Community prevalence of childhood asthma and atopy

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To estimate prevalence of childhood asthma, allergic rhino conjunctivitis and eczema in the community using an interviewer administered questionnaire. To estimate the extent of prophylaxis usage in asthma. SETTINGS: A cross sectional descriptive study in 2003. METHOD: Sample consists of children between 6 months to 13 years (n=2005) in 4 PHM areas randomly selected from Ragama. Diagnosis was based on presence of symptoms in preceding 12 months. Information gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire. Study was ethically approved. Data analysis - Epi Info version 6. RESULTS: Mean age was 6.7 years and 52% were males. Asthma prevalence was 13%. Prevalence in infancy - 4%, 1-5 years -13%, 5-10 years - 15% and 10- 13 years - 11%. Prevalence in males -14%. In females -11% (p=0.03). Lifetime prevalence - 19%. Current wheezing rate - 1.6%. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis - 5%, allergic conjunctivitis 3% and eczema 0.8%. Of all asthmatics, 70% were mild intermittent, 23% mild persistent and 7% moderate persistent. 49% of those who required prophylaxis were already on prophylaxis. Of them, 92% on steroid inhalers. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis and eczema are less than when reported by parents (Parent reported prevalence were 23%, 11% and 3% respectively). The majority of asthma was mild intermittent type. Usage of prophylactic medications was nearly 50%.