Abstract
Background
Prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in children living in Belarus is unknown. The problem is better described in Ukraine and Poland, but more evidence is needed.
Aims
The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of asthma, respiratory symptoms and allergic diseases in children in Belarus, Ukraine and in Poland.
Method
The study was performed as a multicenter cross-sectional study. The study population were children aged 6-14 years randomly selected from Belarus (Grodno), Ukraine (Ternopil) and Poland (Silesia Region). Physician-diagnosed respiratory diseases and symptoms as well as allergic diseases were ascertained using the ISAAC questionnaire completed by the parents.
Results
A total of 13 371 children aged 6-14 years participated in the study. The response rate was 76.7%. Groups were similar in terms of gender and age (p>0.05). Between-country differences were statistically significant (p<0,05) for all conditions, exept chronic and spastic bronchitis as well as hay hever in case of Ukraine/ Bielarus comparisons.
Conclusions
The findings show a large between-country differences and low prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in children of Western Belarus and Ukraine.
- © 2012 ERS