Associations between lifestyle habits, environmental factors and respiratory diseases: a cross-sectional study from southwest China.

Abstract

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that lifestyle habits and environmental factors influence the incidence and progression of respiratory diseases. However, there is a paucity of similar research conducted in southwest China.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and primary influencing factors of respiratory diseases among residents in a specific region of southwest China, and to identify vulnerable populations.

Method: From February 2024 to May 2024, a multi-stage stratified random sampling method was employed in a specific region of southwest China. Three monitoring points were randomly selected from six jurisdictions within this region, resulting in the collection of relevant information from a total of 4,507 residents through offline interviews. Lasso-logistic regression was conducted using R version 4.3.0 to develop a nomogram for estimating disease probabilities. Interaction analysis was performed with gender and age group serving as grouping variables, while other dimensional factors were utilized as analysis variables.

Result: A total of 4,507 respondents participated in this study, of whom 956 (21.21%) were identified as sick. The older adult group (>65 years) exhibited the highest prevalence (30.3%). Results from the Lasso-logistic model indicated that current smoking, alcohol abuse, passive smoking, coupled with poor indoor and outdoor environments were significant risk factors. Additionally, a history of respiratory disease, a family history of respiratory issues, negative emotions, and high stress levels may also contribute to the risk of the disease. Protective factors identified include regular exercise, adequate indoor lighting, frequent ventilation, and regular disinfection practices. The nomogram developed in this study demonstrated good discrimination, calibration, and clinical efficacy. Multiplicative interaction analysis indicated that gender and age group exhibited varying degrees of interaction with factors such as smoking, passive smoking, alcohol abuse, regular exercise, household smoke, house disinfection, dust mites, history of respiratory allergies, use of velvet products, and family history of respiratory conditions. Notably, females, adolescents, and the older adult were identified as particularly susceptible and at-risk groups for these interactions.

Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory diseases is notably higher among the permanent population in southwest China. High-risk lifestyles, coupled with poor indoor and outdoor environments, pose particularly significant threats to women, adolescents, and the older adult. Consequently, improving living habits, renovating aging communities, enhancing the quality of the living environment, and prioritizing vulnerable populations remain central to the objectives of primary health services.