Association between Cook stove Use and Respiratory Illness in Rural Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The use of traditional fuelwood for cooking in developing countries poses significant
health risks, particularly for women who are primarily responsible for household activities. Indoor air
pollution (IAP) arising from the inefficient combustion of biomass fuels releases harmful pollutants,
including particulate matter (PM), which have been linked to various respiratory illnesses. Improved
cookstoves (ICS) offer a promising solution to reduce IAP and improve health outcomes. This study
aimed to assess the association between cookstove use and respiratory illness among women in Chencha
District, Gamo Zone.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020 among 513 women in the Chencha
Zuriya district. Eight kebeles were selected, four from communities using improved cookstoves and four
from non-user communities. Households within each kebele were selected using systematic random
sampling, with proportional allocation based on population size. Trained health professionals conducted
face-to-face interviews, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. The prevalence of
respiratory illness was determined, and various socio-economic and household factors, including
cookstove use, were analyzed for their association with respiratory illness.

Results: The overall prevalence of respiratory illness was 33.5% (172/513) [95% CI: 29.5–37.6]. Nonusers of improved cook stoves had significantly higher rates of respiratory illness (55.2%) compared to
users (12.6%) (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.15–7.67). Women with no formal education had significantly
higher odds of respiratory illness compared to those with secondary education or above (AOR = 5.24;
95% CI: 2.69–10.20). Households with more than five members also had significantly higher odds of
respiratory illness (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.37–4.56). Inadequate cooking facilities, such as stoves
without chimneys (AOR = 5.16; 95% CI: 1.93–13.81) and homes without permanent roof ventilation
(AOR = 6.37; 95% CI: 1.70–23.82), were strongly associated with respiratory illness. However,
crowding and time spent in the kitchen did not show a significant adjusted association.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant role of improved cook stove use, education, and household conditions in the prevalence of respiratory illness among women in rural Ethiopia. The use of
improved cookstoves and inadequate household ventilation were key contributors to respiratory health
issues. Interventions to promote improved cooking technologies, better household infrastructure, and
educational initiatives are crucial in mitigating respiratory illnesses in rural Ethiopian communities.