Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2026
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Experience of respiratory and allergic illness in children attending childcare
Linda M Slack-Smith1, Anne W Read, Fiona J Stanley
1Department of Public Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia. lindas@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Insights
Children in center-based childcare had more respiratory illnesses and ear infections compared to family daycare. However, a family history of respiratory issues was a key risk factor for all children in childcare.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Childcare Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous illness in children attending formal childcare settings is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding illness patterns in different childcare environments is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of previous illnesses among children in family daycare homes versus child daycare centers.
- To identify factors associated with illness in children attending formal childcare.
Main Methods:
- A parent-completed questionnaire gathered data on 846 children in Perth, Western Australia.
- Information collected included previous illnesses and related contributing factors.
Main Results:
- 39% of children experienced otitis media, 11% had glue ear, and 26% had allergies.
- Asthma affected 18%, 10% were hospitalized for respiratory illness, and 9% had over six respiratory conditions.
- Center daycare was linked to higher rates of respiratory illnesses, asthma, otitis media, and glue ear, but family history of atopy/bronchitis was the primary risk factor.
Conclusions:
- Children with prior respiratory illness or otitis media are more frequently in center-based care.
- Family history of respiratory illness is a critical risk factor for children in any childcare setting.
Objectives:
To describe previous illness for children attending two types of formal childcare (130 family daycare homes and 11 child daycare centres).
Design:
A questionnaire was completed by the parents of 846 children, which provided information about previous illness and associated factors. The questionnaire was conducted in Perth, Western Australia.
Results:
Of all children, 39% had experienced otitis media, 11% glue ear and 26% allergies; 18% had been diagnosed with asthma; 10% had been admitted to hospital with respiratory illness, and 9% had experienced more than six respiratory conditions in the previous year. Attending centre daycare compared with family daycare was more likely to be associated with some of the previous illness outcomes (more than six respiratory illnesses in the past year, asthma, otitis media and glue ear) but, for all children, the major predisposing factors associated with these illnesses were a family history of atopy or bronchitis.
Conclusions:
Children with a history of respiratory illness or otitis media are more likely to be attending centre than family daycare, but family history of respiratory illness is an important risk factor for all children in childcare.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...