A Study on COPD and Asthma Cases with AQI Level in NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) Unattainable Cities of Odisha & Its Relationship with Selected Respiratory Diseases: A Hospital-Based Ecological Study

Abstract

Introduction: Odisha is rich in raw materials, which has encouraged the establishment of several industries in six different NCAP districts of Odisha. However, the rapid industrial development has led to a significant rise in air pollution levels, posing a considerable risk to public health.

Objectives: This study aims to study the association of Air quality (AQI) and respiratory diseases (COPD & Asthma) among the NCAP districts of Odisha

Methods: This is a hospital-based, exploratory study conducted in Cuttack, Odisha. A total of 170 participants were enrolled in the outpatient department for COPD and Asthma cases between February 2024 to July 2024. Descriptive statistics such as Mean, SD, frequency & percentages were calculated along with one-way ANOVA, Student t-test and chi-square test was analysed at 5% level of significance. 

Results: The statistical analysis conducted revealed a significant difference in the Air Quality Index (AQI) across various districts (F(43.119), p < 0.001). An independent Student's t-test was conducted to compare mean AQI levels between asthma patients and those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The results indicated that asthma patients exhibited a slightly lower mean AQI (M = 80.32, SD = 17.47) in comparison to COPD patients (M = 83.15, SD = 18.31); however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (t(168) = 1.03, p = 0.30). Furthermore, exposure to particulate matter (PM10) was found to be significantly associated with an increase in asthma cases, whereas exposure to both PM2.5 and PM10 was correlated with a higher incidence of COPD cases (p = 0.002).

Conclusions: This study underscores the urgent need for improved air quality management in Odisha’s NCAP cities to mitigate the growing burden of COPD and asthma. Strengthening pollution control measures and integrating health-based air quality action plans could significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with respiratory diseases in these urban centres.