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Is swimming in recreational water associated with the occurrence of respiratory illness? A systematic reviewand meta-analysis.

Authors :
Mannocci, Alice
La Torre, Giuseppe
Spagnoli, Alessandro
Solimini, Angelo G.
Palazzo, Caterina
De Giusti, Maria
Source :
Journal of Water & Health; 2016, Vol. 14 Issue 4, p590-599, 10p, 1 Diagram, 4 Charts, 3 Graphs
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

This study represents the first systematic review and meta-analysis conducted to assess the association between swimming in recreational water and the occurrence of respiratory illness. Most studies focus their attention on gastrointestinal illnesses occurring after exposure to microbial polluted water. Fourteen independent studies that included 50,117 patients with significant heterogeneity (I² = 95.3%) were reviewed. The meta-analysis reports that people exposed to recreational water (swimmers/bathers) present a higher risk of respiratory illness compared to non-swimmers/non-bathers [relative risk (RR) = 1.63 (confidence interval at 95% [95% CI]: 1.34-1.98)]. This percentage increases if adjusted RR by age and gender [RR = 2.24 (95% CI: 1.81-2.78)] are considered. A clear association between swimming in recreational water and the occurrence of respiratory illness was found. The surveillance of water quality monitoring systems is crucial not only for gastrointestinal illness, but also for respiratory ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14778920
Volume :
14
Issue :
4
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Water & Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
116945895
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2016.266