Prevalence of asthma triggers and control status among pediatric asthmatic patients in Saudi Arabia
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Published on: June 4, 2017
Mohammed M Alyami1, Ahmed H Alasimi2, Abdullah A Alqarni3,4
1Respiratory Therapy Department, Batterjee Medical College, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Arabic incense (Bakhour) and psychological factors like excitement and stress are common asthma triggers in Saudi children. While 72% showed partial asthma control, further research is needed on Bakhour
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma is a significant public health concern in pediatric populations.
- Identifying specific triggers is crucial for effective asthma management.
- Understanding asthma control levels informs public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of asthma triggers in Saudi Arabian children.
- To assess the asthma control status among these patients.
- To identify key factors influencing asthma exacerbations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2015 to March 2016.
- 200 parents of asthmatic children in Riyadh completed Arabic versions of the Asthma Trigger Inventory and Asthma Control Test (ACT).
- Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, employing descriptive statistics.
Main Results:
- The most frequent asthma triggers identified were Arabic incense (Bakhour) (mean score 3.76), excitement (3.70), and home stress (3.58).
- 72.0% of children exhibited partial asthma control, with an average ACT score of 17.7 (±4.7).
- Arabic incense and psychological stimuli were significant determinants of asthma triggers.
Conclusions:
- Arabic incense (Bakhour) and psychological factors are key asthma triggers in Saudi children.
- Partial asthma control is prevalent, highlighting a need for improved management strategies.
- Further research is recommended to explore the physiological impact of Bakhour exposure.
Aim:
This study aims to assess the prevalence of asthma triggers and control status among pediatric asthmatic patients in Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
From October 2015 to March 2016, an Arabic version of the Asthma Trigger Inventory questionnaire and asthma control test (ACT) were distributed to 200 parents of children diagnosed with asthma at the pulmonary clinic of King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 29. Descriptive statistics of the participants were presented in frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations for categorical variables.
Results:
The survey data revealed that the most prevalent asthma triggers among pediatric asthmatic children in Saudi Arabia were Arabic incense (Bakhour) with a mean score of 3.76 (±1.3), followed by being excited 3.70 (±1.5), and stress at home 3.58 (±1.4). Furthermore, the degree of asthma control among children with asthma in Saudi Arabia was 72.0% with a mean score of 17.7 (±4.7) for the ACT, indicating partial degree of asthma.
Conclusions:
Arabic incense (Bakhour) and psychological stimuli emerged as significant determinants of asthma triggers in Saudi Arabian children diagnosed with asthma. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the physiological mechanisms underpinning the response to Arabic incense (Bakhour).
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