title: Prevalence of Residential Dampness and Mold Exposure in a University Student Population.
abstract: The impact of residential dampness or mold on respiratory health is well established but few studies have focused on university students. This study aims to: (a) describe the prevalence of exposure to residential dampness or mold in university students according to socio-geographic factors and (b) identify associated housing characteristics. A web survey was conducted in 2014 among the 26,676 students registered at the Université de Sherbrooke (QC, Canada). Residential dampness and mold being closely intertwined, they were considered as a single exposure and assessed using a validated questionnaire. Exposure was compared according to socio-geographic and housing characteristics using chi-square tests and logistic regressions. Among the 2097 participants included in the study (response rate: 8.1%), over 80% were tenants. Residential exposure to dampness or mold was frequent (36.0%, 95% CI: 33.9-38.1). Marked differences for this exposure were noted according to home ownership (39.7% vs. 25.5% among tenants and owners respectively; OR = 1.92%, 95% CI: 1.54-2.38). Campus affiliation, household composition and the number of residents per building were associated with exposure to dampness or mold (p < 0.01), while sex and age were not. Exposure was also associated with older buildings, and buildings in need of renovations and lacking proper ventilation (p < 0.001). This study highlights the potential risk of university students suffering from mold-related health effects given their frequent exposure to this agent. Further research is needed to fully evaluate the mold-related health impact in this at risk group.
authors: Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada. Mathieu.lanthier-veilleux@usherbrooke.ca.
authors: Mathieu
authors: M
authors: Lanthier-Veilleux
authors: Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada. mgenereux.agence05@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.|Eastern Township's Public Health Department, 300, King Est street, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1B1, Canada. mgenereux.agence05@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.
authors: Mélissa
authors: M
authors: Généreux
authors: Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada. gbaron.agence05@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.|Eastern Township's Public Health Department, 300, King Est street, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1B1, Canada. gbaron.agence05@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.
authors: Geneviève
authors: G
authors: Baron
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D014691:Ventilation; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: dampness; housing; mold; student population