Adolescents and school asthma knowledge and attitudes

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Adolescent Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Bronchial asthma is a prevalent chronic condition in adolescents, leading to significant daily activity restrictions and school absenteeism.
• Understanding the relationship between adolescents, asthma, and the school environment is crucial for improving care and knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of asthma among adolescents in the Lisbon metropolitan area.
• To evaluate the burden of asthma in terms of school days missed, medical consultations, and hospitalizations.
• To investigate knowledge levels and attitudes towards asthma among asthmatic students, their peers, and teachers.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted in urban and rural zones of the Lisbon metropolitan area, involving 1879 students and 81 teachers.
• Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, with comparisons to a reference group of asthmatic students.
• Cotinine urinary measurements were performed on a sample of asthmatic and control groups to assess smoking exposure.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of current asthma among students was 10%, contributing to substantial school absenteeism and healthcare utilization.
• Passive smoking exposure was similar between asthmatic and non-asthmatic students; cotinine levels did not effectively differentiate exposure.
• Knowledge about asthma recognition and management was deficient across all groups (students, peers, teachers), though tolerance towards asthmatics was observed, alongside persistent traditional beliefs.

Conclusions:

• The significant social and economic impact of adolescent asthma justifies the implementation of school-based asthma education programs.
• Improving asthma management requires enhancing knowledge among adolescents and school personnel.
• Targeted educational interventions can address knowledge gaps and potentially mitigate the impact of asthma in schools.