'It makes us sick': experiences of air pollution among children with asthma and their caregivers in African countries.

IJTLD open Pub Date : 2025-09-10 eCollection Date: 2025-09-01 DOI:10.5588/ijtldopen.24.0659

Y A Kuyinu, O O Adeyeye, E Addo-Yobo, B Arhin, B Barratt, B Chinoko, O Goodman, M Kasekete, R Masekela, E Mkutumula, R Mphahlele, B T Mmbaga, H A Mujuru, S Muyemayema, R Nantanda, J S Ngocho, L M Nkhalamba, S K Owusu, B Said, S Shaibu, A Ssemata, I Ticklay, L J Zurba, G Mosler, J Grigg

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Abstract

Background: This study was carried out to document experiences and perceptions of air pollution among adolescents with asthma symptoms, and their caregivers.

Method: A qualitative study among children with symptoms of asthma (aged 12-16 years) and their caregivers was conducted in seven African countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe). Focus group discussions were used to collect data from children and caregivers and a total of 41 sessions (children 21, caregivers 20) were held. Analysis of the data gave rise to two major themes (perception of air pollution and mitigation against air pollution) from which subthemes were derived.

Results: Participants identified causes of air pollution as cigarette smoking, use of wood for cooking, burning of garbage, generator, presence of industries in residential areas; and that these worsened asthma symptoms. The experiences the children had encountered were at home, while commuting to school and in school. Personal mitigation measures and governmental measures were suggested.

Conclusion: It is recommended that governments implement policies to mitigate air pollution and to encourage individuals to adopt personal measures to mitigate its impact.

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“它让我们生病”：非洲国家哮喘儿童及其照顾者的空气污染经历。

背景：本研究旨在记录有哮喘症状的青少年及其照顾者对空气污染的体验和认知。方法：在7个非洲国家（加纳、尼日利亚、马拉维、南非、坦桑尼亚、乌干达和津巴布韦）对有哮喘症状的儿童（12-16岁）及其照顾者进行定性研究。采用焦点小组讨论收集儿童和照顾者的数据，共举行了41次会议（儿童21次，照顾者20次）。对数据的分析产生了两个主要主题（对空气污染的认识和对空气污染的缓解），并由此衍生出分主题。结果：参与者确定空气污染的原因是吸烟，使用木材做饭，焚烧垃圾，发电机，在居民区存在的工业；这些加重了哮喘症状。孩子们遇到的经历是在家里，在上学的路上和在学校。提出了个人缓解措施和政府措施。结论：建议政府实施减轻空气污染的政策，并鼓励个人采取个人措施来减轻其影响。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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IJTLD open

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