Incidence of Respiratory Diseases as Related to the Environmental Hazards in Region I

Abstract

The study investigated the environmental hazards as related to the incidence ofrespiratory diseases in Region 1. The four provinces involved were Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents are young adults, female, married, and secondary graduates. A greater percentage of the respondents were semi-skilled and their weight ranges between 45-47 kilograms. Most of the environmental hazards from the different localities under study were man-made with chemical and mechanical type. Only Zone III Bantay, Ilocos Sur had a physical type because the hazards caused by the construction materials are physical in nature. Quirino, Bacnotan, la Union has the highest Incidence rate which is probably due to the exhaust of particulate molecules and dust or airborne pollution from the cement company. The place of residence showed significant relationship to the incidence of respiratory diseases. The incidence ofrespiratory diseases is influenced by health-related factors in terms of height and weight which means that the respondents' height and weight were indicators of health conditions. Significant relationships also existed between the health-related variables in terms of height and weight and the incidence of respiratory diseases.