<p> In this report we explore how the effect of meteorological factors, allergens, and air pollution
on respiratory conditions in children using longitudinal data. Our analysis makes use of a
dataset from the DAVIS study in southern Ontario. The response variables are children's
lower respiratory tract (URT) and upper respiratory tract (URT) scores. The explanatory
variables are readings of various meteorological, allergen, and air pollution factors. First we
make use of generalized estimating equations to find the main factors that are associated
with certain respiratory conditions in children as measured by LRT and URT scores. Then
we determine whether there are any interactions between the significant factors associated
with LRT /URT scores. Comparisons between case and control groups are made to determine
whether children with asthma are more sensitive to any of the changes in meteorological,
allergen, and air pollution factors. The analysis results show that the significant factor that is
associated with LRT scores for children with asthma is the two-day lag daily average changes
in air pressure. On average an increase in air pressure will result in an increase in children's
LRT scores. The interaction terms that remained in the final model show some degree of
significance but without strong evidence to support it. Children in the case groups are more
sensitive to meteorological factors, allergens, and air pollution than the children in control
groups. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/21283 |
| Date | 09 1900 |
| Creators | Song, Yunna |
| Contributors | Childs, Aaron, Statistics |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
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