Period: 2012-2014

Researchers: Adolfo Rubinstein, Vilma Irazola, Matías Calandrelli, Pamela Serón, Fernando Lanas, Fernando Althabe, Agustina Mazzoni, Lucila Rey Ares.

Objective

The main objective of this proposal is to evaluate the effect of IAP on the incidence of adverse perinatal events and the increase in SARI in children under 5 years of age in two locations in Argentina (Bariloche) and Chile (Temuco), and the secondary objective is to evaluate the relationship between adverse perinatal events and exposure to IAP

Brief

Cross-sectional study that seeks to study the relationship between exposure to air pollution within the home due to the use of biofuels and acute lower respiratory infections (pneumonia and bronchiolitis) in children under five years of age, and adverse perinatal events such as low birth weight and fetal death. For its implementation, households were selected at random in Bariloche (Argentina) and Temuco (Chile). The purpose of the study is also to evaluate the feasibility, acceptance, cost-effectiveness and implementation of the intervention process.

Summary

Approximately three billion people in the world cook by burning solid fuels such as coal or traditional fuels (wood, animal excrement, agricultural waste). The use of this type of fuel in poorly ventilated homes generates high levels of pollutants in the air inside the home. Indoor air pollution (IAP) causes approximately 2 million deaths annually and accounts for 2,7% of the global burden of disease. PJI has been related to acute lower respiratory infections, cancer, tuberculosis, ophthalmological pathology, and adverse perinatal events. Different publications have shown that PJI increases the risk of suffering from pneumonia in children (OR = 1,78; 95% CI 1,45-2,18), and its relationship with low birth weight (OR = 1,38; 95% CI % 1,25, 1,52), and fetal deaths (OR=1,51; 95% CI 1,23, 1,85).
This cross-sectional study was carried out by the Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular Health for the Southern Cone (CESCAS) in collaboration with the Universidad de la Frontera in Temuco, with the aim of evaluating the impact of PJI due to the use of biofuels on acute lower respiratory infections (LRTIs) in children and adverse perinatal events.
900 households were selected through systematic random sampling in Temuco (Chile) and Bariloche (Argentina) and information related to the history of respiratory infections in children, perinatal events, socio-demographic data and smoking habits was collected through surveys administered to the caregivers of children under 5 years old. This is, to our knowledge, the first study of this type in Argentina and Chile.

Finance

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/NIH

Type of study

Retrospective cohort study.