Citation

Hassan, Muhammad Muneeb and Abdelwahab, Mahmoud M. and Ameeq, Muhammad and Kargbo, Alpha (2026) Spatiotemporal analysis of acute respiratory infection burden among adults aged 15-79 years: A cross-sectional study. Heart & Lung, 80. p. 102966. ISSN 0147-9563

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Abstract

Background Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain a major cause of morbidity in low- and middle-income countries, yet evidence among working-age adults is limited. This study investigated the prevalence, spatiotemporal distribution, and clinical determinants of ARIs among adults in South Punjab, Pakistan, to inform strategies for improving respiratory health and patient outcomes. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2025 and February 2026 among 1150 adults aged 15–79 years attending hospitals in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Muzaffargarh. Participants were selected using multistage systematic sampling. Structured interviews collected demographic, environmental, and clinical data. Spatial analyses were performed using GeoDa, while multivariable binary and multinomial logistic regression identified factors associated with ARI occurrence and symptom severity. Results Overall, 38.6% of participants reported ARI symptoms. Spatial analyses demonstrated geographic clustering, with the highest burden observed in Multan. Independent predictors of ARIs included biomass fuel use (AOR 4.56, 95% CI 3.12–6.67), indoor smoking (AOR 3.45, 95% CI 2.48–4.80), visible household mould or dampness (AOR 5.67, 95% CI 3.89–8.26), low educational attainment (AOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.42–2.68), and residence in Muzaffargarh (AOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32–2.51). Symptom severity increased significantly with biomass fuel exposure, indoor smoking, damp housing, and winter months. Conclusions Household environmental exposures and geographic variation were associated with the burden and severity of ARIs among hospital-attending adults. Targeted interventions to reduce household air pollution, improve housing conditions, strengthen seasonal surveillance, and prioritize high-risk communities may improve respiratory outcomes and support evidence-based cardiopulmonary care in resource-limited settings.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > HM711-806 Groups and organizations
Divisions:	Faculty of Applied Communication (FAC)
Depositing User:	Ms Suzilawati Abu Samah
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2026 02:45
Last Modified:	30 Oct 2026 02:45
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/17030

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