Impact of Exposure to Biomass Fuel on Pulmonary Function and Lung Age in Rural Women

BACKGROUND Around half a million of people still rely on biomass fuels for cooking, which is a major source of household air pollution, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Biomass smoke exposure is associated with airway obstruction and decreased ventilatory function. Though various studies are available in relation to biomass exposure and pulmonary function, literature is limited on lung age. Hence, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of biomass fuel on pulmonary function and lung age in rural women and correlate biomass exposure index with the spirometry parameters and lung age. METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Tamilnadu. Around 350 women were screened and 100 women aged > 18 years with biomass exposure for at least five years and able to perform spirometry were selected for inclusion in the study. After obtaining consent, the subjects were evaluated further with detailed history and spirometry to record the lung function parameters and lung age. Biomass exposure index was calculated from hours spent in cooking per day multiplied with the years of cooking. RESULTS Mean age of the participants was 49.88 ± 10.76 years. 68 % had indoor kitchen with inadequate ventilation in 57 % of households. Majority of the women were housewives and belonged to the middle- and low-income groups. Around 19 % were symptomatic with cough and expectoration being predominant symptoms. Spirometry was abnormal in 83 % of the women and showed obstruction in majority. Mean forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced expiratory flow 25 - 75 % (FEF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were reduced in the study population. A significant negative correlation was observed between the biomass exposure index (BEI) hour-years and FEV 1 and FEF 25 % - 75 %. A significant positive correlation was observed between BEI hours-year and lung age. CONCLUSIONS Majority of the women exposed to biomass fuel smoke, though asymptomatic, had abnormal lung function with increased lung age. Intensity of exposure as measured by biomass exposure index correlated significantly with FEV1, FEF 25 - 75 % and lung age. Hence, regular surveillance of the women using biomass fuel for cooking should be done for early identification of respiratory impairment. KEY WORDS Biomass Exposure, Biomass Fuel, Pulmonary Function, Lung Age, Biomass Exposure Index

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IS THE DERANGEMENT OF PULMONARY FUNCTION DUE TO BIOMASS FUEL SMOKE MORE THAN THAT OF TOBACCO SMOKE?

10.36106/ijsr/1205376 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 72-76

Author(s):

Vinoth Kumar. N ◽

Mukesh Kumar ◽

Anand Agrawal

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Pulmonary Function ◽

Tobacco Smoke ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Biomass Fuel ◽

Long Time ◽

Harmful Effects

It is a known fact for a long time now that tobacco smoke having ample harmful effects on the lung function, but biomass fuel being one of the cheapest mode of fuel available for cooking and domestic purposes, especially in the rural areas also having near or even more ill effects on the lung function health. Does the biomass fuel smoke impact on the lung function health being concealed, due to the fact of over impression of effects by the tobacco smoke? So, exposure indexes been formulated to assess how much impact been created by these different kinds of smoke on the lung function indices.

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A comparative analysis of biomass and clean fuel exposure on pulmonary function during cooking among rural women in Tamilnadu, India

Bioinformation ◽

10.6026/97320630017593 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (5) ◽

pp. 593-598

Author(s):

Sarojini K Rajinikanth ◽

Keyword(s):

Comparative Analysis ◽

Pulmonary Function ◽

Rural Women ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Test Method ◽

Biomass Fuel ◽

Exposure Index ◽

High Exposure ◽

Clean Fuel ◽

Extended Exposure

It is of interest to document data on the comparative analysis of biomass and clean fuel exposure on pulmonary function during cooking among rural women. The study consisted of 100 biomass and 100 LPG fuel using women with no smoking habits and other related illness Parameters such as FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25-75%were obtained using the computerized spirometry to assess the pulmonary function in these subjects. The collected data were analyzed using the Student t-test method and Pearson correlation. The exposure index for biomass fuel users is 69.78±27.25 showing high exposure duration during cooking. The parameters for pulmonary functions significantly declined in FVC (42.34±13.6), FEV1 (45.55±15.98), PEFR (34.11±14.78) and FEF25-75% (45.56±23.00) for biomass fuel user. However, this is not true for FEV1/FVC ratio (107.56±16.9). The increase in PFT suggests the restrictive and obstructive patterns of pulmonary diseases. There was a negative correlation between increased duration of cooking and the value of FEV1/FVC (r = -0.2961), FEF25-75% (r = -0.3519) and PEFR (r = -0.2868). Thus, the deformation of pulmonary function due to extended exposure of biomass fuel for cooking women in rural Tamilnadu is shown using parameter features such as high exposure index, overcrowded area and improper ventilated houses.

