Efeitos da poluição no sistema respiratório e na qualidade de vida de idosos moradores de uma área portuária no município de Guarujá/SP

Abstract

Air pollution is a threat to public health, the second leading cause of chronic non-communicable diseases and responsible for high mortality rates. This study aims to evaluate the effects of air pollution on the respiratory system and quality of life of elderly residents of a port area in the city of Guarujá/SP. This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated elderly individuals aged 60 years or older, of both genres, living in a port area (exposed group) and a neighborhood far from the port (control group), both in the city of Guarujá/SP. Data from 87 individuals were analyzed from December 2023 to August 2024 through socioeconomic assessment, respiratory symptoms and quality of life questionnaires - Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Vital signs, exhaled carbon monoxide (COex), lung function (spirometry) and blood pressure were measured. Data analysis found significantly lower spirometric values (p<0.05) in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) both in absolute values (mean of 3.02 in controls and 2.56 in exposed subjects) and in percentage of predicted (mean of 102.19 in controls and 95.36 in exposed subjects) and in absolute values of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) (mean of 2.30 in controls and 1.96 in exposed subjects) and greater limitation due to emotional aspects (mean of 80.3 in controls and 60.5 in exposed subjects) through responses to Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). We conclude that air pollution appears to be associated with impaired lung function in the elderly, determined by spirometric criteria, and with implications for quality of life through limitations due to emotional aspects.