Impact of Air Pollutants and Meteorological Parameters on Severe Pneumonia in Older Adults

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the relationship between air pollutants, weather parameters, and the characteristics and mortality of pneumonia in the older adult population. Methods This retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study included a total of 388 patients. Air pollutants and meteorological parameters were retrieved from official databases. Statistical tests were conducted using correlation and binary logistic regression analyses. Results The mean age of the 388 patients aged was 77.63 years. PSI (pneumonia severity index) was inversely correlated with nitric oxide (NO) exposure and positively correlated with ozone (O3) exposure (r = -0.199 and r = 0.313, respectively). An increase in humidity and wind speed over three days was positively correlated with PSI (r = 0.319 and r = 0.144, respectively). Increased O3 exposure during the three- and seven-day periods preceding the patient visit increased the risk of death at a similar rate (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.03). Increased humidity exposure was also associated with higher mortality (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.11). Conclusion Meteorological changes and air pollution are factors that can increase the severity and mortality risk of pneumonia in the older adult population. Increased wind speed can elevate pneumonia severity, while high O3 and humidity exposure can heighten both the severity and mortality associated with the disease. Ethical Approval Number and Date: This study received approval from the Ethics Committee of Adana City Research and Education Hospital with protocol number 3263 (date: March 28, 2024).