Respiratory conditions and health symptoms associated with air pollution amongst children aged six years and below in Melusi Informal Settlement, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa: a cross-sectional study

Background Respiratory conditions and health symptoms associated with air pollution in children are a major public health concern, as their immune systems and lungs are not yet fully developed. This study aimed to assess self-reported respiratory conditions and health symptoms associated with air pollution sources amongst children aged six years and below in Melusi informal settlement, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. Methods With a quantitative cross-sectional study design, parents/caregivers of children aged six years and below (n = 300) from eight Early Childhood Development Centres were invited to participate in the study. This study employed complete sampling, and data was collected using the modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children. The chi-square and multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze data, with p < 0.05 in the adjusted odds ratios considered as being statistically significant. Results Three models were run to examine the predictors of wheezing in the past 12 months, dry cough, and itchy-watery eyes. The model for asthma was excluded, as only seven participants reported having asthma. Wheeze in the past 12 months was associated with participants living in the area for more than three years (OR 2.96 95%CI: 1.011-8.674). Furthermore, having a dog in the house in the past 12 months was associated with wheeze in the past 12 months (OR 5.98 95%CI: 2.107-16.967). There was an association between duration of stay in a residence and dry cough prevalence (OR 5.63 95%CI: 2.175-14.584). Trucks always or frequently passing near homes was associated with itchy-watery eyes (OR 3.27 95%CI: 1.358-7.889). 59% (59%) of participants perceived the indoor air quality in their homes to be good, while 6% perceived it as poor. In contrast, 36% of participants perceived the outdoor air quality to be good, and 19.7% perceived it as poor. Conclusion The association between perceived air pollution exposure, self-reported respiratory conditions, and health symptoms amongst children is complex. Further research is required to better understand the multifaceted nature of air pollution and its impact on the health of children.