Study of Prevalence of Asthma in School Children in Pune and Its
Relation with Family History of Asthma and Allergic Disorders
Abstract
Objective: To determine prevalence of asthma in Pune and its
relation to family history of allergic disease. Study Design:
Cross-sectional study in two schools of Pune. Method:
International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) based
questionnaire was administered to 815 parents of students of 2 selected
schools between ages of 5-15 years. Responses were analyzed and children
with history suggestive of asthma were examined, investigated at a
tertiary teaching hospital. Results: prevalence of asthma was
6.13%. Prevalence in males was 6.36% and in females was 8.05% (p=
0.639). Prevalence in English medium school was 7.36% as compared to
Marathi medium school of 3.8%. Family history of asthma and allergic
disease had strong association with asthma. PEFR at time of enrolment
was decreased in many children irrespective of symptoms.
Conclusion: Prevalence of asthma was 6.13%. Family history is
strong determinant of asthma. Keywords: Asthma Prevalence,
Family History, PEFR Correlation.