Article
Economics
Chon-Kit Ao, Yilin Dong, Pei-Fen Kuo
Summary: This study, based on a nationally representative longitudinal survey in China, demonstrates that exposure to both indoor and ambient air pollution has adverse effects on mental health, especially increasing the likelihood of depressive symptoms in the elderly population. Furthermore, the study shows that the impact of air pollution is more pronounced in less educated individuals and females.
CHINA ECONOMIC REVIEW
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Xie, Ying Wang, Yichi Zhang, Wenhong Fan, Zhaomin Dong, Peng Yin, Maigeng Zhou
Summary: In 2020, China developed guidelines for indoor PM2.5 for the first time, but the health implications are still unclear. A study estimated that there were 965 thousand premature deaths associated with PM2.5 in 2019, with 72.9% originating from outdoor sources. Using a scenario matrix, the study found that in 2035, if the guidelines mandate a yearly indoor PM2.5 concentration of 75 μg/m³ (instead of daily), the average premature deaths associated with ambient PM2.5 will be 1018-1361 thousand, compared to 816-1304 thousand for a better-case scenario of 35 μg/m³. Stricter guidelines are recommended to mitigate the mortality risk in the future.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
William W. Nazaroff
Summary: Ultrafine particles are small condensed-phase materials in air that are abundant both indoors and outdoors. They pose health risks when inhaled and can migrate within the respiratory tract. Buildings provide partial protection against outdoor ultrafine particles, but their effectiveness is influenced by various factors.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Unaib Rabbani, Shama Razzaq, Muhammad Irfan, Sean Semple, Asaad Ahmed Nafees
Summary: This study assessed the association between formaldehyde, carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM2.5) and respiratory symptoms, asthma, and post-bronchodilator reversibility. Higher levels of formaldehyde and CO were associated with cough, phlegm, and wheeze, while higher levels of PM2.5 were associated with shortness of breath and the presence of any respiratory symptoms.
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Asaad Ahmed Nafees, Muhammad Zia Muneer, Sara De Matteis, Andre Amaral, Peter Burney, Paul Cullinan
Summary: Textile workers in low/middle-income countries still face a significant issue with byssinosis. This study in Pakistan compared four different prediction equations for assessing 'chronic' byssinosis based on FEV1 measurements. Results showed variation in identifying reduced FEV1 among workers with symptoms-based byssinosis according to different reference equations.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Emily Cheek, Valentina Guercio, Clive Shrubsole, Sani Dimitroulopoulou
Summary: Portable air purifiers (PAPs) have been shown to reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations significantly, potentially offering health benefits. However, evidence on health impacts is limited and inconsistent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sushma Dhital, Dipesh Rupakheti, Maheswar Rupakheti, Xiufeng Yin, Yanli Liu, Joy James Mafiana, Mohammed Muneer Alareqi, Halabia Mohamednour, Benzhong Zhang
Summary: This study examined the research progress of indoor air pollution (IAP) through a scientometric analysis, revealing significant differences between developed and developing countries in this field. Current research focuses on global burden, comparative risk assessment, household air pollution, and author Kirk R. Smith has made important contributions. Studies related to rural, fossil-fuel toxicity, IAP, and exposure assessment have received particular attention.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Xiang Li, Rui Cui, Baojun Yang, ShiYu Xie, Guoming Zeng, Hengwei Zheng, Huaili Zheng
Summary: Nowadays, indoor air pollution has become a global problem, causing harm to human health. This paper provides a systematic review of recent research on indoor air pollution, including indoor pollutant types and sources, detection methods and equipment, simulation models and quality standards for pollutant release, indoor air treatment technologies, and identifies current research challenges. Moreover, it highlights the future research directions.
