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

Description

Introduction: 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. Problem Statement: 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 quantify the association between solid fuels use and respiratory symptoms, accounting for exposure duration, frequency, and potential confounders, thereby providing evidence to guide public health strategies aimed at reducing preventable respiratory morbidity in conflict-affected settings. Aims: To assess the association between household use of solid cooking fuels (such as wood and plastic) and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among residents of the Gaza Strip during the war. Objectives: 1. To compare the prevalence of respiratory symptoms between individuals using solid fuels and those using gas or diesel stoves in the Gaza strip. 2. To examine the effect of duration and frequency of exposure to solid fuel combustion. Methodology: A Cross-sectional study design will be used. Study Population: Adults aged 18–60 years residing in the Gaza Strip. 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. Individuals who are current or former smokers, have a prior medical diagnosis of asthma or other chronic respiratory diseases, or have occupational exposure to dust, smoke, or industrial respiratory hazards will be excluded. Sampling Technique: Convenience sampling. Data Collection Tool: Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire developed specifically for this study. The questionnaire will consist of the following sections: 1-Sociodemographic characteristics: age, sex, initial place of residence and current place of displacement . 2-Cooking fuel exposure: • Type of cooking fuel used (wood, plastic, gas) • Duration of fuel use (in months) • Frequency of cooking per week • Cooking-spot ventilation conditions • Is he or she the main cook or they tend to be away from cooking area. 3-Respiratory symptoms experienced during the past 6 months, including: • Chronic cough • Shortness of breath • Wheezing • Throat irritation. 4-Potential confounding factors, such as: • Smoking status • Pre-existing respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma or COPD) (to be excluded). Putting in our consideration the increase of frequency of symptoms and the hospital admissions. The questionnaire will be administered either electronically (e.g., Google Forms) or in paper format, depending on accessibility and availability. Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using statistical software (e.g., SPSS). Descriptive statistics and appropriate inferential tests will be applied.