ABSTRACT:
urban air pollution represents a major public health challenge in developing countries, particularly affecting respiratory health. in central africa, rapid urbanization exacerbates exposure to particulate matter (pm2.5) and no2, contributing to increased respiratory morbidity. this study investigates the association between air pollution exposure and respiratory symptoms in urban dwellers, aiming to inform targeted interventions.methods a cross-sectional study was conducted among 1250 adults aged 18-65 years in an urban setting from january to june 2025. participants were recruited via stratified random sampling from high and low pollution zones, defined by pm2.5 levels >25 μg/m³ and <10 μg/m³ respectively, measured by fixed monitoring stations. respiratory health was assessed using the modified medical research council (mrc) dyspnea scale and spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 second: fev1). exposure was estimated via personal questionnaires and geocoded residential data. logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, and socioeconomic factors were used to estimate odds ratios (or) with 95% confidence intervals (ci). data analysis was performed using spss version 26.0.results of 1250 participants, 52% were female, mean age was 38.4 years. high pollution exposure was reported by 68% (850/1250). prevalence of moderate-severe dyspnea was 42% (357/850) in high exposure vs 18% (144/400) in low exposure groups (p<0.001). fev1 was reduced by 12.4% (1.64 l vs 1.87 l; p<0.001). adjusted or for dyspnea in high exposure was 3.21 (95% ci: 2.45-4.20). children and elderly showed highest risk (or 4.12).

CONCLUSIONS:
air pollution significantly increases respiratory symptoms and impairs lung function in urban populations. these findings underscore the need for pollution control policies and public health campaigns. longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causality.