Association Between Household Use of Solid Cooking Fuels and Respiratory Symptoms Among Residents of the Gaza Strip During the War.

Description

During the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, severe shortages of cooking gas and diesel have forced many households to rely on alternative cooking fuels such as wood and plastic. The combustion of these materials releases hazardous air pollutants, including particulate matter and toxic gases, which may significantly affect respiratory health, particularly in poorly ventilated indoor environments. In humanitarian and conflict settings, exposure to indoor air pollution represents a major yet under-investigated public health concern. This study aims to assess the association between the use of solid fuels and respiratory symptoms among Gaza Strip residents during the war. There is a lack of systematic evidence regarding the respiratory health consequences of using solid fuels (such as wood and plastic) as household cooking fuels during wartime conditions in the Gaza Strip. Addressing this gap is essential to inform emergency public health policies and interventions. Conducting a cross-sectional study among adults in the Gaza Strip who use solid fuels (such as wood and plastic) and comparing them with residents who use gas or diesel stoves will fill a crucial knowledge gap. This research will answer the association between solid fuels use and respiratory symptoms, accounting for exposure duration, frequency, and potential confounders. A Cross-sectional study design will be used. Adults aged 18–60 years residing in the Gaza Strip will be included in the study. The study will include two groups of residents of the Gaza Strip. The first group will consist of participants who use solid cooking fuels, such as wood and plastic, whereas the second group will include participants who use gas or diesel stoves. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire developed specifically for this study. The questionnaire will be administered either electronically (e.g., Google Forms) or in paper format, depending on accessibility and availability. The questionnaire will consist of sections on sociodemographic characteristics, cooking fuel exposure, respiratory symptoms experienced during the past 6 months, and potential confounding factors. Data will be analyzed using statistical software (SPSS). Descriptive statistics and appropriate inferential tests will be applied.