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Reversive Loss of Pulmonary Function Induced by Acute Chest Syndrome: A Report from the National Acute Chest Syndrome Study Group (NACSG).

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v106.11.315.315 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 106 (11) ◽

pp. 315-315 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lynne Neumayr ◽

C. Morris ◽

A. Wen ◽

A. Earles ◽

S. Robertson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Pulmonary Function ◽

Pulmonary Function Tests ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Acute Chest Syndrome ◽

P Value ◽

Lung Volumes ◽

Expiratory Flow

Abstract Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) remains the leading cause of death and hospitalization in patients (pts) with sickle cell disease (SCD). There is limited data on the effects of ACS on lung function. From 1993 to 1997, 30 centers participated in the NACSG and prospectively analyzed 671 episodes of ACS in 538 pts. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) included forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow during 25% to 75% of FVC (FEF 25–75), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and the ratio of FEV1/FVC. Data is reported as percent-predicted of normal values based on age and height. 128 pts (mean 16yrs, 4 to 52 yr range) had PFTs during an ACS episode (within a mean of 2.5 days of diagnosis) and then 12 weeks later. 94% of pts had abnormal lung volumes, defined as either FEV1 or FVC < 80%. Mean lung volumes during ACS and at follow-up are shown below. Table 1: Decreased Lung Volumes During ACS PFT During ACS Follow-up p-value FEV1 52% 79% <.0001 FVC 55% 83% <.0001 FEF 25–75 50% 69% <.0001 PEF 61% 83% <.0001 Pts with abnormal lung volumes (FEV1 or FVC < 80%) and considered to have an obstructive pattern if the FEV1/FVC ratio was < to 85. Obstructive patterns in pts with abnormal lung volumes and the percent of pts who responded to bronchodilators (15% improvement in either FEV1 or FVC) are shown below. Table 2: Patterns of Abnormal Lung Volumes in SCD SCD Patients During ACS Follow-up Abnormal PFTs 94% 45% Obstructive Pattern 48% 46% Respond to bronchodilators 25% 8% In summary, ACS resulted in decreased pulmonary function in 94% of pts. It is striking that 49% pts had their PFTs reduced by half (FEV1 52% and FVC 55%). In pts with abnormal PFTs, 48% had evidence of obstruction and 25% of all pts tested improved with a bronchodilator. This is the first description of reversible abnormalities of pulmonary function occurring during ACS compared to baseline. An obstructive pattern is identified in a higher percentage of pts with SCD than in the local Oakland African American population (asthma prevalance 16%). While some pts PFTs improved with time, 45% remained abnormal at 12-week follow-up. ACS results in acute and chronic worsening of lung function. Future studies of ACS may reveal common pathogenic mechanisms with asthma, and lead to improved therapeutic interventions.

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The Friendship Bench as a brief psychological intervention with peer support in rural Zimbabwean women: a mixed methods pilot evaluation

Global Mental Health ◽

10.1017/gmh.2021.32 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Shamiso Fernando ◽

Tim Brown ◽

Kavita Datta ◽

Dzivaidzo Chidhanguro ◽

Naume V. Tavengwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Peer Support ◽

Low Income ◽

Rural Women ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Treatment Gap ◽

Problem Solving Therapy

Abstract Background There is a large treatment gap for common mental disorders in rural areas of low-income countries. We tested the Friendship Bench as a brief psychological intervention delivered by village health workers (VHWs) in rural Zimbabwe. Methods Rural women identified with depression in a previous trial received weekly home-based problem-solving therapy from VHWs for 6 weeks, and joined a peer-support group. Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Shona Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ). Acceptability was explored through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The proportion of women with depression pre- and post-intervention was compared using McNemar's test. Results Ten VHWs delivered problem-solving therapy to 27 women of mean age 33 years; 25 completed six sessions. Women valued an established and trustful relationship with their VHW, which ensured confidentiality and prevented gossip, and reported finding individual problem-solving therapy beneficial. Peer-support meetings provided space to share problems, solutions and skills. The proportion of women with depression or suicidal ideation on the EPDS declined from 68% to 12% [difference 56% (95% confidence interval (CI) 27.0–85.0); p = 0.001], and the proportion scoring high (>7) on the SSQ declined from 52% to 4% [difference 48% (95% CI 24.4–71.6); p < 0.001] after the 6-week intervention. Conclusion VHW-delivered problem-solving therapy and peer-support was acceptable and showed promising results in this pilot evaluation, leading to quantitative and qualitative improvements in mental health among rural Zimbabwean women. Scale-up of the Friendship Bench in rural areas would help close the treatment gap for common mental disorders.

