The Association Between Air Pollution and Self-Reported Gastrointestinal Issues Among Residents in the Proximity of Industrial Estate Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Mouldered air quality because of swelled up demand sector and rapid industrialization is leading to the deterioration of human health, particularly in a developing country like, Pakistan. Like other physiological issues, air contamination has deleterious effect on the gastrointestinal health of people residing closer to the industrial units. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship of self-reported gastrointestinal issues among the residents with having accommodation in the proximity of the Industrial Estate Islamabad (IEI). Furthermore, preventive measures adopted by the residents and government in response to air pollution and health degradation are also evaluated. This cross sectional study is based on the comparison between two groups i.e. designed on the basis of distance from the Industrial Estate of Islamabad. Band I includes area within 650 meters while band II includes area between 650 meters and 1300 meters. The perimeter of the selected site i.e. IEI was digitized using Google Earth (version 7). Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) of both digestive and eliminative issues were computed with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results of the regression analysis showed that the odds of respondents of band I in adoption of preventive measure are more than of band II, stipulating the idea that residents of band I are affected more. For band I there is significantly increasing odds ratio of digestive health issues i.e. Acid reflux AOR 4.04 (2.45-6.64), Uneasiness due to bloating AOR 2.14 (1.34-3.43), Headache/dizziness AOR 3.37 (2.06-5.53), Nausea AOR 3.10 (1.85-5.18), Heartburn AOR 3.81 (2.29-6.33) and of eliminative issues i.e. Abdominal pain AOR 2.16 (1.34-3.48), Bloating AOR 2.25 (1.39-3.61), Constipation AOR 2.31 (1.36-3.93), and Defecation strain AOR 5.79 (3.35-10) and Early Satiety AOR 1.95 (1.22-3.13). Results of the study suggest that respondents from band I are more likely to suffer with the digestive and eliminative health issues and they are also likely to be more engaged in adoption or preventive measures.