Associations between Indoor Environmental Damp and Cold Symptoms among Preschool Children in Shanghai, China

摘要

This study is part of a cross-sectional study conducted in 5 districts of Shanghai (CCHH study-phase one in Shanghai) to investigate the associations between indoor dampness and cold symptoms among 4-6 years old children. A number of 13335 valid questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%) were collected and analysed. The frequency of colds, as well as heating mode and environmental humidity were self-reported by parents. The indoor relative humidity was also recorded. The logistic regression analyses revealed that current thermal and damp environment had a significant association with cold frequency and cold duration of children. The results demonstrated that the damp environment, which was suitable for generation of bacteria and virus, was a strong risk factor for children respiratory health. The appropriate air-conditioning mode which provide clean and dry air is necessary to be discovered.