Factores relacionados con el desarrollo del asma en la infancia, en un grupo de niños de 6 a 14 años en 2 colegios de la ciudad de Cali (Colombia)

Abstract

IntroductionAsthma is a respiratory disease, characterised by recurrent attacks of dyspnoea and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from one person to another. Despite being a common disease in children in our region, not enough studies have been conducted on the subject. The aim of this study was to identify some factors related to the development of asthma in childhood, in a group of children from 6 to 14 years old in 2schools in the city of Cali. MethodA cross-sectional study was performed by collecting information using the questionnaire of the ISAAC phase II studies. This questionnaire was completed by the caregivers of the 6 to 14 year-old schoolchildren. ResultsA total of 1273 questionnaires were sent to caregivers. Of the 324 analysed, 80% of the children were between 6 to 11 years of age, of whom 57% were girls. Just over half (54%) were of medium socioeconomic status, and 50% claimed to be of mixed race. The prevalence of asthma for this population was 23.8%, being higher in ages from 12 to 14 years with 45%, and higher in boys. It was found that the prevalence was associated with the age of the child and previous illnesses, such as asthma and bronchiolitis, as well as environmental factors such as smoking at home and inadequate soil quality. ConclusionsThe prevalence of asthma was 23.8%. The age of the children, history of bronchiolitis, and smoking at home are factors related to childhood asthma.