Background: Although floods may have important respiratory health impacts, few studies have examined this issue. This study aims to document the long-term impacts of the spring floods of 2019 in Quebec by (1) describing the population affected by the floods; (2) assessing the impacts on the respiratory system according to levels of exposure; and (3) determining the association between stressors and respiratory health.
Methods: A population health survey was carried out across the six most affected regions 8-10 months post-floods. Data were collected on self-reported otolaryngology (ENT) and respiratory symptoms, along with primary and secondary stressors. Three levels of exposure were examined: flooded, disrupted and unaffected.
Results: One in ten respondents declared being flooded and 31.4% being disrupted by the floods. Flooded and disrupted participants reported significantly more ENT symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.18; 95% CI: 2.45-4.14; aOR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.45-2.14) and respiratory symptoms (aOR: 3.41; 95% CI: 2.45-4.75; aOR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.10-1.91) than the unaffected participants. All primary stressors and certain secondary stressors assessed were significantly associated with both ENT and respiratory symptoms, but no "dose-response" gradient could be observed.
Conclusion: This study highlights the long-term adverse effects of flood exposure on respiratory health.
Keywords: ENT symptoms; floods; primary stressors; respiratory impacts; respiratory symptoms; secondary stressors.