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
