Chronic respiratory Symptoms among roadside shopkeepers exposed to traffic-related air pollution in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: a comparative cross sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Like all developing countries urban air quality in Ethiopia has deteriorated gradually. Shopkeepers are at an increased risk of developing respiratory symptoms since they spend substantial period of time in shops located close to road. However, very little evidence has been available on the exposure level of traffic related air pollution and the respiratory health status of shopkeepers. Objective: To assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and associated factors among roadside shopkeepers in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021. Method: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among shopkeepers in Gondar city from April 1 to 30, 2021. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select 748 (374 for exposed and 374 for non-exposed) participants. Data were collected through a standardized questionnaire and administered by face to face interview. Data were entered using Epi-data and analyzed by using SPSS. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between respiratory symptoms and associated factors. Variables with p value less than 0.2 in bivariable analysis were included in multivariable binary logistic regression finally, significance was obtained at 95% CI and p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was 51.9% (95% CI: 43.3, 53.2%) among exposed and 24.1% (95% CI: 19.7, 28.7%) among unexposed group. Living close to road (AOR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.83), being female (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.42), using polluting fuel type (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.65), old age (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.65,7.59), high traffic (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.52) and working day > 6 days per week (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.3) were factors significantly associated with respiratory symptoms among the exposed group. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms were higher among exposed than unexposed participants. House location, age, sex, working day, fuel type and number of vehicle were risk factors for the presence of respiratory symptoms among exposed. Having a buffer zone when constructing road near house or commercial places and using clean (electricity) energy for cooking is necessary. Keywords: Chronic respiratory symptoms, traffic related air pollution, Gondar city, Ethiopia