Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – In today’s rapidly industrializing world, air pollution and water quality have become significant concerns that threaten the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. As we continue to grow and develop, it is crucial to recognize the importance of clean air and water and take necessary steps to maintain their quality.
The consequences of air pollution have always known to be far-reaching and severe. It contributes to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and even premature deaths
A new study has uncovered a connection between environmental pollution as well as Chronic Health Conditions.
Poor water quality has significant implications for public health and the environment. Contaminated water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, which can cause severe health problems and even death.
Research conducted by the Healthy Lifespan Institute has identified a significant connection between environmental factors, including air and water pollution, and the prevalence of multiple long-term health conditions, known as multimorbidity.
The researchers highlighted the fact that multimorbidity refers to having two or more chronic health conditions that can lead to disability and diminished quality of life, particularly in older adults. Globally, multimorbidity affected 37.2% of the population in 2023, but the underlying causes remain poorly understood.
The study, titled Insights into the Relationship of Environmental Inequalities and Multimorbidity, focused on identifying clusters of individuals in Serbia with similar health issues and investigating whether these clusters were linked to living in areas with poor air or water quality.
Using data from the European Health Interview Survey, which collects health information across Europe, researchers analyzed a broad sample of individuals from across Serbia. The study found a multimorbidity prevalence rate of 33.4% in the country. Health issues were grouped into six categories: general health, heart conditions, diabetes and related issues, lung diseases, and musculoskeletal problems.
Findings revealed that individuals in regions with higher air pollution levels—specifically fine particulate matter (PM10) and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—were more likely to experience multimorbidity. Similarly, exposure to chemically or biologically polluted water significantly increased the likelihood of developing multiple chronic conditions.
“This research represents a unique collaboration between the Healthy Lifespan Institute, the University of Belgrade and public health and environmental agencies in Serbia. It shows, for the first time, the association between environmental pollution and specific multimorbidity clusters, highlighting the need for policies for tackling health inequalities and multimorbidity to address both socioeconomic and environmental factors,” said Professor Liddy Goyder of Public Health and member of the Healthy Lifespan Institute at the University of Sheffield.
The findings of this study indicate that enhancing air and water quality could play a crucial role in lowering the prevalence of individuals experiencing multiple health issues in Serbia.
This research was conducted under the leadership of Professor Liddy Goyder, Professor Ilaria Bellantuono, and Ravindra Maheswaran from the Healthy Lifespan Institute at the University of Sheffield. The project benefited from extensive international collaboration, involving the University of Belgrade, Aston University, the Institute of Public Health of Serbia, the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic.
The study received funding from the UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund as well as the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. Data utilized for the research was sourced from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), provided by the Institute of Public Health of Serbia “Dr. Milan Jovanović Batut.” Additional support was provided by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia as well asP the World Health Organization, Country Office Serbia.
The Healthy Lifespan Institute holds the distinction of being the UK’s first research institute entirely dedicated to studying and preventing multimorbidity and frailty.
