Assessment of temporal data for hospital admissions for asthma patients in comparison with ambient nitrogen dioxide levels in Guernsey, Channel Islands
There are some significant parallels between the environment in the island of Guernsey and that of coastal and island environments in Scotland. Although Guernsey enjoys milder temperatures in the summer months, the winter season experiences stormy weather fronts from the Atlantic and heavy rainfall.This research examines the temporal variation in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in Guernsey and the hospital admissions of pre-existing asthmatics. Whilst air quality in Guernsey is generally good, the levels of NO2 exceed Scottish standards in several locations.The evidence indicates that people suffering from asthma have exacerbation of their symptoms if exposed to elevated levels of NO2, although this research has never been carried out in Guernsey before.For the first time in Guernsey, this research has examined NO2 levels in correlation with asthma patient admissions to hospital. The data showed a temporal correlation between NO2 levels and the number of hospital admissions. Statistical analysis of the data shows a direct correlation for both these variables.The relationships established should aid our understanding and serve as a base for directing future studies in this research area of improving health outcomes for asthmatics, and the respiratory health of the wider population
