NR 505 Research Summary Table Air Pollution

NR505 Research Summary Table: Air Pollution

Student Name: Stephanie Birmingham Institution: Chamberlain College of Nursing Course: NR505: Advanced Research Methods - Evidence-Based Practice

Research Summary:

Topic: Air Pollution and Its Health Impacts

This research summary table focuses on the health effects of air pollution, drawing from various studies to present the methods, findings, limitations, and relevance to evidence-based practice.

Article 1:

Full Reference: Smith, K. R., Bruce, N., Balakrishnan, K., Adair-Rohani, H., Balmes, J., Chafe, Z., … & Rehfuess, E. (2014). Millions dead: How do we know and what does it mean? Methods used in the Comparative Risk Assessment of household air pollution. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 185-206. doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032013-182356

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the global burden of disease attributable to household air pollution, particularly from solid fuel use.

Research Method: The research employed a comparative risk assessment methodology, combining data from multiple studies to estimate mortality and morbidity rates associated with household air pollution.

Participants: Global population data were used, with a focus on regions with high reliance on solid fuels for cooking and heating.

Data Collection: The data collection involved meta-analyses of existing studies, national health surveys, and air quality monitoring data.

Study Findings: The study estimated that household air pollution contributes to approximately 4.3 million deaths annually, primarily due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Limitations: The primary limitation is the reliance on secondary data sources, which may have inherent biases. Additionally, there are challenges in accurately estimating exposure levels across different populations.

Relevance to EBP: This study highlights the critical need for public health interventions to reduce household air pollution, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The findings support the development of policies and programs aimed at transitioning households to cleaner energy sources.

Article 2:

Full Reference: Pope, C. A., & Dockery, D. W. (2006). Health effects of fine particulate air pollution: Lines that connect. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 56(6), 709-742. doi:10.1080/10473289.2006.10464485

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the evidence linking fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) to adverse health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Research Method: The study used a systematic review approach, synthesizing findings from epidemiological studies and experimental research on the health impacts of PM2.5.

Participants: The review included studies conducted across various populations, with a focus on urban areas where PM2.5 levels are typically higher.

Data Collection: Data were collected from a range of epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and animal studies examining the effects of PM2.5 on health.

Study Findings: The review found strong evidence that long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased mortality rates, particularly from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Short-term exposure was also linked to exacerbations of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Limitations: The limitations include potential confounding factors in observational studies, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare, which may influence health outcomes independently of air pollution exposure.

Relevance to EBP: The findings underscore the importance of air quality regulations and public health initiatives to reduce PM2.5 levels, particularly in urban environments. These efforts are crucial for mitigating the health impacts of air pollution and improving population health outcomes.

Article 3:

Full Reference: Gupta, P., & Christopher, S. A. (2009). Particulate matter air pollution and respiratory diseases: Evidence from hospital admissions data. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 19(4), 500-507. doi:10.1038/jes.2008.66

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels and hospital admissions for respiratory diseases.

Research Method: A retrospective cohort study design was used, analyzing hospital admissions data in relation to daily air pollution levels.

Participants: The study included patients admitted to hospitals in urban areas with high levels of particulate matter pollution.

Data Collection: Data on hospital admissions for respiratory diseases were collected and correlated with daily air quality measurements obtained from monitoring stations.

Study Findings: The study found a significant association between higher levels of PM10 and PM2.5 and increased hospital admissions for respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Limitations: The study’s limitations include its retrospective design, which may be prone to bias, and the difficulty in controlling for all potential confounding variables, such as indoor air pollution and occupational exposures.

Relevance to EBP: The study provides evidence supporting the need for stringent air quality standards to protect public health. It also suggests that healthcare providers should be aware of the potential impacts of air pollution on respiratory health, particularly in high-risk populations.

Conclusion:The research summarized in this table provides a comprehensive overview of the significant health risks associated with air pollution. These studies highlight the importance of evidence-based interventions and policies aimed at reducing exposure to harmful pollutants. As air pollution remains a critical public health issue, ongoing research and proactive measures are essential to mitigate its impact on global health.

References:

Smith, K. R., et al. (2014). Millions dead: How do we know and what does it mean? Methods used in the Comparative Risk Assessment of household air pollution. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 185-206. doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032013-182356
Pope, C. A., & Dockery, D. W. (2006). Health effects of fine particulate air pollution: Lines that connect. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 56(6), 709-742. doi:10.1080/10473289.2006.10464485
Gupta, P., & Christopher, S. A. (2009). Particulate matter air pollution and respiratory diseases: Evidence from hospital admissions data. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 19(4), 500-507. doi:10.1038/jes.2008.66