Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Body mass index and childhood asthma: a linear association?
Fortune Sithole1, Jeroen Douwes, Igor Burstyn
1School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract:
Our objective was to characterize the association between body mass index (BMI) and childhood asthma while adjusting for individual and neighborhood socioeconomic factors. Data were obtained from 3,804 students 10 to 11 years of age in Nova Scotia, Canada. Asthma was defined as parent-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma or bronchitis. Smoothed curves suggested a linear association between BMI and asthma with a 6 % increase in prevalence per unit increase of BMI. This association was independent of allergies, sex, and socioeconomic factors. Girls from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods were less likely to be asthmatic as were boys from well-educated and wealthy families.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
