The influence of the school environment on lung function and respiratory symptoms among secondary school students in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Mohamad Fadzil, Nur Shahira (2019) The influence of the school environment on lung function and respiratory symptoms among secondary school students in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Kota Kinabalu is a location of rapid and dynamic change with the increase of industrial activities, construction, and transportation. Air pollutants released from these activities is a health concern especially in school children. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between indoor air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, TVOC, NO2, CO2, and formaldehyde) in schools with lung function and respiratory symptoms of the students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 346 Form Two students from six secondary schools in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. There were three types of data collection used in this study. ISAAC questionnaire was used to obtain the reported respiratory symptom and air pollutants level were measured by using the calibrated equipment such as DustTrak for PM2.5 and PM10, MultiRAE for formaldehyde, Air Velocity meter for TVOC, CO2, temperature and relative humidity and IVL passive sampler for NO2. Meanwhile, Lung function test was carried out using the portable spirometer. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: The findings showed that there was significant relationship between PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 with the lung function (FVC% predicted and FEV 1/FVC% predicted) of the students. Besides, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, and formaldehyde were found to have significant association with the reported respiratory symptoms such as irritating cough, wheezing, and respiratory infections. The findings also showed that PM2.5 and PM10 were the predictors which significantly reduced children's lung function while the total volatile organic compound and formaldehyde were found to increase the risk of getting respiratory infection. Conclusion: The findings concluded that exposure to the air pollutants reduced children's lung function and caused reported respiratory symptoms among the students. Keywords: Air pollutants, lung function and respiratory symptoms.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	26 May 2025 08:39
Last Modified:	26 May 2025 08:39
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2410

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