PREVALENCE OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA AMONG SCHOOL?GOING CHILDREN IN UJJAIN CITY

Abstract

Background: Asthma is chronic diseases widely prevalent among children. The paucity of data on bronchial asthma among Indian children especially from smaller cities make it difficult for policy makers to draft a programme for its control. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of bronchial asthma and identify its determinants among school going children.
Material and Method: A cross?sectional study was conducted involving 925 children studying in grade VI-X in six schools of Ujjain city using International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of bronchial asthma among study subjects was 8.0 % (74) of which 2.4 % were newly diagnosed as asthma. Prevalence was higher among boys in comparison to girls. The prevalence was significantly higher among those having pets at home, belonging to higher socioeconomic status, using smoke?producing fuel at home, and with history of smoking among family members.
Conclusion: The study shows higher prevalence of bronchial asthma in school?going population. Preventive interventions need to be taken to reduce disease burden at community level.
Keywords: Asthma, Children, India