Relationship between home indoor air quality and hospitalization experience in Korean adults

Background: This study examined the relationship between home indoor air quality and hospitalization experiences in Korean adults.Methods: Data from the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Data from 1,596 individuals who participated in the household indoor air quality survey were included in the analysis. The χ2 test as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.Results: Home indoor air quality was related to hospitalization experience after adjustment for general and housing-related aspects. The home indoor air quality indicators that increase the probability of hospitalization were carbon dioxide (CO2, 1.56-fold; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.19-fold), formaldehyde (1.54-fold; 95% CI, 1.06–2.24), and total volatile organic compounds (1.48-fold; 95% CI, 1.05–2.08).Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of managing home indoor air quality and indicates that efforts to improve the indoor environment can contribute to economic benefits and health promotion by improving the hospitalization experience.