Nafas & Halodoc Study: ISPA Cases Increased by 33% during Bad Air Season (June-August 2023)
This report is based on a collaborative study conducted by Nafas and Halodoc in the Greater Jakarta area during the period of June-August 2023. The aim of this research is to investigate whether there is a correlation between the increase in consultations on Halodoc and the deterioration of air quality.
Concerns regarding the air pollution level, particularly in Jakarta, has become increasingly prominent nowadays. It's not just on social media, but also garners significant attention from mass media and the government. The public is now more aware of how detrimental the air quality they breathe daily can be. This awareness has grown, especially after numerous victims, particularly those suffering from respiratory problems or illnesses.
Recognizing that air pollution is a health problem, Nafas conducted a collaborative study with Halodoc to examine the correlation between high pollution levels and an increase in consultations for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs). The results of the joint study by Halodoc and Nafas, conducted in Jabodetabek area from June to August 2023, are hoped to serve as additional evidence that PM2.5 air pollution can be a trigger for various diseases, particularly upper respiratory tract infections or ISPA.
PM2.5 and Respiratory Cases Trends are Worsening Simultaneously
First, let's examine the trend of respiratory consultations in Jabodetabek along with the PM2.5 concentration levels from June 1 to August 13, 2023.
We can observe that the PM2.5 concentrations from early June to mid-August have been consistently in the unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy (orange and red). In mid-August, the PM2.5 level in the Jabodetabek area even reached 56 ug/m3! With every increase of 10 ug/m3 in PM2.5 concentration, there's a corresponding 33% increase in respiratory consultations. This shows us the upward trend in respiratory consultations, especially from July to mid-August.
Most affected areas in Jabodetabek
The study's findings reveal that Penjaringan, Cengkareng, and South Cikarang are the top three districts experiencing the highest increase in Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) cases. Among the top 15 sub-districts, DKI Jakarta dominates by contributing 10 of the most affected sub-districts.
What can we do to protect ourselves from the impacts of air pollution?
Healthy Tips for Dealing with Air Pollution!
Knowing that PM2.5 particles are extremely small and harmful to health, we need to have strategies to cope with pollution. Halodoc and Nafas have summarized 5 'HEALTHY' tips for us to deal with pollution.
S : Selalu pantau kualitas udara secara rutin di aplikasi nafas (Regularly monitor air quality on the Nafas app).
E : Efek polusi nyata, lebih baik di rumah saja saat polusi tinggi (During high pollution, it's better to stay indoors).
H : Harap gunakan masker jika terpaksa keluar rumah (Wear a mask if you must go outside).
A : Asupan vitamin dan olahraga rutin untuk jaga imunitas (Maintain vitamin intake and engage in regular exercise to boost immunity).
T : Tanya Halodoc bila mengalami gejala ISPA (Consult Halodoc if experiencing respiratory symptoms (cough, cold, sore throat)).
✅ Keep your eyes on your surroundings and always follow the 'HEALTHY' tips wherever you are!
