Prevalence of asthma symptoms and associated factors in adolescents and adults in southern Brazil: A Global Asthma Network Phase I study

Marilyn Urrutia-Pereira,Herberto Chong-Neto,Lucas Pitrez Mocellin,Philippa Ellwood,Luis Garcia-Marcos,Laura Simon,Pietro Rinelli,Dirceu Solé

doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100529

Abstract

BackgroundThe Global Asthma Network (GAN) aims to find out the current status of the prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema using global surveillance to achieve worldwide recognition and improve the management of asthma, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to verify the associated factors for asthma in adolescents and their respective parents/caregivers. MethodsAdolescents (13–14 years old; n = 1058) and their respective parents/caregivers (mean age = 42.1 years, n = 896) living in the town of Uruguaiana, Southern Brazil fulfilled the standardized questionnaire. ResultsAlthough the prevalence of wheezing in the past 12 months was higher among adults than adolescents (18.4% vs. 15.8%, respectively), adolescents showed more severe wheezing and worse control over the disease revealed by higher consumption of short-acting beta-2 agonists; going to the emergency room; hospitalization in the last year and dry night cough. Smoking and paracetamol use were associated with risk for developing asthma symptoms and consuming seafood/fish was protective. For the adults smoking (10 or more cigarettes/day) and exposure to mould in the house were associated with risk for asthma symptoms. ConclusionsAdolescents have a high prevalence of asthma symptoms and few have an action plan. Adults do not have their disease under control and they use more relief than preventive medication. Differences in associated factors could determine the outcomes in asthma control among adolescents and their parents.

Highlights

Asthma is a highly prevalent, chronic respiratory disease and constitutes a significant public health problem around the world
A standardized questionnaire based on ISAAC Phase Three[3] allowed us to obtain the prevalence of asthma in adolescents and their parents/caregivers, making it easier to compare between the different centers in both developed and developing countries.[2]
We evaluated risk factors, asthma management, and other factors in both populations

Summary

Introduction

Asthma is a highly prevalent, chronic respiratory disease and constitutes a significant public health problem around the world It has high direct and indirect costs and significantly impairs the quality of life of patients and their families.[1]. GAN aims to conduct asthma surveillance around the world to achieve global recognition and improve asthma management, especially in low- and middle-income countries.[2] Such goals will be achieved through improved monitoring, research, training, and access to effective asthma care, including quality assured essential medicines.[2] A standardized questionnaire based on ISAAC Phase Three[3] allowed us to obtain the prevalence of asthma in adolescents and their parents/caregivers, making it easier to compare between the different centers (local and from other countries) in both developed and developing countries.[2]. The aim of this study was to verify the associated factors for asthma in adolescents and their respective parents/caregivers

Objectives

Results

Conclusion