J Agric Med Community Health.  2015 Jun;40(2):80-92. 10.5393/JAMCH.2015.40.2.080.

Prevalence of allergic and respiratory conditions among residents living near large construction sites in Sejong city: an exploratory study with mixed method approach

• Ki M
• Shin JY
• Kim L
• Cho SS
• An AR
• Kim YJ

• KMID: 2285251
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2015.40.2.080

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To clarify the association between dust from large construction sites and allergic and respiratory conditions among residents in Sejong city.
METHODS
We included 379 individuals older than 50 years from three areas of Sejong city; two areas near construction sites and one area for a comparison. Prevalence of self-reported allergic and respiratory conditions was compared across the three areas using logistic regression to adjust for covariates including age, gender, smoking, and educational attainment. A total of 16 individuals were interviewed to take details of the residents' experiences of construction work.
RESULTS
Those living in the nearby areas around construction sites were generally found to have the increased prevalence for all allergic and respiratory conditions. Odds Ratio(OR)s for cough and sneezing among the six symptoms and allergic rhinitis among the three diagnosed diseases reached statistical significance but only OR for cough remained significant after adjustment: adjusted OR for cough was 2.63 (95% CI, 1.07-6.46). Two relevant themes emerged from semi-structured interview were; 1) most residents from the affected area reported a considerable level of exposure to construction dust, 2) about half of them noted that construction dust influences allergic- and respiratory health.
CONCLUSIONS
General pattern provides suggestive evidence that living close to construction sites may be positively associated with elevated risks of allergic and respiratory conditions. Efforts should be made to establish preventive measures and a comprehensive in-depth health impact assessment on this issue.

Keyword

Construction Industry; Focus Groups; Health impact assessment; Qualitative Research; Respiratory; Signs and Symptoms

MeSH Terms

Construction Industry
Cough
Dust
Focus Groups
Health Impact Assessment
Logistic Models
Prevalence*
Qualitative Research
Rhinitis
Smoke
Smoking
Sneezing
Dust
Smoke