Abstract
Introduction: The domestic utilisation of biomass fuel for purposes such as cooking, space heating, and water heating has been linked to respiratory ailments, particularly when burned inefficiently. However, there exists a significant gap in our understanding of the impact of this practice on the health of Basotho individuals.
Aim: This study aim was to assess the correlation between biomass fuel usage, respiratory symptoms, and diseases within rural communities located in the Thaba-Tseka district of Lesotho.
Methodology: This research adopted a cross-sectional survey design, involving individuals aged 18 and above. Data collection occurred at the household level, and a total of 326 randomly selected individuals participated in the study.
Results: The findings revealed that firewood was the primary source of fuel, accounting for 45.7% (n = 326) of the cases. The most prevalent respiratory symptom reported was cough, with 27.6% of participants (n = 326) experiencing it. Over the course of January, a total of nine respiratory diseases and symptoms were documented. The study identified a significant association between a higher level of education and a greater prevalence of cough (r (5) = 1.746, p = 0.008). Tuberculosis exhibited a significant gender discrepancy, with a rate of 7.8% in men compared to 3% in women (r (1) = 3.809, p = 0.051). Asthma was found to be significantly linked to higher income levels (r (3) = 8.169, p = 0.043), as well as having employment (r (1) = 4.277, p = 0.039). Surprisingly, the study did not reveal any association between respiratory diseases and symptoms and the type of domestic fuel used.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The majority of households in rural communities in Thaba-Tseka relied on firewood for cooking, space heating, and water heating. Cough was the most prevalent respiratory symptom, and respiratory symptoms and diseases were most frequently experienced during the six months leading up to data collection, with January being the peak period. Several factors, including education level, marital status, gender, and income level, were significantly associated with specific respiratory symptoms and diseases. However, no discernible connection was observed between respiratory symptoms and diseases and the type of fuel used domestically. To mitigate the consumption of firewood and reduce exposure to its emissions, rural communities in Thaba-Tseka should receive
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support in the form of cleaner wood/biomass burning methods, improved biomass stoves, more energy-efficient housing designs, and behavioral change initiatives in consideration of their economic status and socio-cultural norms.