Environment related respiratory health problems among veterinary students at St George's University

Abstract Background: This study determined the prevalence of respiratory health problems and their possible link to environmental pollution especially indoor air in veterinary medicine students. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used to administer validated questionnaire to collect data on demographics, airways symptoms, physician-diagnosed diseases, environmental exposure, personal behavior and family history. The questionnaire was sent to 389 veterinary students online. Study procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University. Results: One hundred and twenty students participated in this study; participation rate was 30.8%. Participants were mostly female (83%) and nonsmokers (17 %) with a mean age of 28. The most common lower respiratory symptom was dry cough (27.5%) and 16.7% reported wheezing. The most common rhinitis symptom was sneezing (39.5%). The prevalence of physician diagnosed asthma was 9.2% and rhinitis was 5.8%. All the students surveyed handled live animals as part of their veterinary training. Sixty-three participants observed mold in their living environments. A positive association was found between asthma symptoms and female students who were exposed to mold (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.2) and exposed to pet dander (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3-7.4). Conclusion: Pet dander and mold might be possible risk factors for asthma among veterinary students.