PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN CHILDREN IN SAUDI ARABIA, A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: The results of the few epidemiological studies that have been carried out in Saudi Arabia to determine the prevalence of childhood asthma are highly inconsistent. As a result, we did a systematic literature review to assess the frequency of childhood asthma in Saudi Arabia since knowing the prevalence of common bronchial asthma in children will help doctors better grasp the scope of this health problem and inform resource planning.
 Objectives: This study aims to summarize current estimations of the prevalence and risk factors of bronchial asthma among children in Saudi Arabia.
 Methods: The PubMed database and EBSCO Information Services were utilised to choose the articles. In our review, all pertinent articles related to both our topic and other articles were used. Other articles that were unrelated to this field were not considered. The data was extracted in a specific format, which the group members reviewed.
 Conclusion: Bronchial asthma prevalence rates in Saudi Arabia are increasing annually. The highest prevalence rate was found in Al Hafouf region while the lowest was reported in Abha. Risk factors were significantly associated with bronchial asthma as phycological status, smoking family member, socioeconomic status, dust, air pollution, allergens as well as other factors.