Abstract
M.A. (Public Health)
Background: Bronchitis in a severe respiratory condition and may require hospital treatment. It falls under infectious respiratory infections that spread very easy through droplets, Burning of waste is very prevalent in developing countries and has detrimental effects both on health and environmental wellbeing. It is imperative to reduce bad health habits such as the burning of waste to avoid undesired outcomes. South Africa already has a lot of burden of diseases which cost the country a lot of spending. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between bronchitis and waste burning and further examine the impact of socioeconomic factors. Objectives are: To determine if there is indeed an association between waste burning and acquiring bronchitis. To examine whether the association between waste burning and acquiring bronchitis in Kopanong district, Free State differ by social demographic factors. To assess whether the association between waste burning and acquiring bronchitis in Kopanong district, Free State differ by other environmental factors. Methods: A quantitative case-control study, with a sample size of 1044 participants was used. The study was conducted at Kopanong Local Municipality. A questionnaire was administered and participants were selected using random sampling. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used preferably to analyse one dependent variable (bronchitis) and multiple independent variables. Results: This study produced magnificent results which showed that the odds ratios of having bronchitis were significantly more likely in both crude and adjusted analysis for age groups 41- 50 and 51 – 60. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) =3.14 95% CI (1.91 – 5.16), and AOR =7.65 95% CI (4.76 -12.38), respectively. Participants who used paraffin and gas to cook were more likely to have bronchitis [AOR = 2.45 95% CI (1.17 – 5.12) and AOR=1.78 95% CI (1.25 – 2.47)], respectively. Participants with an economic status below average, and that above-average economic status, although the confidence intervals were wide, were more likely to have bronchitis [AOR= 3.53 95% CI (1.20 – 10.33), AOR=6.44 95% CI (2.24 – 18.51), and AOR=6.99 95% CI (2.21 – 22.12)], respectively. Compared to candidates of affluent economic status, participants with an economic status below average, and those above-average economic status, although the confidence intervals were wide, were more likely to have bronchitis [AOR= 3.53 95% CI (1.20 – 10.33), AOR=6.44 95% CI (2.24 – 18.51), and AOR=6.99 95% CI (2.21 – 22.12)], respectively. Conclusion: Waste burning is very dangerous and very commond due to various socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors. And its affecting many people. Level of education, economic status and age play a significant role in the burning of waste and prevention of bronchitis. It is critical to implement corrective measures in efforts to prevent bronchitis and burning waste burning.