Related Experiment Videos
Changes in asthma prevalence: two surveys 15 years apart
M L Burr1, B K Butland, S King
1MCR Epidemiology Unit, Cardiff.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|October 1, 1989
Summary
The prevalence of childhood asthma and related allergic conditions like eczema and hay fever significantly increased in South Wales between 1973 and 1988. This rise in asthma prevalence suggests a genuine increase, not just improved diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric respiratory health
- Epidemiology of allergic diseases
Background:
- Childhood asthma prevalence trends are crucial for public health planning.
- Understanding changes in allergic conditions informs preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in the prevalence of asthma and related allergic conditions in South Wales children over a 15-year period.
- To investigate potential factors contributing to observed prevalence shifts.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal survey of 12-year-old children in South Wales, with repeat assessments in 1973 and 1988.
- Utilized questionnaires for symptom history and performed peak expiratory flow rate measurements, including post-exercise challenge tests.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of any wheeze increased from 17% to 22%; any asthma history rose from 6% to 12%.
- Current asthma prevalence doubled from 4% to 9%.
- Significant increases observed in eczema (5% to 16%) and hay fever (9% to 15%) history.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a substantial rise in childhood asthma prevalence in the studied population.
- The increase in asthma and allergic conditions is unlikely to be solely due to increased diagnostic awareness.