Indoor environmental factors and pneumonia in preschool children in Haikou China

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of pneumonia in preschool children in Haikou City and assess the correlates of indoor environmental factors on this condition. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2020 to January 2021. Using a stratified random sampling method, eight kindergartens in Haikou City were selected for a questionnaire-based investigation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associated factors for Pneumonia in Preschool Children. The prevalence of pneumonia among the 3,049 preschool children was 20.44%. This study reveals that pneumonia in preschool children is influenced by both modifiable environmental exposures and non-modifiable host factors. Among the key modifiable associated factors​ within the household, paternal smoking(OR = 1.253, P = 0.030) and keeping furry pets(OR = 1.713, P = 0.017) significantly increased the risk, whereas the use of a fresh air filtration system(OR = 0.566, P = 0.018) showed a strong protective effect. These actionable findings​ suggest that targeted interventions, such as promoting air filtration and reducing indoor airborne pollutants from smoking and pets, could effectively lower disease prevalence. Additionally, non-modifiable factors​ like female sex (OR = 0.823, P = 0.036)and a family history of allergies (OR = 1.423, P < 0.001) help identify children who may benefit most from such environmental interventions. Pneumonia in preschool children is associated with various factors, including demographic characteristics, exposure to tobacco smoke, pet ownership, and the presence of air filtration systems in the home. This study found that avoiding these associated factors may reduce the prevalence of pneumonia.