Asthma and Air Pollution May Affect School Attendance and Learning – Docwire News

Impact of Asthma and Air Pollution on School Attendance and Academic Performance: A Review Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Asthma is a prevalent condition among young people and has been associated with increased school absenteeism, potentially affecting educational outcomes. Air pollution, a critical environmental concern, can exacerbate respiratory health issues, though its direct impact on education remains less clear. This report reviews recent research focusing on these factors, emphasizing their relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Study Overview

A comprehensive study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research by Cedric Burden, BSc, and colleagues from Swansea University Medical School analyzed the effects of asthma and outdoor air pollution on children’s school attendance and academic performance.

1. Data Collection: The review included 41 studies published between 2001 and 2024, primarily from urban settings in the US, UK, Sweden, and Brazil.
2. Methodology: Researchers searched eight academic databases, screening nearly 8,000 articles to identify studies reporting on asthma, air pollution, school attendance, and educational attainment.
3. Focus Areas:
   • 31 studies focused on asthma as the primary exposure.
   • 17 studies examined air pollution alone or combined with asthma.
   • Only one study integrated health, environmental, and educational data for a comprehensive analysis.

Key Findings

• Asthma and Educational Outcomes: Uncontrolled asthma was consistently linked to increased school absences and poorer academic performance, especially among younger children and ethnic minority groups. The impact was most pronounced in children experiencing severe or frequent asthma attacks.
• Air Pollution Effects: Exposure to pollutants such as fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was sometimes associated with lower educational attainment and higher absenteeism. Long-term exposure and pollution peaks had stronger negative effects.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Schools in economically disadvantaged areas often faced higher pollution levels, compounding the adverse effects of asthma and air pollution on learning outcomes.

Limitations of Current Research

• Predominance of cross-sectional studies using single-year data limits understanding of long-term impacts.
• Variability in asthma definitions, pollutant measurement methods, and educational outcome assessments hinder direct comparisons across studies.

Recommendations and SDG Implications

The researchers emphasize the need for long-term, large-scale studies using linked datasets across diverse geographic and socioeconomic contexts. Such research is vital to:

• Identify subtle and cumulative effects of asthma and air pollution on education.
• Inform policies aimed at supporting affected children, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
• Advance progress towards SDG 3 by improving respiratory health among youth.
• Promote SDG 4 by ensuring equitable access to quality education despite health and environmental challenges.
• Support SDG 11 by addressing urban air quality and creating healthier learning environments.

Conclusion

This review highlights the interconnectedness of health, environment, and education, underscoring the importance of integrated approaches to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing asthma management and air pollution exposure in school-aged children is critical to enhancing educational outcomes and fostering equitable, sustainable communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses asthma and respiratory health, which directly relate to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The impact of asthma and air pollution on school attendance and academic performance connects to the goal of inclusive and equitable quality education.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights that ethnic minority groups and children in poorer areas are disproportionately affected, linking to reducing inequalities within and among countries.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Air pollution in urban settings and its effects on children’s health and education relate to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, including respiratory diseases.
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 4 Targets
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, including ethnic minorities.
3. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, or economic status.
4. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and municipal and other waste management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health Indicators
   • Prevalence and severity of asthma among children (implied by discussion of uncontrolled asthma and frequency of attacks).
   • Levels of exposure to outdoor air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
   • Incidence of respiratory illnesses linked to air pollution.
2. Education Indicators
   • School attendance rates and number of days missed due to asthma or respiratory issues.
   • Academic performance metrics or educational attainment levels among affected children.
3. Socioeconomic and Environmental Indicators
   • Air pollution levels in schools located in poorer or urban areas.
   • Data linking socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and health/education outcomes (implied need for linked datasets).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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