Climate Change, Lung Function, and Respiratory Disease Patterns in the Adult Population of Sylhet, Bangladesh
Study period: January 2025 to December 2025
Donor name: The UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) through Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE) at the University of Edinburgh
Project Description:
Background: Bangladesh is among the top ten most climate-affected countries globally. The alarming progression of climate change is linked to the increasing levels of ambient air pollution, posing significant hazards to human health. Climate change can have a negative impact on lung function, exacerbating respiratory conditions, especially for adults and the elderly. However, the pattern of respiratory diseases in relation to climate change and air pollution has not been adequately studied in Bangladesh. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of lung function status data, hindering the assessment of changes in lung function related to climate and air quality parameters.
Objective: Methods: Objective 1 is a community-based cross-sectional study which is being conducted in an urban site (Sylhet city) and in a rural site (Zakiganj sub-district) in Sylhet, Bangladesh. We are measuring lung function of adult participants aged 40 and above using spirometer. We are also measuring temperature, humidity, and rainfall using appropriate meteorological instruments. Additionally, PM2.5 and PM10 levels are being measured using air quality monitors. Objective 2 is a hospital-based secondary data collection study which is being conducted using data for the last 10 years from the inpatient departments of two hospitals: one urban hospital and one rural hospital in Sylhet, Bangladesh. We are extracting respiratory diseases in adults aged 40 and above from selected hospitals. Additionally, we are collecting climate and air pollution data for the last 10 years from the Department of Meteorology and the Department of Environment, respectively.
Significance: Developing a baseline database and analysing historical disease patterns will enable effective public health interventions and policies to mitigate environmental health impacts, ultimately improving population health and well-being in Bangladesh.
1. Establish a baseline database on various climate parameters, ambient air pollution, and lung function status among the adult population in Bangladesh.
2. Assess the respiratory disease patterns over the last 10 years among the adult population attending selected hospitals in Sylhet, Bangladesh, and its relationship with climate parameters and ambient air pollution.