The Impact of Air Pollution Controls on Health and Health Inequity Among Middle-Aged and Older-A Cross-Sectional Study

2025-02-18T19:31:45+0530

Background: Air pollution remains a significant public health concern, particularly affecting middle-aged and older populations. This study investigates the impact of air pollution control measures on health outcomes and health inequities among 5,000 individuals aged 50 and above.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2020 and 2023, analyzing data from urban and suburban areas with and without implemented air pollution controls. Air quality was monitored using EPA stations and portable monitors, measuring PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and O3. Health outcomes were assessed through medical records, standardized questionnaires, clinical examinations, and lung function tests. Socioeconomic status was evaluated using validated instruments, and the effectiveness of control measures was assessed using the Environmental Policy Implementation Index.

Results: Implementation of air pollution controls was associated with significant health improvements across all socioeconomic groups. Areas with controls showed lower mean annual PM2.5 concentrations (15.3 ± 4.2 μg/m³ vs 28.7 ± 6.8 μg/m³, p<0.001) and reduced incidence of respiratory conditions (15.2% vs 28.7% in lower SES groups; 12.1% vs 20.3% in higher SES groups). The Concentration Index improved from 0.48 to 0.32 (p<0.001), indicating reduced health inequities. Industrial controls demonstrated the highest effectiveness (25.9% improvement), followed by emission controls (23.5%) and traffic management measures (18.7%).

Conclusions: Air pollution control measures effectively improve health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults, with varying benefits across socioeconomic groups. While overall health inequities decreased, persistent disparities suggest the need for targeted interventions in disadvantaged communities. These findings support strengthening air quality regulations while emphasizing equity-focused implementation strategies.

Knowledge And Practice On Exclusive Breast Feeding Among The Mother Of Children Aged 0-6 Months In Jamalganj Upazila, Sunamganj, Bangladesh

2025-03-08T15:33:10+0530

Introduction: Breastfeeding is the feeding of babies and young children with its mother’s milk. Breast milk is the natural first food for babies. It is an unparalleled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of babies and young children. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants.

Methods: The study population of the study were mothers having child aged 0-6 months residing in Jamalganj Upazila, Sunamganj. Total 380 participate included in our study. The sample population will be the mothers with child aged 0-6 months child. The study was conducted over a period of 4 months from November 2018 to February 2019.

Results: Total 384 participate included in our study. Among 28(7.3%) mother belongs to age group 15-19. From this we can say that there is still early marriage in the society and those are giving child birth before 20 years of age. Above 350(91.1%) mother knows about colostrum and 34(8.9%) mother do know about colostrum (n=384). It is a good phenomenon that most of the mother have proper idea about colostrum. Colostrum is said as the first immunization for the newborn. 334(87.0%) mother knows colostrum is good for health, 22(5.7%) mother knows colostrum is bad for health and 34(8.9%) mother don’t know about colostrum (n=384). Shows that 330(85.9%) have knowledge on how long breast milk should be given exclusively and 54(14.1%) of the mother responded negative (n=384). Among 280(72.9%) of the mother knows that the is no water is necessary before six months of age and 104(27.1%) of mother answered positive that water is needed before six months. 358(93.2%) of mother Breastfeed her child within 1 hour after birth while 25(6.8%) of mother didn’t Breastfeed her child within 1 hour after birth. 63(16.4%) of mother fed her child in every 4 hours, 249(64.8%) of mother fed her child in on demand and 21(5.5%) of mother had no fix time to feed her child (n=384). Majority of mother fed her child on demand. Definitely it is a good practice for the mother. Most of the mother get information regarding child feeding from Health Workers. It has positive impact both on maternal and child health.

Conclusions: Breast milk is rich in nutrients and anti-bodies and contains the right quantities of fat, sugar, water and protein. Supply of the proper resources should be uniform. Establishment of infrastructure for safe delivery will reduce maternal and child mortality.

Public Health Review: International Journal of Public Health Research

The Impact of Air Pollution Controls on Health and Health Inequity Among Middle-Aged and Older-A Cross-Sectional Study

Knowledge And Practice On Exclusive Breast Feeding Among The Mother Of Children Aged 0-6 Months In Jamalganj Upazila, Sunamganj, Bangladesh