Indoor environment at university dormitories: association with respiratory and dermal disease among students

Mold in university dorms can have a severe adverse impact on residents' health by causing respiratory and dermal conditions like eczema and phlegm production. This study examines the relationship between the prevalence of respiratory and dermatological disorders among students at Universiti Mal...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ainin Sofiya, Sarif
Format: Undergraduates Project Papers
Language:English
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:https://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/45539/
Description
Summary:Mold in university dorms can have a severe adverse impact on residents' health by causing respiratory and dermal conditions like eczema and phlegm production. This study examines the relationship between the prevalence of respiratory and dermatological disorders among students at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and the indoor environment of university dorms. Data were gathered from 150 respondents using a cross- sectional approach using surveys and the Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool (DMAT). The most often reported respiratory symptom was wheezing (28.7%), and the least common was chest pain (14%). Mold and dry air were found to be significant predictors of respiratory symptoms using logistic regression analysis. While dry air increased the chance of producing phlegm (OR = 2.680, 95% CI = 1.113–6.453), mold exposure significantly raised the probability of coughing (OR = 3.597, 95% CI = 1.450–8.923), and phlegm (OR = 2.567, 95% CI = 1.071–6.149). A total of 64.1% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variation in respiratory symptoms was explained by the logistic regression model. These results highlight how crucial it is to address interior environmental issues like mold and air quality in order to lower health risks and enhance the well-being of people in dorms. To reduce the symptoms among students, it is recommended to maintain regular maintenance and inspections of the dormitory building.