International Journal of Preclinical and Clinical Research

Abstract

Background : Over the last several decades, the prevalence OF asthma has increased rapidly despite considerable improvements in our management and pharmacopeia to treat asthma. Childhood asthma seems more prevalent in modern metropolitan locales and affluent nations. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of asthma and its risk factors among preschool children in Jayanagar, Bangalore. Method ology: A cross sectional study of randomly selected 4 preschools in Jayanagar, Bangalore over a period of 18 months were assessed using the international study of asthma and allergies in childhood (Isaac) questionnaire. A total of 197 preschool children in the age group 3 to 5 years were studied, of which 92 students from schools of heavy traffic area [group a] and another 105 children from preschools away from traffic zone [group b]. The statistically significant risk factors for asthma were analyzed by chi square test and p- value to study the association and the differences between the outcome measures and selected demographic variables. Results : The prevalence of asthma in preschool children was found to be 10.15%. Both groups (a and b) show almost the same prevalence (10.8 and 9.5%). There was significant association between asthma symptoms and family history of asthma, pet’s exposure, residential overcrowding, and history of eczema. Exclusive breast feeding during initial 6 months of child’s life was found to lower the risk of asthma symptoms. The study was also able to classify the children into GINA wheezing phenotypes (time trend-based classification and symptom-based classification). Conclusion: The global variations in the prevalence of asthma is due to the different risk factors in different geographical locations. Intervention on exposure to avoidable risk factors can reduce the burden of disease at the community level.

Keywords: Asthma, Preschool, Prevalence, Risk Factors