Análise da prevalência de sintomas respiratórios de praticantes de exercício físico de Santos

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between exposure to air pollutants and respiratory diseases has been increasingly studied in different parts of the world, and is considered a public health concern. The combined effects of air pollution cause around seven million premature deaths each year, increasing mortality and morbidity as a result of respiratory symptoms. Physical exercises have been increasingly encouraged because they are related to improving people's health and quality of life, but if performed in polluted environments, they can have unfavorable consequences for the health of this population. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in practitioners of physical exercise in Santos, SP. Methodology: Cross-sectional study, carried out through the registration of two self-administered questionnaires, one with sociodemographic data and the other validated European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) for the assessment of respiratory symptoms. A probabilistic sample was used with a sample size of 240 adult individuals over 18 years of age, of both sexes, practitioners of physical exercise, residents of the city of Santos, who practiced physical exercise at the Rebouças Sports and Recreation Complex. Participants answered the questionnaire via email, Google Forms and in person. Statistical analysis included descriptive analyzes of all variables, Chi-square test and/or Fisher's Exact Test and univariate and multiple logistic regression model to assess exposure risk and analysis of spatial dynamics. The significance level was 5%. Results: It was observed that most practitioners of physical exercise were white (67.9%), female (57.5%), non-smokers (81.7%), with higher education (45.0 %), with a salary range of 1 to 5 minimum wages (65.0%), working professionally (70.8%). There was an association between physical exercise and education level (p<0.001), dust/powder (p=0.03), plush toy (p<0.001), and having a monthly income between 3 and 5 minimum wages (p <0.001). Exposure to dampness, mold (OR= 2.38; CI95%: 1.31; 4.30), and higher education (OR=6.96; CI95%: 2.21; 21.45) are jointly significant factors for rhinitis. Regarding the answers to the ECRHS questionnaire, those who live in Ponta da Praia are 2.43 (95%CI: 1.05; 5.64) times more likely to have wheezing than those who live in another region of Santos. The analysis of spatial dynamics demonstrates a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in residents of Ponta da Praia. Conclusion: Exposure to air pollution plays an important role in the respiratory symptoms of physical exercise practitioners, mitigation measures are needed to improve the environment and reduce the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the region of Complexo Esportivo e Recreativo Rebouças, Ponta da Praia , in the city of Santos.