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KMID : 1024520190280010085
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Journal of the Environmental Sciences
2019 Volume.28 No. 1 p.85 ~ p.97
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Survey on the Utilization of Weather and Air Quality Information and Needs of Patients with Respiratory Diseases
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Jo Eun-Jung
Park Hye-Kyung
Kim Chang-Hoon
Won Kyung-Mi
Kim Yoo-Keun
Jeong Ju-Hee
An Hye-Yeon
Hwang Mi-Kyoung
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Abstract
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Meteorological factors and air pollutants are associated with respiratory diseases, and appropriate use of weather and air quality information is helpful in the management of patients with such diseases. This study was performed to investigate both the utilization of weather and air quality information by, and the needs of, patients with respiratory diseases. Questionnaires were administered to 112 patients with respiratory diseases, 60.7% of whom were female. The rates of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among patients were 67.0% and 10.7%, respectively. The majority of subjects (90%) responded that prevention was important for respiratory disease management and indicated that they used weather and air quality information either every day or occasionally. However, respondents underestimated the importance of weather and air quality information for disease management and were unaware of some types of weather information. The subjects agreed that respiratory diseases were sensitive to weather and air quality. The most important weather-related factors were diurnal temperature range, minimum temperature, relative humidity, and wind, while those for air quality were particulate matter and Asian dust. Information was gleaned mainly from television programs in patients aged 60 years and older and from smartphone applications for those below 60 years of age. The subjects desired additional information on the management and prevention of respiratory diseases. This study identified problems regarding the utility of weather and air quality information currently available for patients with respiratory diseases, who indicated that they desired disease-related information, including information in the form of action plans, rather than simple health- and air quality-related information. This study highlights the necessity for notification services that can be used to easily obtain information, specifically regarding disease management.
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KEYWORD
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Weather, Air quality, Respiratory diseases, Management
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