Population Prevalence of Asthma in Aljiza District

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. Objective: In this study we determine the prevalence of asthma among the population of Aljiza District, Jordan. In order to determine the prevalence of asthma in Aljiza District (Amman, Jordan), Method: a questionnaire was distributed to 4200 respondents of different age and gender. Results and Conclusions: The responses were reviewed and the incidences were determined. From the 4200 questionnaires by respondents 131 person (3.1%) suffered from physician-diagnosed asthma. No attempt was made to confirm the diagnosis and the results relied upon responses to questionnaire. The prevalence of asthma in adult females was higher than that of males in all groups. Adult females and males showed a significant priority on other age groups, and children, 5-10 years group have higher prevalence than children, 10-15 years group, in both males and females. In order of frequency, the triggering factors were common cold, dust, allergens, smoke, exercise, and chest infection. A relationship between asthma and paternal smoking, family history and to a lesser extent recurrent chest infections was suggested. The prevalence of asthma in Aljiza District is less than that reported in the southern and northern parts of Jordan and some Middle East countries. Although our results show a low prevalence of asthma, it still is a health problem among children and the adults in Aljiza District.