Prevalence and predictors of respiratory symptoms in Karachi, Pakistan

Sehrish Ghani; Inayat Thaver; Maryum Mehboob; Kiran Rafique; Mariam Ashraf

Abstract
Objective: To determine the trends of respiratory symptoms and identify their predictive factors.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi in 2020. The sample size was calculated to be 354, with a prevalence of respiratory diseases of 35% at a 95% confidence interval and a 5% of non-response rate. An online survey included a designed questionnaire keeping the recall period before the COVID-19. Statistical analysis was conducted through SPSS 20.
Results: Out of 354 respondents, 63(18%) reported suffering from chronic respiratory symptoms. The key predictors indicate that smokers were twice at risk of developing chronic symptoms compared to non-smokers; females were 0.4 times more likely to develop respiratory symptoms than males. Wearing a mask is protective and prevents the development of respiratory symptoms. Those participants who reported flu were twice likely to suffer from chronic respiratory symptoms. The allergic problems and difficulty breathing were relatively more common, especially among females and young adults.
Conclusion: This study established a significant prediction of respiratory symptoms with demographic and behavioral characteristics. However, more research is needed to identify the risk factors for respiratory symptoms.

Key words: Demographic, predictors, respiratory, symptoms.

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