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Pulmonary Function in Rural Women Exposed to Biomass Fuel

Journal of Pulmonary & Respiratory Medicine ◽

10.4172/2161-105x.1000133 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 02 (03) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Revathi M ◽

T Karthiyanee Kutty ◽

Nachal Annamalai

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Function ◽

Rural Women ◽

Biomass Fuel

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Association between choice of cooking fuel and peak expiratory flow rate among rural women in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

AAS Open Research ◽

10.12688/aasopenres.12937.1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

pp. 13 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sandra N. Ofori ◽

Omosivie Maduka

Keyword(s):

Peak Expiratory Flow ◽

Flow Rate ◽

Rural Women ◽

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate ◽

Niger Delta ◽

Indoor Air Pollution ◽

Biomass Fuel ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Fuel Use ◽

Expiratory Flow

Background: Long-term exposure to indoor air pollution from biomass fuel combustion is a risk factor for respiratory disease, which is an increasingly prevalent contributor to morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluated the association between household fuel use and the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of rural-dwelling women in selected communities of the Niger Delta. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 321 non-smoking women aged 18 years and older. Questionnaires were used to obtain data on predominant fuel used and a brief medical history. Women with current respiratory symptoms were excluded. Fuel use was classified into three categories: biomass fuels (BMF), such as wood, animal dung and coal, kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The PEFR was measured with an Omron peak flow meter using standard protocols and was abnormal if it was less than 80% of predicted value based on age and height. Results: The mean age of the 321 women was 38.5±14.2 years. The biomass fuel users had significantly lower PEFR (353.9±104.4) compared to kerosene users (376.2±70.1) and LPG users (393.6± 93.3) (p=0.030). The overall prevalence of abnormal PEFR was 22.4%. The PEFR was abnormal in more BMF users (28%) than kerosene users (13.4%) and LPG users (9.4%) (p=0.005). The PEFR of women who used LPG was 20.8 l/min higher than BMF users (p=0.012). The users of BMF were 5.8 times more likely to have abnormal PEFR than LPG users (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.62, 20.52, p=0.007). Conclusion: In this population, the use of biomass fuel was significantly associated with abnormal PEFR. This needs to be further explored in this population with a larger study using more objective measures, such as spirometry testing, to guide policies for the implementation of preventive strategies to protect vulnerable women from chronic obstructive airway disease.

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Pulmonary function severity in relation to interleukin-23 levels in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0229 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Vasann Saranya ◽

Saranya Kuppusamy ◽

Pravati Pal ◽

Munisamy Malathi ◽

Medha Rajappa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Pulmonary Function ◽

Pulmonary Function Tests ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Control Group ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Expiratory Flow ◽

Interleukin 23

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin-23 (IL-23), a key inflammatory regulator in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, is suspected to play a role in the onset of pulmonary dysfunction (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in psoriasis. Despite that, pulmonary function tests are rarely studied in these subjects. This study aims to seek a possible relation between pulmonary function in psoriasis patients serum IL-23.MethodsFor this analytical cross-sectional study, male psoriasis patients in the age group of 25–45 years were recruited from dermatology out patient department (n = 40). Age and BMI matched apparently healthy individuals were recruited as control group (n = 40). After obtaining demographic and personal details, anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were recorded. The severity of psoriasis was assessed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Pulmonary function was assessed using computerized spirometry, and serum IL-23 was measured using ELISA.ResultsForced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow rate, and forced expiratory flow at 25%–75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25%–75%) were significantly reduced in psoriasis. Based on the percentage of predicted values FEF25%–75% was significantly reduced in psoriasis. Serum IL-23 (pg/mL) was significantly higher in psoriasis. The increase in IL-23 in psoriasis subjects does not correlate with their pulmonary function.ConclusionsPsoriasis may be associated with a reduced lung function even when the disease is in the mild stage. Increased IL-23 found in these subjects is suggestive of systemic inflammation, which indirectly lowers lung function.

