Niru Sultana1, Md. Humayun Kabir2, M Abu Sayeed3

Abstract:
Backgrounds: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) are the major causes of
morbidity and mortality worldwide. The CRD are increasing in both developed
and developing countries with increasing rate of air pollution, which in turn due
to deforestation and industrialization. The exhaust of different types of industries
and transportations are worsening inhaling air and CRD. There are few published
reports on CRD in Bangladesh.
Aims: This study addressed the prevalence and risks of CRD (chronic bronchitis,
asthma and rhinitis) in Bangladesh.
Subjects and Methods: Six villages in a rural community were selected purposively.
All people of age 10 years or more were considered eligible. A structured questionnaire
was used to collect socio-demographic information including family history of CRD
and exposure to smoking, dust, fumes and exhausts. Height (ht) and weight (wt)
were taken and body mass index was calculated (BMI=wt in kg/ht in m2). Finally,
peak expiratory flow (PEF, L/min)) was estimated.
Results: Overall, 1203 (m/f = 661/542) subjects volunteered. Their mean ±SD of
age was 30.8±15.6 years. Compared with the female participants the males were
older (p<0.001) and had significantly higher height (p<0.001) and weight (p<0.001)
though BMI did not differ. The males had significantly higher PEF [mean (SD):
369 (101) vs. 246 (64) L/min; p<0.001] than the females. The prevalence rates of
chronic bronchitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis were 6.7, 7.5 and 15.6%,
respectively. Chronic bronchitis, asthma and rhinitis were significantly associated
with increasing age, family history of respiratory illness, current smoking and
dust exposure at work place (for all, p<0.01). Lower PEF had significant
association with all three CRDs.
Conclusion: The study revealed that the prevalence rates of chronic bronchitis,
asthma and rhinitis in the rural population were remarkably higher and not
negligible. Increasing age, family history of CRD, smoking and dust exposure
were found to be related to CRD. Lower the PEF more is the chance of developing
CRD. More study is needed encompassing the population in the urban and
industrial areas for assessment of the magnitude and risk of CRD in Bangladesh.
Key wards: Chronic respiratory disease (CRD), Asthma, Allergic rhinitis, chronic
bronchitis, Rural Bangladesh.

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