Traders’ Perception of Cooking Smoke as a Risk Factor for Childhood Pneumonia

Abstract

Background: Childhood pneumonia is the foremost killer of under-fives. Indoor air pollution by smoke from cooking fuel is a major risk factor for childhood pneumonia. The knowledge of caregivers about risk factors can facilitate the practice of appropriate preventive measures. This study set out to evaluate the perception of traders about cooking smoke as a risk factor for childhood pneumonia. Methodology: A researcher administered, questionnaire based, cross-sectional study was carried out at a major market in Benin City prior to a market rally to celebrate World Pneumonia Day 2014. The respondents were traders. Information on biodata, place of cooking, fuel for cooking and presence of under-fives in the cooking area of homes of respondents was sought. Results: There were 1374 respondents of which 1192(88.5%) were females. Only 67(4.9%) respondents considered smoke from cooking fuel a risk factor for pneumonia while 99(7.2%) considered avoidance of smoke as a method for preventing pneumonia. Firewood (biomass fuel) was utilized by 272(19.8%) respondents. Respondents with no education were significantly more likely to use firewood (p<0.000). All respondents with under-fives reported having them in the cooking area. Having a child who had suffered pneumonia in the past was not significantly associated with knowing that smoke was a risk factor for childhood pneumonia p>0.05. Conclusion: There is poor awareness of smoke as a risk factor for childhood pneumonia while the use of unclean fuel is significant. As part of health education on childhood pneumonia, smoke as a risk factor should be emphasized. Government should make cleaner fuels more available, accessible and affordable.

Association Between Specific Indoor Air Pollutants and Pneumonia Episodes in Children Under Five in Abuja, Nigeria: A Case-control Study

“…Educational and health promotion campaigns to prevent exposure of children under ve to pollutants from cooking fuel is essential because the understanding the health consequences of indoor pollution amongst the studied population varies considerably. Certain people think it's the presence of smoke from burning biomass, making a kerosene stove cleaner, whilst others believe that any source of fuel other than electricity and LPG is polluting the indoor environment (Usman & Sheu, 2010;Isara & Aigbokhaode, 2014;Sadoh et al, 2015). Also, in Nigeria there is a lack of knowledge that links pollution to pneumonia amongst caregivers.…”

“…Also, in Nigeria there is a lack of knowledge that links pollution to pneumonia amongst caregivers. When asked, most responders did not think smoke was a risk factor that could be linked with childhood pneumonia and accordingly did not think that avoiding smoke in their homes could prevent pneumonia in their children (Sadoh et al, 2015). Public health education of the public at large with routine reminders on the dangers of using solid fuels for cooking and potential health implications would be bene cial.…”

Association Between Specific Indoor Air Pollutants and Pneumonia Episodes in Children Under Five in Abuja, Nigeria: A Case-control Study

“…Educational and health promotion campaigns to prevent exposure of children under ve to pollutants from cooking fuel is essential because the understanding the health consequences of indoor pollution amongst the studied population varies considerably. Certain people think it's the presence of smoke from burning biomass, making a kerosene stove cleaner, whilst others believe that any source of fuel other than electricity and LPG is polluting the indoor environment [88][89][90]. Also, in Nigeria there is a lack of knowledge that links pollution to pneumonia amongst caregivers.…”

“…Also, in Nigeria there is a lack of knowledge that links pollution to pneumonia amongst caregivers. When asked, most responders did not think smoke was a risk factor that could be linked with childhood pneumonia and accordingly did not think that avoiding smoke in their homes could prevent pneumonia in their children [90]. Public health education of the public at large with routine reminders on the dangers of using solid fuels for cooking and potential health implications would be bene cial.…”