A cross-sectional analysis of air pollution in primary schools and children fatigue

Bibliographic Data

ID22087173
AuthorsVaida Taminskiene (0000-0001-5165-749X, Vilnius University, corresponding author), Nina Prokopčiuk (0000-0002-7387-9074, Vilnius University), Vilmante Karvelyte (Vilnius University), Eglė Vaitkaitienė (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences), Mindaugas Butikis (0000-0002-2539-8671, Vilnius University), Algirdas Valiulis, Algirdas Vaclovas Valiulis (Vilnius University), Vilte Sapronaite (Vilnius University), Gintare Talmontaite (Vilnius University), Ginreta Megelinskiene (Vilnius University), Karolina Sceliokiene (Vilnius University), Rimantas Stukas (0000-0002-4591-5891, Vilnius University), Arūnas Valiulis (0000-0002-0287-9915, Vilnius University)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1595089-1595089
Publication date2025-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1595089
PMID40959634
OpenAlexW4413869622
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited61

Introduction: Childhood fatigue is influenced by various factors, including health status, socioeconomic conditions, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors like air pollution. In this study we aimed to explore the relationship between children's fatigue and air pollution in the classrooms. Methods: 547 children from eight primary schools were enrolled into the study. Air pollution was measured in the classrooms including concentration of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) and micro elemental analysis of dust. Fatigue was assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Multidimensional Fatigue Scale self-reports in scores ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicated less fatigue. Multivariate linear regression was performed to explore factors independently associated with children's fatigue. Results: Mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) of respondents was 9.03 (±0.42) years; 44.9% were males. The mean (±SD) total fatigue score was 80.13 (±7.99). We found that higher levels of fatigue in children were linked to worse overall health, lower academic performance, and fewer extracurricular activities. Additionally, levels of particulate matter, barium, and vanadium in the natural dust aggregates were independently related to increased fatigue. Conclusion: A cross-sectional type of our study only allows for the confirmation of statistical associations between fatigue levels and their possible determinants as specific air pollutants; further research is needed to explain and understand causal pathways better

Air pollution · Cross-sectional study · Environmental health · Physics · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Chemistry · Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research · Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure · Medicine

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