This quantitative study examined the impact of environmental pollutants on immune diseases, specifically asthma, at Mufulira Clinic 1 Urban Health Centre in Zambia. The research addressed a key public health issue due to the increasing prevalence of asthma in urban areas, worsened by exposure to pollutants like Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and cigarette smoke. The main goals were to explore the link between Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) exposure and asthma symptoms, study the connection between Carbon Monoxide (CO) exposure and asthma severity, and assess how cigarette smoke exposure influences the development of asthma among patients attending the clinic. The study focused on a clearly defined group of asthma patients who had been receiving treatment for at least six months, ensuring the results were relevant to those most affected. Limitations included a relatively small sample size of 87 participants, which may have affected the ability to generalize the findings. Additionally, relying on self-reported exposure data introduced potential bias and inaccuracies in measuring true pollutant exposure levels. Delimitations were set to keep the scope manageable, with the study concentrating only on patients from Mufulira Clinic 1 and excluding individuals from nearby clinics or rural areas. The results revealed significant links between pollutant exposure and the severity of asthma symptoms, offering valuable insights into how environmental factors influence respiratory health. By identifying specific pollutants that worsen asthma, the research aims to guide public health strategies and interventions to reduce asthma rates in urban populations. Overall, the study emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy changes to improve air quality and address the increasing asthma burden in urban Zambia.
Magret Nkandu (Thu,) studied this question.