The Effects of Asian Dust Events on Perceived Symptoms and Behavior of Elementary School Students

Purpose : While there have been growing concerns about the effects of Asian dusts on health, there are few studies for relationship between Asian dusts and health outcome. This study was designed to examine the perceived symptoms and behavior change of children during the Asian Dust events. Methods : We surveyed 459 students at an elementary school in Seoul, Korea from November 20th to 27th 2002. Children with parents were asked to return the completed questionnaires within a week. The questionnaires included the sociodemographic factor, previous respiratory disease, and perceived symptom, hospital visits and behavior change during the Asian dusts. Results : The majority of children reported that they restrained going out and outdoor recreational activity during the Asian dusts. The rate of children who worn the mask was 49% and 47% in second grade and fifth grade, respectively. Regarding the perceived symptom during the Asian dusts, the children in 2nd were more likely to have symptom than 5th and there were significant difference between two groups in cough, asthma symptom, dry cough, phlegm and medication for allergy or asthma symptom. In addition, children who had previous disease were more likely to change behavior in order to prevent the effects of Asian dusts. Conclusions : This study suggested that the younger children and children who had past respiratory disease were susceptible to the effect of Asian dusts. There is a need for providing public information and health education to prevent the impact of Asian dusts on health.

황사 발생과 일부 초등학교 학생들의 자각증상 및 행동변화