Factors associated with asthma in school children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Epidemiology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Childhood asthma is a significant public health concern.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for prevention and management strategies.
• Previous studies have explored various environmental and genetic factors, but further investigation in diverse populations is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify significant risk factors associated with asthma in school-aged children.
• To differentiate the influence of various respiratory illnesses, atopic conditions, and familial predispositions.
• To analyze the impact of socioeconomic status on childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 203 asthmatic and 203 non-asthmatic children aged 6-18 years in Al Ain, UAE.
• Participants were matched by age and sex.
• Data on respiratory illnesses, atopy, familial allergies, and socioeconomic status were collected via questionnaire, followed by logistic regression analysis.

Main Results:

• Bronchitis, atopy (allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis), croup, and parental asthma/atopic dermatitis were significant risk factors.
• Parental asthma showed a stronger association (p < 0.0001) than parental atopic dermatitis (p = 0.01).
• Pneumonia and sinusitis were significant univariately but not after covariate adjustment; bronchiolitis, smoking, and socioeconomic status were not significant.

Conclusions:

• Bronchitis, atopy, croup, and a family history of asthma or atopy are key risk factors for childhood asthma.
• Genetic predisposition, particularly parental asthma, plays a substantial role.
• These findings can inform targeted interventions and public health policies for pediatric asthma prevention.