Trends in prevalence and risk factors of childhood asthma in Fuzhou, a city in Southeastern China

Abstract

Objective: The prevalence of asthma in children age 0–14 years in Fuzhou, a city in Southeast China, was 1.57% in 1990 and 3.28% in 2000. The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma prevalence and risk factors in children in the same city in 2010. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a two-stage, clustered, stratified random sample design. Parents of 12 235 children 0–14 years of age in Fuzhou were surveyed using a questionnaire. Children with history and/or symptoms of asthma were then interviewed by pediatricians in a nearby clinic to confirm the diagnosis of asthma, and a second questionnaire listing reported risk factors of asthma was completed by the parents in the clinic. Results: About 11 738 questionnaires were completed with a response rate of 95.9%. Among the responders, 648 children had history and/or symptoms of asthma but only 485 (4.13%) were confirmed with asthma. The prevalence was 1.83%, 7.64% and 6.27% in the age groups of 0–1 years, 3–4 years and 13–14 years, respectively. The most significant (binary logistic regression test) factors associated with asthma were presence of atopic or allergic diseases (OR = 21.5, 95% CI: 12–38.5), family history of allergy or asthma (OR = 29.4, 95% CI: 12.6–68.6), use of at least one course of antibiotics in the first year of life (OR = 7.61, 95% CI: 3.4–17.06), supplementary protein feedings before 6 months (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.23–2.95). Natural ventilation at home (versus frequent use of air-conditioning) appeared to be a protective factor (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8). Conclusion: The prevalence of asthma in childhood has increased significantly during the past 20 years in Fuzhou.