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Global Asthma Network Phase I study in Mexico: prevalence of asthma symptoms, risk factors and altitude
Blanca Estela Del-Río-Navarro1, Arturo Berber1, Nayely Reyes-Noriega2
1Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico.
Insights
This study found rhinitis and rash symptoms are key asthma risk factors in Mexican children and adolescents. Higher altitudes over 1500m showed a protective effect against asthma symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Global Asthma Network (GAN) was established in 2012 to enhance global asthma care.
- GAN Phase I builds upon the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis prevalence in Mexican school children and adolescents.
- To investigate risk factors, severity, and management of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, multicentre survey conducted in 14 Mexican cities (2016-2019).
- Utilized validated Spanish GAN Phase I questionnaires for parents of 6-7 year olds and 13-14 year olds.
- Involved 35,780 school children and 41,399 adolescents.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of wheezing ever was 26.2% in school children and 23.9% in adolescents.
- Current wheeze was observed in 10.2% of school children and 11.6% of adolescents.
- Significant risk factors included rhinitis and rash symptoms; higher altitudes (>1500m) showed a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Rhinitis and rash symptoms are primary risk factors for asthma in both age groups.
- High-altitude locations (above 1500m) appear to be protective against asthma symptoms.
Background:
Global Asthma Network (GAN) was established in 2012 as a development to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood to improve asthma care globally.
Objective:
To survey asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in primary and secondary school children and to investigate and evaluate its prevalence, severity, management and risk factors in Mexico.
Methods:
GAN Phase I is a cross-sectional, multicentre survey carried out in 15 centres corresponding to 14 Mexican cities throughout 2016-2019 using the validated Spanish language version of the GAN Phase I questionnaires. The questionnaires were completed by parents of 6-7-year-old primary school pupils (school children) and by 13-14-year-old adolescents.
Results:
A total of 35 780 school children and 41 399 adolescents participated. Wheezing ever prevalence was 26.2% (95% CI 25.8% to 26.7%) in school children and 23.9% (95% CI 23.4% to 24.3%) in adolescents. The corresponding frequencies for current wheeze were 10.2% (95% CI 9.9% to 10.5%) and 11.6% (95% CI 11.2% to 11.9%). In school children, the risk factors for current wheeze were rhinitis (OR 4.484; 95% CI 3.915% to 5.134%) and rash symptoms (OR 1.735; 95% CI 1.461% to 2.059%). For adolescents, rhinitis symptoms (OR 3.492; 95% CI 3.188% to 3.825%) and allergic rhinitis diagnosis (OR 2.144; 95% CI 1.787% to 2.572%) were the most significant. For both groups, there was a negative relation with centres' sea level altitude higher than 1500 m above mean sea level (p<0.005).
Conclusions:
The most important risk factors for asthma symptoms in both age groups were the presence of rhinitis and rash symptoms or diagnosis. On the other hand, sea level altitude higher than 1500 metres was a protective factor.
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