Multidimensional Impact of Smog on Respiratory and Ocular Health: A Cross-Sectional Study With Socio-Psychological and Public Health Prospective.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Smog is a serious threat to the environment, creating problems for public health, particularly in the South Punjab, Pakistan. This study aim to assess the prevalence of smog related health issue evaluate psychological impact and explore public health awareness and policy perception.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 817 adults (Aged 18≥ year) was conducted in cities of South-Punjab from October to December 2024. Structured questionnaire, aligned with the STROBE checklist, collected self-reported data on health outcomes and awareness. Multinomial logistic regression and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed using SPSS-26 and R-Studio 4.3.2.

RESULTS

From 817 participants, 57.8% were male, 65.7% urban, with 47.1% reporting eye irritation (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.692.56, p = 0.38) Respiratory conditions included COPD (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.41, p < 0.001), asthma (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.13-0.38, p < 0.001), ARI (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.10-0.31, p < 0.001), and IHD (OR = 11.13, 95% CI: 6.81-46.35, p < 0.001). Urban participants showed higher anxiety due to smog (OR = 6.20, 95% CI: 2.56- 15.04, p < 0.001). Only 15.9% were aware of public health campaigns, and 62.7% rated government efforts poorly (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.40-5.17, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Smog significantly affects respiratory and ocular health causes socio-psychological burdens. Strict regulations, effective public health interventions, and healthcare infrastructure are essential to decrease its effects.