A historical overview of childhood asthma in southern Africa: Are we there yet?

Abstract

Background. The prevalence of asthma, the most common respiratory disease in children, has increased in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Africa. Despite poor infrastructure and limited resources, researchers in southern Africa have sought to determine the prevalence of childhood asthma, with variable results reflecting actual differences as much as methodological limitations and biases. Objective. To collate and report findings from studies on the epidemiology of childhood asthma in southern Africa. Method. A review of the literature was undertaken. Results. The prevalence of childhood asthma in southern Africa is variable but has increased over the last four decades, particularly in South Africa (3.17% to 21.29%). Methods used to assess the burden of asthma have been in the form of questionnaires, bronchial hypersensitivity provocation tests, lung function measurement and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). Conclusion. The prevalence of childhood asthma is increasing in rural and urban areas in southern Africa. Research collaboration driven by a better understanding of the heterogeneous nature of asthma can improve challenges faced in evaluating the burden of asthma in African countries

Prevalence of asthma and wheeze among preschool and school‐aged children in Africa: A meta‐analysis

“…These rates were found to be F I G U R E 2 Meta-analysis of the prevalence of asthma in the study population group. lower in comparison to the findings of our study [31]. Furthermore, another study conducted in Gaborone, Botswana, showed a marginally elevated occurrence of wheezing within the past year, specifically among school-aged children, with a prevalence rate of 16.5%.…”

“…Additionally, a research study conducted in Southern Africa revealed a 12‐month prevalence rate of wheezing and severe wheezing of 11.2% and 5.7%, respectively, among children aged 6–7 years. These rates were found to be lower in comparison to the findings of our study [31]. Furthermore, another study conducted in Gaborone, Botswana, showed a marginally elevated occurrence of wheezing within the past year, specifically among school‐aged children, with a prevalence rate of 16.5%.…”

“…Additionally, a comprehensive examination of existing scholarly works on the topic of childhood asthma in Southern Africa revealed that the occurrence of this condition exhibits variability but has shown an upward trend over the last 40 years. This trend is mostly pronounced in South Africa, where prevalence rates have been shown to range from 3.17% to 21.29% [31]. Furthermore, Kwizera et al corroborated the aforementioned results by demonstrating that the occurrence of asthma in Sub-Saharan Africa was estimated to be 4.6% among children under the age of five and 5.5% among children aged 5-14 [32].…”

“…Additionally, a comprehensive examination of existing scholarly works on the topic of childhood asthma in Southern Africa revealed that the occurrence of this condition exhibits variability but has shown an upward trend over the last 40 years. This trend is mostly pronounced in South Africa, where prevalence rates have been shown to range from 3.17% to 21.29% [31]. Furthermore, Kwizera et al.…”

Challenges in the diagnosis of asthma in children, what are the solutions? A scoping review of 3 countries in sub Saharan Africa

“…While reviews from low income countries have revealed that there is under-diagnosis or mis-diagnosis of asthma [13][14][15][16] with a preference for infectious respiratory diseases, studies from high income countries suggest overdiagnosis of asthma. A systematic review of studies in children and adults showed that 20 to 70% of asthmatics are under-diagnosed while 30 to 35% are over-diagnosed [17].…”