Influence of type of dwelling on the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

SETTING AND OBJECTIVE: Exposure to pollutants is related to the type of dwelling inhabited. Besides tobacco smoke, indoor air pollution is a significant risk factor for chronic respiratory disease (CRD). The prevalence of CRD by type of dwelling was studied in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. DESIGN: A total of 1561 people living in four type of dwellings were enrolled. Information on respiratory health, lung function, dwelling characteristics and sources of indoor pollution was obtained using a symptom and demographics questionnaire and spirometry. The two main respiratory health outcomes were clinical chronic CRD (CCRD) and chronic obstructive respiratory disease (CORD) (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec/forced vital capacity <0.7). We used binary logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, time spent at home, smoking status, certain occupational exposures, previous tuberculosis, presence of pets, rats or cockroaches at home, wall dampness, biofuel use and use of airconditioning. RESULTS: The prevalence of CCRD (24.3%) and CORD (5.3%) in the type of dwellings studied were not similar (v2 P < 0.0001). CCRD and CORD prevalence was similar in tube houses and apartments. Compared to people living in apartments, those living in rental single rooms had a 46% higher risk of developing CCRD. The odds ratio of having CORD in people living in rental single rooms and in rural houses were respectively 4.64 (95%CI 1.97-10.5) and 2.99 (95%CI 1.21-7.37). CONCLUSION: Type of dwelling was associated with CCRD and CORD morbidity.