0066
IMPACT
OF OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION ON WEIGHT AND HEIGHT OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN TWO
URBAN CITIES IN EGYPT Ahmed S. Hafez1, Hoda I. Fahim1,
Osama N. El-Din Saleh2, Khaled H. Taman3 Objective:-The present study focused on identifying the role of outdoor air
pollution on the weight and height of pre-school children in two urban
areas; namely Helwan in Cairo Governorate and Tenth of Ramadan city in
Sharqyia Governorate. Methods:- A cross sectional epidemiological study based on community
background was implemented in two study areas. A modified cluster sampling
technique was used as specified by WHO guidelines. The total sample size in
the two study areas was 542 children (1-5 years) based on the sample
equation described by Rosner (1990). Weight and height were taken for each child.
Determination of air pollution was done by the Membrane Filter and samples
were analyzed by method of Scope, (1975). Results:- The results of the present study found that exposure of
children to high levels of total dust count > 200 ppcf and or suspended
dust concentration >60mg/m3 and or respirable dust
concentration > 20mg /m3, as outdoor air pollutant, were
associated with low values of weight and height, irrespective to socioeconomic status and upper
respiratory tract infections. Moreover, the most significant factors that
affect height for age and weight for height are father’s education, total
dust count in the outdoor air, and upper respiratory tract illnesses. Conclusion:- control of outdoor air pollution in urban areas is mandatory to
avoid its sequel on child growth and respiratory health.
1Department of
Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams
University-Egypt
2Pediatric
Department, Ain Shams University-Egypt
3Medical
Department- Institute postgraduate Childhood studies, Ain Shams
University-Egypt