RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND VENTILATORY FUNCTIONS IN WOMEN EXPOSED TO DOMESTIC COOKING FUEL IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN LAGOS SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Exposure to biomass fuel is associated
with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in women.
This study was conducted to determine respiratory
symptoms and assess the ventilatory indices of women in
relation to the type of fuel used for domestic cooking.
Methodology: A descriptive cross- sectional study was
conducted in Agbowa, a rural settlement in Lagos State,
South West Nigeria. Consented non-smoking women
with no history of exposure to passive smoke or
occupational exposure to fume and dusts were randomly
selected and interviewed with a respiratory
questionnaire. Spirometry was performed using the
portable spirotract intuitive version IV according to
standard protocol.
Results: Four hundred and fifty women participated in
the study. Mean age of respondents, mean age of onset of
cooking and mean duration of cooking was, 36.57±12.4,
14.08± 4.40 and 22.40 ± 13.02 years respectively.
Biomass fuel was used by 52(13.9%) of respondents,
non-biomass fuel in 159(42.5%) while 163(43.6%) used
mixed fuel. Biomass fuel users were older and with longer
exposure. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was
6.9%. Cough, phlegm production, and chest tightness
occurred more in women exposed to biomass fuel (P
<0.05). The most frequently experienced symptom
reported while cooking was sneezing 23(6.1%) which
was more prevalent in women exposed to biomass.
(P<0.05). Exposure to biomass fuel was statistical
significantly associated with lower mean ventilatory
indices for all the parameter measured. (FEV1, FVC, and
PEFR).
Conclusions: The use of biomass fuel for cooking was
significantly associated with abnormality on spirometry.
Interventiom at providing cleaner source of fuel and
public enlightenment to educate and empower women
about cooking with clean fuel is recommended.