Long-term Impact of PM2.5 on Health in the City of Korhogo (côte D’ivoire, West Africa)

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Air quality and it impacts capture more attention of governments and public opinion. Indeed, air pollution has consequences on the health of populations. Epidemiological studies contributed much to the understanding of the effects. In order to understand this, an epidemiological study was done in the regional hospital of Korhogo in regards to the PM 2.5 concentration levels in the city. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of PM2.5 concentration on health in Korhogo, with special attention to cardiorespiratory and skin diseases. METHODS: All subjects coming to consultation in the regional hospital of Korhogo were selected in relation to the lungs, skin, and heart symptoms for 3 months beginning from December 2018 to March 2019. Patients to include were identified by a Medical Doctor through a questionnaire after their informed consent. The relationship between exposure to air pollution and health was done through time series. The main outcomes of the study were the incidence of cardiorespiratory and skin diseases (95% CI) and the indicator of health impact. An existence of a significant relationship between exposure to air pollution and health outcomes was done. RESULTS:The preliminary results showed that 3410 patients consulted a physician during the 3 months visits in the regional hosptal of Korhogo. Within those patients, 527 (17.46%) were recruted for pollution issues. More than 95% of the patients had cardiopulmonary diseases in the city of Korhogo. The average of PM2.5 concentration was higher than the daily recommended by WHO. A strong relationship was seen to be associated to cardiopulmonary disease in that regional hospital CONCLUSIONS:The average of PM2.5 concentration was higher than the daily recommended by WHO. A strong relationship was seen to be associated to cardiopulmonary disease in that regional hospital Where a special attention should be taken for patients KEYWORDS: PM2.5 concentration; Heath impact, Korhogo