Indoor Air Quality and health of older people: a pilot study

Background Older people often experience one or more chronic conditions, including respiratory conditions. Indoor air quality may (IAQ) may elevate symptoms of respiratory disease such as coughing. Consequently, people may experience a lower Health Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL). The objective of the Rotterdam K-HEALTHinAIR pilot site is to study IAQ and health among elderly: this study presents the design of the study and preliminary baseline results of IAQ and health. Methods A observational study is performed among n = 110 older people living in the broader Rotterdam-area, the Netherlands, recruited via opportunity sampling, hospitals and senior-residential corporations. Participants provide informed consent to participate in the study. IAQ is assessed near real-time using home sensors. An observation checklist captures environmental characteristics of the home. Participants complete a diary every 3 months and a self-report questionnaire at baseline, 6- and 12-months; measures include Health-Related Quality of Life, well-being and respiratory symptoms. Preliminary baseline data (n = 30 baseline questionnaires, n = 25 sensors) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Results The mean age was 74.3 (SD: 6.3). Average concentrations were 684 ppm CO2 (SD: 723), PM2.5 was 4.8 µg/m3 (SD: 34.5) and average temperature 19.9 °C (SD:1.6). In total 40.0% participants were experiencing asthma and 43.3% COPD. Participants rated their general well-being 72.6 (SD: 18.6) (0-100). No associations were observed between indicators of IAQ and participant self-rated health and health symptoms in this preliminary dataset. Conclusions Future data collection will allow for overtime associations between IAQ and a broad range of health outcomes. In the second and third phase of the study we aim to deepen findings and develop interventions.