Prevalence of Asthma and Related Symptoms in School-Aged Children in Boroojerd -IRANAsthma, Childhood, Prevalence

Authors

Department of internal medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, TEHRAN-IRAN

Abstract

Background: Asthma is the most common respiratory disease among children, which is widely underdiagnosed. This
epidemiological study was performed between 1998 and 1999 in Boroojerd to determine the prevalence of asthma and
its risk factors among school-aged children.
Materials and Methods: The ISSAC written questionnaires were used.
Results: A total of 1287 of 1331 questionnaires (96.7%) were returned. Prevalence of physician diagnosis of asthma,
asthma ever, current asthma, and episodically nocturnal cough with chest tightness were 1.5%, 21.1%, 5.7%, and 16.6%
respectively. Main risk factors for childhood asthma included: familial history of asthma, large family size, history of
severe respiratory infection in early childhood, paternal smoking, and keeping birds at home.
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence rates for asthma among 7-12 year old children in non-pollutant towns such as
Boroojerd.(Tanaffos 2002;1(1):22-27)

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