Role of Energy Stacking in Minimizing Respiratory Health Risks in Bangladeshi Households: Evidence From Zero‐Inflated Poisson Regression Model

ABSTRACT Energy is a critical health issue in developing countries since inadequate access to clean and reliable energy sources leads to the use of polluting fuels, which contribute to indoor air pollution and respiratory illnesses. Energy stacking lessens dependence on hazardous fuels such as biomass or coal by integrating cleaner energy alternatives, which helps to lower the risk of respiratory diseases. This study examines the relationship between energy stacking behavior and respiratory health risks in households in Bangladesh using Demographic and Health Survey Dataset. Using a zero‐inflated Poisson regression model, this study finds statistically cogent evidence that energy stacking reduces the incidence of respiratory health risks, controlling for various socioeconomic and demographic factors. These findings imply that more energy‐secure households are more health‐secure and underscore the importance of public policies encouraging fuel diversification by providing energy subsidies to households, facilitating the adaptation of cleaner technologies, and importing more affordable fuels. Additionally, initiatives focused on enhancing energy and health literacy could prove instrumental in reducing the prevalence of respiratory illnesses among households.