The prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren in Montevideo (Uruguay)

A study of the prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren in Montevideo was undertaken with the use of an appropriate questionnaire. Data consisted of cumulative prevalence, point-prevalence, variations referred to sexes, the age of onset of symptoms and their variation of frequency, the duration of symptoms, personal and family history of atopy and the limitation attributed to asthma in schooling, sporting and physical activities. In the study entered 4,296 children, with a mean age of 12.3 years. Cumulative prevalence was 12.4% for the group with no difference between boys and girls. A tendency for a significant difference in cumulative prevalence was noted comparing industrial and suburban zones. Point-prevalence was 7.5% with no difference between sexes. The mean age of onset of asthma was 3.7 years for boys and 3.5 years for girls. Mean duration of symptoms was 7.6 years for boys and 7.4 years for the girls. Fourteen percent had a personal history and 11% a family history of eczema. Fifty-six percent had a personal history, while 55% a family history of rhinitis and 58% had a family history of asthma. These figures differ significantly from the non-asthmatic population sampled. Limitation in physical and sporting activities attributed to asthma was found in 35% of the boys and 41% of the girls.