Prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren in Patras, Greece: four questionnaire surveys during 1978–2003. Issue 3 (9th November 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anthracopoulos, Michael B; Liolios, Evangelos; Panagiotakos, Demosthenes B; Triantou, Katerina; Priftis, Kostas N
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 92:Issue 3(2007)
• Page Start: 209
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2006-11-09
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2006.106153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The prevalence of asthma and wheezing has risen during the past four decades. Recent reports suggest that the "asthma epidemic" has reached a plateau. Objective: To examine further trends in the prevalence of childhood diagnosed asthma and wheezing in an urban environment in Greece. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional parental questionnaire survey was repeated among third-grade and fourth-grade school children (8–10 years) of public primary schools in 2003 in the city of Patras, Greece, by using methods identical to that of surveys conducted in 1978 (completed questionnaires, n = 3003), 1991 (n = 2417) and 1998 (n = 3076). Results: 2725 questionnaires were completed in the 2003 survey. The prevalence rates of current asthma and/or wheezing in 1978, 1991, 1998 and 2003 were 1.5%, 4.6%, 6% and 6.9%, respectively (p for trend <0.001). The lifetime prevalence of asthma and/or wheezing in the three more recent surveys was 8%, 9.6% and 12.4%, respectively (p for trend <0.001). The male:female ratios of current asthma and/or wheezing in the four surveys were 1.14:1, 1.15:1, 1.16:1 and 1.22:1, respectively. The proportion of those with wheezing diagnosed with asthma has increased during the study period, more so among non-current children with asthma. Conclusions: Our findings show a continuous increase in the prevalence of asthma and wheezing among preadolescent children in Patras, Greece, over 25 years, albeit at a decelerating rate. There seems to be a true increase in wheezing, despite some diagnostic transfer, particularly among younger children. The male predominance of the disease has persisted in the population of this study.