Authors :
Essoninam PASSIKE POKONA; Pascal YAKA; Essohanam BOKO; Brama KONE
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/365c5565
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/3hchdavs
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAR1791
Abstract :
Over recent decades, interest in the impact of
climate change and air pollution on respiratory
conditions has significantly increased. Despite this
attention, patients, as a vulnerable group, remain
relatively uninformed about the potential links between
climate, pollution, and their health. This study aimed to
assess the perception of asthmatics in Togo regarding the
relationship between climatic variables, air pollution, and
the severity of their asthma attacks. Conducted in
healthcare centers in the Grand-Lome regions, the survey
revealed a predominance of young adults, mainly males
aged 18 to 30 years. Most participants have attained an
education level ranging from high school diploma to
bachelor's degree, but a significant portion has an
education level below high school diploma. Regarding
knowledge about climate change and air pollution, a
quarter of participants have no knowledge on the subject,
while a minority possess an advanced level of knowledge.
Nearly half of the participants attribute their asthma
attacks to climate and pollution, with critical periods
being the dry season, rainy season, and harmattan, with
major triggers including heat, exhaust fumes, and dust.
The majority of participants use charcoal and firewood as
cooking energy sources, exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Although 60% of participants regularly visit healthcare
centers for asthma control, nearly 40% do not, citing
social beliefs that asthma is a spiritual disease and should
be treated in convents or prayer places. Financial
constraints also contribute to non-attendance. Among
those who experienced at least 10 attacks in the last 12
months, over half have no knowledge of climate change
and air pollution, mainly within the under 30 age group,
highlighting the need for targeted awareness and
intervention programs for this demographic.
Keywords :
Perception, Climate Variability, Air pollution , Asthmatic, Togo.
Over recent decades, interest in the impact of
climate change and air pollution on respiratory
conditions has significantly increased. Despite this
attention, patients, as a vulnerable group, remain
relatively uninformed about the potential links between
climate, pollution, and their health. This study aimed to
assess the perception of asthmatics in Togo regarding the
relationship between climatic variables, air pollution, and
the severity of their asthma attacks. Conducted in
healthcare centers in the Grand-Lome regions, the survey
revealed a predominance of young adults, mainly males
aged 18 to 30 years. Most participants have attained an
education level ranging from high school diploma to
bachelor's degree, but a significant portion has an
education level below high school diploma. Regarding
knowledge about climate change and air pollution, a
quarter of participants have no knowledge on the subject,
while a minority possess an advanced level of knowledge.
Nearly half of the participants attribute their asthma
attacks to climate and pollution, with critical periods
being the dry season, rainy season, and harmattan, with
major triggers including heat, exhaust fumes, and dust.
The majority of participants use charcoal and firewood as
cooking energy sources, exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Although 60% of participants regularly visit healthcare
centers for asthma control, nearly 40% do not, citing
social beliefs that asthma is a spiritual disease and should
be treated in convents or prayer places. Financial
constraints also contribute to non-attendance. Among
those who experienced at least 10 attacks in the last 12
months, over half have no knowledge of climate change
and air pollution, mainly within the under 30 age group,
highlighting the need for targeted awareness and
intervention programs for this demographic.
Keywords :
Perception, Climate Variability, Air pollution , Asthmatic, Togo.
