Gender Differences and Effect of Air Pollution on Asthma in Children with and without Allergic Predisposition: Northeast Chinese Children Health Study
2011

Air Pollution and Asthma in Chinese Children

Sample size: 30139 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dong Guang-Hui, Chen Tao, Liu Miao-Miao, Wang Da, Ma Ya-Nan, Ren Wan-Hui, Lee Yungling Leo, Zhao Ya-Dong, He Qin-Cheng

Primary Institution: China Medical University

Hypothesis

How does air pollution affect asthma symptoms in children with and without allergic predisposition?

Conclusion

Air pollution is linked to respiratory symptoms in children, with differing effects based on gender and allergic predisposition.

Supporting Evidence

  • Children with allergic predisposition were more susceptible to air pollutants.
  • Air pollution effects on asthma were stronger in males without allergic predisposition.
  • Females with allergic predisposition showed more associations with air pollutants.

Takeaway

This study found that air pollution can make kids with allergies more sick, and boys without allergies are also affected by pollution.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from 30139 children aged 3-12 years using questionnaires and air pollution monitoring data.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from self-reported data and the cross-sectional design.

Limitations

The study is cross-sectional, so it cannot establish a temporal relationship between exposure and outcomes.

Participant Demographics

Children aged 3-12 years from 25 districts in northeast China, with a near-equal gender distribution.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.08–1.72 for PM10

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022470

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