Estudo transversal sobre os impactos climáticos da baixa umidade na qualidade de vida e saúde respiratória de estudantes universitários do Centro-Oeste.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impacts of low air humidity on respiratory health and quality of life among university students in the Central-West region of Brazil. The research focused on respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose, as well as aspects related to physical well-being. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 548 students over the age of 18 enrolled in regional institutions, with data collected during the winter of 2024. The methods included the use of structured questionnaires based on the WHOQOL-100 and SF-36 scales, with descriptive analyses performed using tools such as Excel and Google Forms. Key findings indicated that 67.7% of students experienced some degree of discomfort due to dry eyes, and 50.5% reported moderate to severe nasal congestion. Additionally, 58.8% reported respiratory difficulties. Only 10.4% considered their environment healthy, and 36.1% rated their health as "relatively poor," while 15.3% classified it as "poor." Just 8.6% reported having sufficient energy for daily activities, and 48.7% expressed dissatisfaction with their ability to perform daily tasks. These results underscore the need for public policies and preventive measures, such as environmental monitoring and the use of humidifiers, to mitigate the adverse effects of low humidity on students' health and well-being.