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01-12-2015 | Original Article

Adverse reproductive health outcomes in pre-menopausal Indian women chronically exposed to biomass smoke

Authors: Sayali Mukherjee, Shabana Siddique, Sreeparna Chakraborty, Purba Bhattacharya, Madhuchanda Banerjee, Sanghita Roychoudhury, Twisha Lahiri, Manas Ranjan Ray

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Aim

This study has examined the adverse effects of biomass burning on menstrual cycle and reproductive outcome in rural women of India.

Subjects and methods

227 premenopausal women (using wood, dung and agricultural wastes for cooking) and 177 women (using liquid petroleum gas, LPG) were recruited for this study. Personal data was collected through a structured questionnaire. PM₁₀ levels in indoor air were measured by portable aerosol monitor. Cumulative exposure of these women were also estimated (in hour-years) taking into consideration the number of years of exposure to biomass smoke or LPG.

Results

Controlling the potential confounders, cumulative exposure to biomass smoke and PM₁₀ from biomass burning substantially increased the odds of altered reproductive health outcomes among rural women. Positive association was observed between cumulative biomass smoke exposure and shortened menstrual cycle (OR = 5.1, 95 % CI 3.62–9.21), irregular cycle (OR = 1.8, 95 % CI 1.33–2.34), spontaneous abortions (OR =1.7, 95 % CI 1.10–4.10), stillbirths (OR = 2.1, 95 % CI 1.21–4.35) and low birth weight (OR = 6.1, 95 % CI 2.54–9.76) in newborns.

Conclusion

The study shows women cooking with biomass fuel are at heightened risk of developing reproductive problems, stillbirth and low birth weight in newborns. This study recommends that more efforts should be made to understand the problem and introduce strategies to reduce emissions and exposure to biomass smoke.

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Title: Adverse reproductive health outcomes in pre-menopausal Indian women chronically exposed to biomass smoke
Authors: Sayali Mukherjee
Shabana Siddique
Sreeparna Chakraborty
Purba Bhattacharya
Madhuchanda Banerjee
Sanghita Roychoudhury
Twisha Lahiri
Manas Ranjan Ray
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-015-0690-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Adverse reproductive health outcomes in pre-menopausal Indian women chronically exposed to biomass smoke

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

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