The Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Lung Function of the Orang Asli Residing Near Tasik Chini, Malaysia

Indoor air quality can influence the respiratory health of people in various locations, including the Orang Asli living in the remote rural area. This study explored the correlations between the indoor air quality factors and lung functions among the Orang Asli population living in Tasik Chini, Pahang, Malaysia. All respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria participated in this study. Interview-guided questionnaire and spirometry test were carried out. The study findings showed that most of the Orang Asli respondents had abnormal Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) (69.2%) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (82.9%). In contrast, 75.8% respondents showed a normal Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and 99.1% respondents had a normal ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second and Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) (%). FEV1 (r= 0.178, p=0.010), FVC (r = 0.164, p = 0.017), and PEFR (r = 0.256, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with the type of smoker, while only FVC was positively correlated with the home environment (r = 0.166, p = 0.016). Thus, the health authority should carry out appropriate activities to protect the Orang Asli from the hazards of smoking and other types of indoor air pollutants.