Síntomas respiratorios crónicos y factores de riesgo en adultos de 30 - 60 años. Guapán, Azogues - Ecuador. Octubre 2023 - Marzo 2024

Abstract

Chronic respiratory symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and expectoration are associated with conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, representing a major cause of morbidity. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses of Ecuador, in 2018, chronic respiratory diseases ranked fourth in national mortality (8.3%), highlighting factors such as smoking, biomass exposure, and environmental pollution. Objective: To know chronic respiratory symptoms and associated risk factors in 30 to 60-year-old adults in the parish of Guapán, Azogues, from October 2023 to March 2024. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with a quantitative, non-experimental, observational, descriptive, and correlational design. The study population consisted of 30 to 60-year-old adults who had resided in Guapán for at least five years. A validated survey was administered to a sample of 344 individuals. Results: The most frequently reported symptoms were cough, dyspnea, and expectoration, with cough being the most prevalent. The main risk factors identified were place of residence, use of firewood for cooking, and personal or family history of chronic respiratory diseases. Conclusions: Chronic respiratory symptoms represent a significant public health issue in the parish of Guapán, with environmental and domestic factors increasing the risk. Preventive strategies and environmental control measures are essential to mitigate their impact on public health. Keywords: respiratory symptoms, risk factors, environmental pollution, Guapán, public health