Respiratory Disease Associated With Mothers Among Biogas User and Non User in Wondogenet District, Sidama Region Southern Ethiopia

Household air pollution, primarily from inefficient and polluting fuels, contains harmful pollutants, including fine particles that damage lung health. While interventions like improved cookstoves have been introduced, significant gaps remain in implementing pollution control measures across various energy sources, households, and individuals. This study assessed respiratory problems among mothers using biogas compared to non-users in Wondo Genet district, Sidama, Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional design was used, with data collected in April 2023 from 422 mothers (211 biogas users and 211 non-users). Data collection included face-to-face interviews, observation checklists, and PM2.5 measurements in 20% of households. The study found that the prevalence of respiratory disease was 48.8%. Factors significantly associated with respiratory disease included poor attitude [AOR = 1.75], poor knowledge [AOR = 2.03], cooking inside the house [AOR = 2.71], having a smoker in the family [AOR = 4.46], and a history of respiratory disease [AOR = 1.98]. Non-users had a higher prevalence of respiratory diseases. Key risk factors included indoor cooking, smoking in the household, prior respiratory conditions, and poor knowledge and attitude toward respiratory health. The study recommends developing educational interventions to raise awareness about biogas and health promotion programs to reduce respiratory diseases in the community.