Data Sheet 1_Health inequalities in PM₂.₅-related symptoms during Thailand’s haze season: the role of education, sociodemographic, lifestyle, protective behaviors, and environmental factors.docx

Respiratory symptoms were the most prevalent (80.7%), followed by eye (52.8%), dermatological (48.7%), and neurological symptoms (33.1%). Three behavioral phenotypes were identified: compliers (33.4%), non-compliers (48.6%), and a neutral group (18.0%). Higher PM₂.₅ exposure was independently associated with increased odds of respiratory and dermatological symptoms.

Compared with compliers, non-compliers and neutral participants had significantly higher odds of respiratory and neurological symptoms. Female sex, younger age, comorbidity, alcohol consumption, urban or suburban residence, and lack of village health volunteer engagement were also associated with elevated symptom risk.</p>Conclusion<p>Higher ambient PM₂.₅ exposure, non-compliant protective behavioral phenotypes were associated with increased odds of acute health symptoms, highlighting persistent social inequalities in vulnerability to haze pollution.

Equity-oriented public health strategies that strengthen community health resources, promote protective behaviors, and address educational disparities may help reduce unequal vulnerability to air pollution.</p>