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The effect of occupational exposure to petrol on pulmonary function parameters: a review and meta-analysis

Reviews on Environmental Health ◽

10.1515/reveh-2019-0048 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 377-390

Author(s):

Somayeh Rahimi Moghadam ◽

Mahdi Afshari ◽

Mahmood Moosazadeh ◽

Narges Khanjani ◽

Ali Ganjali

Keyword(s):

Occupational Exposure ◽

Lung Function ◽

Pulmonary Function ◽

Vital Capacity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Petrol Station ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Forced Expiratory Flow ◽

Expiratory Flow

Abstract Introduction Exposure to petrol and gasoline can have harmful effects on the lungs. This review aimed to summarize the reported effects of this exposure on pulmonary function parameters. Methods Relevant studies were identified by a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases. Irrelevant studies were excluded. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa score (NOS). The standard mean difference of pulmonary parameters between exposed and unexposed petrol station attendants was pooled using random effects. Meta-regression was used to investigate factors probably related to heterogeneity. Studies affecting the total estimates were assessed during sensitivity analysis. The Egger test was performed to investigate any evidence of publication bias. Results Eventually, 26 studies entered the meta-analysis, and the pooled standard difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, vital capacity (VC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) in the exposed minus unexposed groups was −1.08 L (95% CI: −1.38, −0.78), −0.92 L (−1.15, −0.69), −0.65 (−1.01, −0.30), −0.51 L (−0.96, −0.06), −0.96 L/s (−1.21, −0.69), −0.78 L/s (1.14, −0.42) and −0.58 L/min (−0.90, −0.27), respectively, and showed a decrease in all pulmonary parameters in the exposed group. Conclusion Occupational exposure to petrol fumes is a risk factor for lung function and there is a reverse relation between lung function and the duration of exposure.

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Respiratory Health Status of Rural Women Exposed to Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Solid Biomass Fuel Emissions

Air Soil and Water Research ◽

10.1177/1178622119874314 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 117862211987431 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Maninder Kaur-Sidhu ◽

Khaiwal Ravindra ◽

Suman Mor ◽

Siby John ◽

Ashutosh N Aggarwal

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Lung Function ◽

Rural Women ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Biomass Fuel ◽

Liquefied Petroleum Gas ◽

High Concentration ◽

Clean Fuel ◽

Solid Biomass Fuel ◽

Solid Biomass

Combustion of solid biomass fuel (SBF) releases a high concentration of airborne pollutants, resulting in household air pollution (HAP). HAP is considered as a leading risk factor for the development of various respiratory diseases. The increased exposure to HAP significantly affects the health of the vulnerable population, including the women, elderly, and children who stay indoors for most of the time. Considering this, self-reported respiratory health symptoms were assessed using a standard American Thoracic Society (ATS) questionnaire, whereas lung function capacity of women using SBF, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and mix fuels were assessed using a cross-sectional study design. Lung function capacity was examined with help of spirometry. Results suggest that compared with LPG users, SBF and mix fuel users had a relatively high prevalence of phlegm (25.7%), cough (54%), and eye irritation (74.3%). Use of SBF was found to be associated significantly with lower forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1) values ( P < .01). The study concludes that women cooking with SBF and mix fuels have an impact on lung function and increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms. The findings suggest that women who cook using LPG have improved lung function and respiratory health status. Hence, it is suggested to increase the scope of clean fuel programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) by identifying the barriers for the choice of clean fuel uses for household energy.

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Role of micro finance in women’s empowerment (an empirical study in pondicherry region rural shg’s)

Journal of Management and Science ◽

10.26524/jms.2011.1 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sarumathi S ◽

Mohan K

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Rural Women ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Financial Services ◽

Women's Empowerment ◽

Well Being ◽

Three Dimensions ◽

Women’S Empowerment ◽

Primary Data ◽

To Come

Microfinance is a type of banking service that is provided to unemployed or low-income individuals or groups who would otherwise have no other means of gaining financial services. Micro finance through Self Help Group (SHG) has been recognized internationally as the modern tool to combat poverty and for rural development. Micro finance and SHGs are effective in reducing poverty,empowering women and creating awareness which finally results in sustainable development of the nation. The main aim of microfinance is to empower women. In this paper the role played by Microfinance in women’s empowerment are considered into three dimensions namely psychological,social and economical. The objectives of the study is i) to understand the performance of SHG’s inPondicherry region, ii) to analyze the freedom women members get in SHG’s, iii) to study the problems women members face in SHG’s, iv) to analyze the empowerment of the women psychologically, economically and socially and v) to offer suggestions for the betterment of women’s empowerment in SHG’s. The study is undertaken in rural areas of Pondicherry region. Both primary and secondary data’s are used. Primary data is enumerated from a field survey in the study region.Secondary data is collected from NGOs’ reports and other documents. The researcher has used percentage method, simple correlation coefficient, paired t test and cross tabulation for analysis purpose. Analysis showed that there is a gradual increase in the all the three factors among rural women’s. From the interaction among the respondents it is noticed that some members are expecting the NGO to come up with more training sessions in income generating activities. All they need is away to develop their skills and talents by participating in various training programs. There is a definite improvement in psychological well being and social empowerment among rural women as a result of participating in micro finance through SHG program.

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