Assessment of the Patterns of Respiratory Conditions Across Selected Health Institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, with urban and industrialized settings like Lagos State, Nigeria, being particularly vulnerable due to high levels of air pollution, overcrowding, and inequitable access to healthcare. Despite the growing burden, comprehensive data on institutional patterns of respiratory conditions across Lagos remains sparse, limiting effective public health response. This study assessed patterns of respiratory conditions using hospital-based records from selected general hospitals, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across Lagos from 2016 to 2021. Monthly respiratory symptom and disease  were collected from hospitals and supplemented by structured questionnaires administered to residents in proximity to industrial estates. Data analysis involved mapping of respiratory cases across the industrial locations and descriptive statistics. A total of 82,481 cases were recorded in PHCs from 2016 to 2021, with asthma (40,909) and pneumonia (41,572) dominating. Higher counts were recorded during the dry season across all facilities. Ikorodu General Hospital reported 22,177 cases, with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) accounting for over 50%. LASUTH recorded 521 severe cases, with pulmonary tuberculosis and COPD being most common. Under-5 children were the most affected group, primarily due to physiological vulnerability and indoor air pollution. The study revealed a significant burden of respiratory diseases in Lagos State, with distinct spatial and seasonal patterns linked to environmental pollution and socioeconomic disparities. Dry seasons and proximity to industrial estates were associated with increased respiratory morbidity. Data gaps, disparities in healthcare infrastructure, and lack of standardized record-keeping were critical limitations in effectively addressing respiratory health disparities across the industrial locations. Strengthen and harmonize health data systems across institutions to allow for real-time surveillance of respiratory conditions, air quality monitoring and control policies in high-risk industrial areas and prioritize healthcare infrastructure development in under-resourced PHCs and secondary hospitals are recommended.