Household Air Pollution Exposure and Respiratory Health Outcomes Among Women and Children in Rural Communities of North-Central Nigeria

Background

Household air pollution remains a significant environmental health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal are commonly used for cooking. Exposure to smoke from traditional cooking methods contributes to respiratory infections, chronic respiratory diseases, and adverse health outcomes among women and children who spend considerable time near cooking areas. Despite increasing awareness of environmental health risks, clean cooking technologies remain inaccessible to many households due to economic and infrastructural barriers. Understanding the relationship between household air pollution exposure and respiratory health outcomes is essential for informing interventions aimed at reducing disease burden. This study seeks to evaluate the association between household air pollution and respiratory health outcomes among women and children in rural North-Central Nigeria.

Research Objectives

• Assess the prevalence of biomass fuel use among households.
• Determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among women and children.
• Evaluate the association between biomass fuel exposure and respiratory outcomes.
• Examine household factors influencing exposure levels.
• Identify predictors of respiratory health problems among exposed populations.

Research Questions

• What proportion of households rely on biomass fuels?
• What is the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among women and children?
• Is there an association between biomass fuel exposure and respiratory health outcomes?
• Which household characteristics influence exposure levels?
• What factors predict respiratory illnesses among participants?

Suggested Methodology

Suggested Sample

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