The prevalence of asthma and related atopic diseases in Sri Lankan children from 2001 to 2013 utilizing the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire

Abstract

Background/Aim: Clinical observations indicate that asthma and atopic diseases is common in Sri Lankan children. The aim of this study is to study change in prevalence of wheezing, exercise wheezing, allergic rhinitis and eczema from 2001 to 2013 in Sri Lankan children. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was conducted in children aged 6-7 and 13–14 years from 9 provinces in Sri Lanka, in 2001 and in 2013. The change in prevalence of wheeze, allergic rhinitis, eczema and exercise-wheezing in the past 12 months was assessed. Results: In 2001, 3362 6-7 year olds (49.6% male) and 3140 13-14 year olds (46.1% male) participated in the survey. In 2013, 2848 6-7 year olds (44.7% male) and 3381 13-14 year olds (46.9% male) participated. In 6-7 year olds, the prevalence of current wheeze, declined from 27.5% to 18.1% from 2001 to 2013. Among the current wheezers, exercise-wheeze, rhinitis and eczema, in 2001 and 2013 were 53.9% and 35.6%, 82.5% and 75.2%, and 72.9% and 63.9%, respectively. In 13-14 year olds, the prevalence of current wheeze, declined from 23.0% in 2001 to 17.5% in 2013. Among the current wheezers, exercise-wheeze, rhinitis and eczema, in 2001 and 2013 were 72.3% and 70.2%, 78.9% and 77.7%, and 79.1% and 72.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of current wheeze and associated atopic diseases show a decreasing trend from 2001 to 2013. Access to treatment may be a reason for the decline. It is important to further monitor this trend to assess whether it will continue or change direction.