Abstract
Background: Asthma disease burden is increasing globally. Identification of local asthma correlates is useful for better management. We aim to assess the prevalence and selected correlates of asthma among12-14 year old school children in a district.
Method: A school based study was done employing multi-staged stratified cluster sampling method with a self administered questionnaire. “Current asthma” (CA)(case) was defined as 'having Physician Diagnosed Asthma (PDA) and had wheezing during previous 12 months'. For each case, two healthy controls were selected. Midwives collected data on correlates visiting homes. Skin Prick Testing was done among asthmatics and their healthy siblings using extracts of House Dust Mite (HDM), cockroach and Blomia. Faculty of Medicine, Colombo granted Ethical clearance.
Results: Total sample was 1483 with 753 females (50.8%). Prevalence rates for current wheezing and PDA were 16.7% and 14.5%. A total of 158 (10.7%) CA cases were identified. We collected data on correlates from 145CA cases(97.9%) and 285 controls(96.6%).The unconfounded predictors of having CA were; only child (OR=4.2,95%CI: 1.7-9.9); first born child (OR=2.695% CI: 1.3-5.2); allergic rhinitis (OR=2.7,95% CI: 1.6-4.6); family history of asthma (OR=1.8,95%CI:1.1-3.2); family history of allergic rhinitis (OR=1.9,95%CI:1.1-3.2); family history of eczema (OR= 1.8,95%CI:1.0-3.2). Higher risk of sensitization to cockroach, HDM and Blomia was seen among asthmatics.
Conclusion: A significant proportion of students reported to have asthma. Atopy and other genetic and environmental correlates need to be considered as important correlates in asthma management among early adolescents in Sri Lanka.
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