A cross-sectional study on the impact of cooking fuels on respiratory health among deep-fry food vendors in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the respiratory health challenges among deep-fry food vendors (DFFVs) in Lagos, Nigeria, focusing on cooking practices and fuel choices. Using a mixed-method approach that combined questionnaire-based and focus group discussions, data from 291 DFFVs were analyzed using chi-square and multinomial logistic regression. The prevalence of chronic cough, morning phlegm, and breathlessness were 5.2, 4.1 and 0.7% respectively. Tear occurrence unrelated to chili pepper was reported by 37.1% of respondents. Significant associations were found between fuel type and both morning phlegm (χ2 = 15.91; p = 0.001) and prolonged cough (>3 weeks) (χ2 = 47.66; p = 0.001). Vendors using firewood and charcoal were significantly more likely to experience tears frequently than LPG users (AOR = 571.4; 95% CI: 17.5–18,627.2). The study underscores the importance of adopting clean fuels and improving ventilation to reduce respiratory irritants and mitigate health risks among DFFVs in Lagos, Nigeria.