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Risk factors for asthma among children in Maputo (Mozambique)

S Mavale-Manuel1, F Alexandre, N Duarte

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique.

Allergy
|March 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Childhood asthma in Maputo is linked to family history of asthma and allergies, urban living, parental smoking, and early weaning. These factors are crucial for managing pediatric asthma effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Limited research exists on childhood asthma risk factors in African populations.
  • This study investigated key risk factors for pediatric asthma in Maputo, Mozambique.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and analyze risk factors associated with childhood asthma in Maputo.
  • To provide data for improved asthma management strategies in the region.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 199 children (100 asthmatic, 99 non-asthmatic) aged 18 months to 8 years.
  • Data collected included family history of atopy, birth weight, environment, breastfeeding practices, and parental smoking.
  • Statistical analysis using odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) to determine risk factor significance.

Main Results:

  • Asthmatic children were hospitalized more frequently (P < 0.0001).
  • Significant risk factors included urban residence (OR = 6.73), parental history of asthma (OR = 26.8) or rhinitis (OR = 4), parental smoking, and early weaning (OR = 2.4).

Conclusions:

  • Childhood asthma in Maputo is strongly associated with genetic predisposition (family history of asthma/rhinitis) and environmental factors.
  • Urban living, parental smoking, and early cessation of breastfeeding are significant contributors to pediatric asthma development.
  • Findings underscore the necessity of re-evaluating current management approaches for childhood asthma in Maputo.
Abstract

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