Association between solid cooking fuels and functional disability: evidence from a cross-sectional and longitudinal
Xiuwen Yang1, Zhaoyi Liu1, Fanwei Sun2
1Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Yixueyuan Road, , Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
BMC Public Health
|September 24, 2025
Summary
Using solid cooking fuels significantly increases the risk of functional disability, especially with coal. Transitioning to clean cooking fuels can reduce this risk, improving health for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Indoor air pollution from solid cooking fuels is a significant global health concern.
- The link between solid fuel use and functional disability requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between solid cooking fuel use and functional disability in older adults.
- To investigate the impact of fuel transitions and duration of use on disability risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of five waves (2011-2020) of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data.
- Assessment of functional disability using activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
- Application of linear mixed-effects models and time-varying Cox proportional hazards models.
Main Results:
- Solid fuel use is linked to a higher risk of functional disability.
- Persistent solid fuel use increased ADL hazard by 38% and IADL hazard by 28%.
- Coal use presented a greater risk than biomass fuels; transitioning to clean fuels reduced risk.
Conclusions:
- Solid cooking fuels, particularly coal, elevate the risk of functional disability.
- Promoting cleaner cooking technologies is crucial for mitigating indoor air pollution and improving health outcomes in older populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data
898
Epidemiological data primarily involves information on specific populations' occurrence, distribution, and determinants of health and diseases. This data is crucial for understanding disease patterns and impacts, aiding public health decision-making and disease prevention strategies. The analysis of epidemiological data employs various statistical methods to interpret health-related data effectively. Here are some commonly used methods:
898
01:11Observational Studies
10.7K
Observational studies are a type of analytical study where researchers observe events without any interventions. In other words, the researcher does not influence the response variable or the experiment's outcome.
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
10.7K
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
3.1K
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
3.1K
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
5.1K
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
5.1K
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
741
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
741
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
2.3K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
2.3K