Abstract
Objectives Several cross-sectional studies have shown higher prevalence of respiratory disorders in children exposed to environmental risk factors. This preliminary study was designed to examine the respiratory symptoms of children exposed to various environmental factors. Methods We surveyed 498 students at an elementary school in Seoul, Korea from November 1st to 30th 2002. Children's parents were asked to return the completed questionnaires within a week. The following questions were asked The following questions were answered: ‘Has this child's chest ever sounded wheezy? Did this child have wheezing during the past 12 months? Has a doctor ever diagnosed asthma in this child? Did this child have chronic respiratory disease (i.e., persistent cough or phlegm for at least 3 month), allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis? During the past 12 months, did this children have a symptom such as a morning cough, cough at daytime or night, chronic cough, dyspnea or rhinitis?’ The environmental risk factors were exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at home, density of house, distance to road, kind of heating, cooking fuel, contact with pet, and the presence of gas stove, air conditioner, air cleaner or carpet. Results The rate of children who had wheezing was 13.5%. 49.3% of them had physician-diagnosed asthma. The prevalence of chronic respiratory disease, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis was 12.2%, 24.1% and 29.9%, respectively. The prevalence of wheezing was associated with asthma history of family and paternal education. In addition, the wheezing during the past 12 months was decreased by the distance of home to the main road. On the other hand, the contact with pet and use of gas stove increased the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Conclusions We found positive associations between environmental risk factors and respiratory symptoms among elementary school students in Seoul. Acknowledgement ‘This study was supported by a grant of the Korea Health 21 R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea. (02-PJI-PGI-CH03-0001)’
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