MINI-REVIEWS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna L. Hodshire, Ellison Carter, James M. Mattila, Vito Ilacqua, Jordan Zambrana, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt, Andrew Abeleira, Caleb Arata, Peter F. DeCarlo, Allen H. Goldstein, Lea Hildebrandt Ruiz, Marina E. Vance, Chen Wang, Delphine K. Farmer
Summary: Analytical capabilities in atmospheric chemistry provide new opportunities to investigate indoor air. The HOMEChem campaign studied the impact of common activities on indoor air and evaluated potential risks. Activities like cooking and cleaning quickly change the composition of indoor air, increasing levels of high-risk compounds and health risks associated with air contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ozlem Ipek, Egemen Ipek
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of factors such as age, gender, having dependent children, and indoor air pollution on health status, and found that education level and income level have positive effects on health status, while even high-income households are adversely affected by indoor air pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Amirhosein Mousavi, Jun Wu
Summary: During the COVID-19 lockdown, indoor PM2.5 concentrations increased significantly, particularly with clear peaks in residential areas in the afternoon and evening, reflecting increased human activity and household chores during meal times. The contribution of indoor-generated PM2.5 to total indoor concentrations increased as high as 80% during and post-lockdown periods compared to before lockdown.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Brandon Bottorff, Chen Wang, Emily Reidy, Colleen Rosales, Delphine K. Farmer, Marina E. Vance, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt, Philip S. Stevens
Summary: Despite the lack of full understanding of the chemistry of nitrous acid (HONO) in the indoor environment, this study presents results from comparing measurements of HONO using different instruments. The findings indicate that HONO has a long enough lifetime to be quickly distributed indoors and mix throughout the house, contributing to the oxidative capacity indoors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matheus Koengkan, Emad Kazemzadeh, Jose Alberto Fuinhas, Mohammad Nabi Shahiki Tash
Summary: Environmental innovations play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and premature deaths. This research examines the impact of eco-innovations on premature deaths caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution in twenty-nine European countries. The results show that eco-innovations significantly reduce premature deaths, particularly indoors. Additionally, factors such as economic growth, renewable energy consumption, and urbanization also contribute to reducing mortality, while CO2 emissions increase this risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
MyDzung T. Chu, Sara E. Gillooly, Jonathan I. Levy, Jose Vallarino, Lacy N. Reyna, Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Brent A. Coull, Gary Adamkiewicz
Summary: Indoor concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are highly variable, with different sources such as cooking and smoking playing a major role in contributing to elevated PM2.5 levels indoors. Renters in multifamily housing are more likely to be exposed to higher PM2.5 levels from non-ambient sources, such as cooking and smoking, compared to homeowners in single and multifamily housing. These disparities in PM2.5 exposure by homeownership can be explained by a combination of behavioral and building factors.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Nelson Augusto Rosario Filho, Marilyn Urrutia-Pereira, Gennaro D'Amato, Lorenzo Cecchi, Ignacio J. Ansotegui, Carmen Galan, Anna Pomes, Margarita Murrieta-Aguttes, Luis Caraballo, Philip Rouadi, Isabella Annesi-Maesano, Ruby Pawankar, Herberto J. Chong-Neto, David B. Peden
Summary: Indoor environments significantly contribute to human exposure to air pollutants, especially affecting the health of children and adults. Education, community, and health professional involvement can help reduce household pollutants and promote health.
WORLD ALLERGY ORGANIZATION JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
AlJohara M. AlQuaiz, Abdullah A. Alrasheed, Ambreen Kazi, Mohammad Ali Batais, Khaled M. Alhabeeb, Amr Jamal, Mona A. Fouda
Summary: This study found an association between HbA1c levels and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, suggesting the importance of maintaining normal levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bone markers for better control of HbA1c levels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Sajid Hameed, Maria Khan, Zafar Fatmi, Mohammad Wasay
Summary: The study revealed a significant drop in air quality index and a decrease of over 50% in the number of stroke admissions at a major tertiary hospital in Karachi during the lockdown period. The authors hypothesize that the reduction in stroke admissions may be due to an actual decrease in stroke incidence resulting from the improvement in air quality.
JOURNAL OF STROKE & CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zahid Hyder Wadani, Iqbal Azam, Muhammad Irfan, Zafar Fatmi
Summary: Pesticide use was found to be associated with a nearly doubled risk of both restrictive and obstructive lung dysfunction with each increasing year of exposure to pesticides. Reliable monitoring and reporting procedures, along with appropriate environmental policies and regulations for pesticide handling, are needed. Interventional studies should be conducted to train farmers on the proper use of personal protective equipment to limit pesticide exposure.
ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Waqas Hameed, Anam Shahil Feroz, Bilal Iqbal Avan, Bushra Khan, Zafar Fatmi, Noreen Afzal, Hussain Jafri, Mansoor Ali Wassan, Sameen Siddiqi
Summary: This study explores the mental health impact and needs of public sector healthcare workers in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identifies the fear of infection, social isolation, and excessive workload as key factors affecting the mental health of healthcare professionals. The study also highlights the need for counselling services, safe working conditions, and appreciation and motivation for healthcare professionals in order to address their mental health needs.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Waqas Hameed, Bilal Iqbal Avan, Anam Shahil Feroz, Bushra Khan, Zafar Fatmi, Hussain Jafri, Mansoor Ali Wassan, Sameen Siddiqi
Summary: This study explored the mental health impact of COVID-19 on primary healthcare workers and sought suggestions and recommendations to address their mental health needs. Interviews revealed that there was fear, stress, and anxiety among healthcare workers due to lack of information, false rumors, and inadequate personal protective measures. Training, provision of personal protective equipment, and emotional support from coworkers were found to be effective in addressing their mental health needs. The study also highlighted the importance of appreciation, recognition, and psychosocial support from mental health professionals.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
AlJohara AlQuaiz, Muneerah Albugami, Ambreen Kazi, Fahdah Alshobaili, Fawzia Habib, Ellen B. Gold
Summary: This study aimed to measure the associations between diet, psychological distress, and lifestyle factors with premenstrual symptoms in women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The results showed positive associations between diet and stress with premenstrual symptoms. Therefore, increasing women's awareness of healthy lifestyles, particularly in terms of diet and stress reduction, may help reduce the occurrence of premenstrual symptoms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ambreen Kazi, Hamad F. Alrabiah, Khalid Fawaz Alosaimi, Naif Ahmed Alshehri, Omar Mohammad Bassam Alhalabi, Abdulelah Saad Alshamrani, AlJohara M. AlQuaiz, Bushra Hamid
Summary: This study aimed to measure misconceptions about osteoarthritis and identify associated health-seeking behaviors. The findings revealed high levels of misconceptions among all participants, with seeking care from general practitioners, friends, chiropractors, and podiatrists being significantly associated with misconceptions. However, the use of social media and expert websites had a positive effect on the management of osteoarthritis. General practitioners and allied health workers should regularly update their knowledge.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
AlJohara M. AlQuaiz, Ambreen Kazi, Nada AlYousefi, Lemmese Alwatban, Yara AlHabib, Iqbal Turkistani
Summary: This study conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to investigate the prevalence of urinary incontinence in Saudi women aged between 30 and 75, and its association with quality of life, psychological distress, and self-esteem. The results showed that 47.5% of women were suffering from urinary incontinence, with stress incontinence being the most common type (79%), followed by urge incontinence (72%) and mixed type (51%). The study also found that urinary incontinence and severe urinary distress were associated with impaired quality of life, mental distress, and low self-esteem.
Article
Criminology & Penology
Aljohara M. Alquaiz, Ambreen Kazi, Aljohara Almeneessier, Eman Alhalal, Maha Almuneef, Yara AlHabib
Summary: The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence of mental distress among women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and explore the relationship between violence against women, social support, self-esteem, and mental distress. The study found that violence against women was positively associated with mental distress, while social support and self-esteem were negatively associated with distress. It also found that violence had direct negative effects on social support and self-esteem, and social support and self-esteem had direct negative effects on distress.
JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
(2023)
Letter
Obstetrics & Gynecology
AlJohara AlQuaiz, Ambreen Kazi
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Faisal I. Alkoblan, Musaeb M. Alsoadan, Abdulrahman A. Alhajri, Mohammed M. Almousa, Faisal S. Alsalamah, Ambreen Kazi, Fahad A. Bashiri, Bandar Aljafen
Summary: This study aimed to measure the prevalence of social anxiety disorder in patients with epilepsy and investigate its association with quality of life. The results showed a significant correlation between severe social anxiety and poor quality of life in multiple domains. Lack of social support was also found to be associated with lower quality of life. Female gender and lower education level were identified as factors that impact quality of life.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Muhammad Asim, Sarah Saleem, Zarak Husain Ahmed, Imran Naeem, Farina Abrejo, Zafar Fatmi, Sameen Siddiqi
Summary: This study in Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan explores the multifaceted barriers inhibiting women from seeking maternal and newborn health care, including individual distrust, inadequate symptom recognition, aversion to biomedical interventions, and expensive transportation services. Capacity development, health awareness, and structural interventions are recommended to address these barriers and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Lamees A. Altamimi, Amal Saad Aseeri, Zaibunnisa Kamran, Ambreen Kazi, AlJohara M. AlQuaiz
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of PMS and associated factors among students and staff at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It found that higher levels of education and lower income were significantly associated with PMS. Lifestyle interventions focusing on body weight and income programs may help alleviate premenstrual symptoms, and further national-level studies are recommended to explore urban-rural differences related to PMS.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH AND REPRODUCTION SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Meesha Iqbal, Zafar Fatmi
Summary: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent in Pakistan, with emotional violence at 36.4% and physical violence at 18.4%. Factors such as husband's age, alcohol intake, and educational status are associated with emotional and physical violence. Further studies are needed to explore underlying factors and regional variations for effective interventions.
JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
(2021)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Aljohara M. Alquaiz, Maha Almuneef, Ambreen Kazi, Aljohara Almeneessier
Summary: Intimate partner violence is a global public health issue. This study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, revealed that factors like younger age, lack of emotional and tangible support, perception of poor health, husbands' poor health, and polygamy are associated with higher odds of reporting domestic violence. Social conditions and support play a significant role in domestic violence against Saudi women, and the improvement of local policies and protection services can effectively prevent such violence.
JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
(2021)
