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Genetics and environmental risk factors associated with asthma in schoolchildren

Abdulbari Bener1, Ibrahim A Janahi, Alfred Sabbah

  • 1Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Hamad Medical Corporation and Hamad General Hospital, PO Box 3050, Doha, State of Qatar. abener@hmc.org.qa

European Annals of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|June 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Family history is a stronger predictor of childhood asthma than environmental factors in Qatar. This study highlights asthma as a multifactorial condition influenced by both genetics and environment, with boys showing higher prevalence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Environmental Health
  • Genetic Epidemiology

Background:

  • Asthma is a significant public health concern in childhood.
  • Identifying genetic and environmental risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.
  • Previous research has indicated a complex interplay of factors contributing to asthma development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic and environmental risk factors for asthma in Qatari school children aged 6-12 years.
  • To determine the relative contributions of familial and environmental influences on childhood asthma.
  • To provide data to inform public health initiatives in Qatar.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study utilizing the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) and additional questionnaires.
  • Data collected from a representative sample of 3204 school children in Qatar.
  • Multistage sampling design ensuring representativeness of the study population.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of asthma (19.8%) and allergic rhinitis (30.3%) was observed in the study population.
  • Significant environmental risk factors included pets at home, food/medicine allergies, and parental/sibling smoking history.
  • Family history of asthma (parents, siblings, relatives) and paternal smoking were significant predictors of childhood asthma.

Conclusions:

  • Family history of asthma is a more substantial contributor to childhood asthma than indoor/outdoor environmental factors.
  • Boys exhibited a higher prevalence of asthma compared to girls.
  • Asthma development is multifactorial, influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental exposures.
Abstract

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