Development of an educational intervention to reduce the burden of adult chronic lung disease in rural India: Inputs from a qualitative study

Issue 2 - "Update on adverse respiratory effects of indoor air pollution". Part 2): Indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases: Perspectives from Italy and some other GARD countries

OBJECTIVE

to synthesize the Italian epidemiological contribution to knowledge on indoor pollution respiratory impact, and to analyze the perspective of some GARD countries on the health effects of indoor air pollution.

RESULTS

Italian epidemiological analytical studies confirmed a strong relationship between indoor air pollution and health in general population. Environmental tobacco smoke, biomass (wood/coal) fuel for cooking/heating and indoor allergens (house dust mites, cat and dog dander, mold/damp) are the most relevant indoor pollution sources and are related to respiratory and allergic symptoms/diseases in Italy and in other GARD countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Vietnam, India, Nepal and Kyrgyzstan. Community-based global health collaborations are working to improve prevention, diagnosis and care of respiratory diseases around the world, specially in low- and middle-income countries, through research and education.

CONCLUSIONS

in the last thirty years, the scientific evidence produced on respiratory health effects of indoor air pollution has been extensive, but the necessity to empower the synergies between scientific community and local administrations remains a challenge to address in order to implement effective interventions. Based on abundant evidence of indoor pollution health effect, WHO, scientific societies, patient organizations and other members of the health community should work together to pursue the GARD vision of "a world where all people breathe freely" and encourage policy makers to increase their engagement in advocacy for clean air.

Social dimensions of chronic respiratory disease: stigma, isolation, and loneliness

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Social wellbeing is a core component of heath. However, people with chronic respiratory disease report unmet social needs, particularly in relation to stigma, social isolation, and loneliness. This review considers recent advances in understanding these social concepts within the context of chronic respiratory disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

A growing body of qualitative work illustrates the detrimental impacts of stigma in chronic respiratory disease, contributing towards poorer psychological health and self-management, and reduced engagement with professional support. Stigma, alongside physical limitations stemming from respiratory symptoms, can also contribute to social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with poorer mental health and quality of life, declines in function, and in some cases, increased hospital admissions. Although close or cohabiting relationships can ameliorate some social challenges, isolation and loneliness can also impact informal carers of people with chronic respiratory disease.

SUMMARY

Increasing evidence illustrates the direct and indirect influences of social dimensions on health outcomes for people living with chronic respiratory disease. Although there is increased understanding of the lived experiences of stigma, less is understood about the complexities of social isolation and loneliness in chronic respiratory disease, and optimal interventions to address social challenges.