>2.5</subscript>) at the village level were aligned to data from a retrospective cohort study design. We used logistic and Poisson regression models to ascertain the associations between PM<subscript>2.5</subscript> exposure level and child morbidity and mortality. Compared to those in low-pollution areas (PM<subscript>2.5</subscript> < 25 µg/m³), children in high-pollution areas (PM<subscript>2.5</subscript> ≥ 25 µg/m³) were at significantly higher risk for morbidity in general (odds ratio (OR) = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-1.41) and, specifically, cough (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.20-1.48). Exposure to high levels of pollution was associated with a high child mortality rate from all causes (IRR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08-1.39) and respiratory causes (IRR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.88-1.42). The findings indicate that there are associated adverse health outcomes with air pollution in urban slums. Further research on air pollution health impact assessments in similar urban areas is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20734433
Volume :
9
Issue :
9
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Atmosphere
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
131981803
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos9090351