The impact of indoor air pollution on the respiratory health of children in South Africa.

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of indoor air pollution on respiratory health of children in South Africa. Biomass in the form of wood, crop residuals, and animal dung is used in most low income households as main fuel for cooking and heating. The study used quantitative methodology using secondary survey data from GHS2010 conducted by Statistics South Africa. Bivariate, independent and nested logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the impact of indoor air pollution on respiratory health of a sample of 0 to 17 year old South African children. Results showed that children living in households that used unclean energy sources were more likely to have asthma compared to those who stayed in households that use clean energy sources. Female children had higher risk of having asthma compared to children. Regression analyses also observed that younger children below the age of 5 years were generally more likely to have asthma compared to those aged 5 years and above. There were higher odds of having asthma for children living outside KwaZulu Natal compared to those living in the province. There was a positive relationship between odds of having asthma and level of socioeconomic status. Based on the findings of the study, use of unclean energy sources for household purposes increases the risk of having respiratory health problems for children.