To investigate the incidence and related factors of cough among troops stationed in Xinjiang, analyze its triggers and accompanying symptoms, and provide a basis for formulating targeted protective measures.

A total of 3898 officers and soldiers from a unit stationed in Xinjiang were selected as survey subjects from April to June 2022. A cluster sampling method was used for questionnaire surveys, collecting information on basic demographics, cough occurrence, triggers, and accompanying symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software, employing χ² tests and Logistic regression analysis to explore factors associated with cough.

A total of 3 856 valid questionnaires were collected (98.92%). Among the respondents, 3 229 (83.74%) were non-cough individuals and 627 (16.26%) were cough individuals. The types of cough were acute cough in 499 individuals (79.58%), subacute cough in 67 (10.69%), and chronic cough in 61 (9.73%). Univariate analysis showed that age, altitude, duration of residence, history of tobacco exposure, history of solid fuel contact, history of occupational exposure, and history of catkin and pollen exposure were associated with cough occurrence (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥30 years (OR=2.002, 95%CI: 1.480~2.708), altitude >5 000 m (OR=5.277, 95%CI: 3.944~7.061), history of tobacco exposure (OR=1.288, 95%CI: 1.046~1.586), history of occupational exposure (OR=1.543, 95%CI: 1.208~1.970), and history of catkin and pollen exposure (OR=2.137, 95%CI: 1.738~2.627) were risk factors for cough; while a duration of residence ≥3 months was a protective factor (OR=0.644~0.662). Among accompanying symptoms, foreign body sensation (56.31%~65.67%), nasal congestion, expectoration, and sore throat were common. The distribution of accompanying symptoms differed significantly among different types of cough (P<0.05).

The occurrence of cough among troops stationed in Xinjiang is related to high altitude, tobacco exposure, occupational exposure, catkin and pollen, among other factors, while a longer duration of residence has a certain protective effect. Health education should be strengthened, the living environment improved, and necessary protection provided to reduce the incidence of cough and safeguard the health of the officers and soldiers.