<![CDATA[Background: Impaired lung function is a key indicator of respiratory health influenced by both individual characteristics and environmental exposure, including particulate matter from coal mining activities. Purpose: To analyze the association between individual characteristics and lung function impairment among communities living near coal mining areas. Method: Employed an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional approach involving 153 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through air quality measurements (PM2.5), lung function assessment using spirometry, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and structured interviews. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis with chi-square tests at a 95% confidence level. Results: Most respondents had normal lung function (69.3%). No significant association was found between individual characteristics, including age, socioeconomic status, household smoking exposure, physical activity, vegetable consumption, waste management practices, blood pressure, obesity, and disease history, and lung function impairment (p-value > 0.05). Conclusion: Lung function impairment among communities in coal mining areas is not significantly associated with individual characteristics but is more likely influenced by chronic and relatively uniform environmental exposure. Suggestion: Future research should employ longitudinal or cohort designs with objective measurements of air pollutants (e.g., PM2.5 or respirable dust), detailed assessment of exposure duration and household ventilation, repeated lung function testing, and multivariable analyses to better clarify the long-term effects and determinants of impaired lung function. Keywords: Coal mining; Individual Characteristics; Lung Function, PM2.5]]>
