Prevalence of asthma symptoms and associated factors in adolescents and adults in southern Brazil: A Global Asthma Network Phase I study

Abstract

Background The Global Asthma Network (GAN) aims to find out the current status of the prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema using global surveillance to achieve worldwide recognition and improve the management of asthma, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to verify the associated factors for asthma in adolescents and their respective parents/caregivers. Methods Adolescents (13–14 years old; n = 1058) and their respective parents/caregivers (mean age = 42.1 years, n = 896) living in the town of Uruguaiana, Southern Brazil fulfilled the standardized questionnaire. Results Although the prevalence of wheezing in the past 12 months was higher among adults than adolescents (18.4% vs. 15.8%, respectively), adolescents showed more severe wheezing and worse control over the disease revealed by higher consumption of short-acting beta-2 agonists; going to the emergency room; hospitalization in the last year and dry night cough. Smoking and paracetamol use were associated with risk for developing asthma symptoms and consuming seafood/fish was protective. For the adults smoking (10 or more cigarettes/day) and exposure to mould in the house were associated with risk for asthma symptoms. Conclusions Adolescents have a high prevalence of asthma symptoms and few have an action plan. Adults do not have their disease under control and they use more relief than preventive medication. Differences in associated factors could determine the outcomes in asthma control among adolescents and their parents.

Prevalence, Management, and Risk Factors of Asthma Among School-Age Children in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…The prevalence of current wheeze in Thailand was 14.6% in children and 12.5% in adolescents, in Brazil was 15.8% in adolescents, in Mexico was 10.2% in children and 11.6% in adolescents, and in Spain was 14.7% in adolescents. [12][13][14][15] The prevalence of asthma ever in Thailand was 6.1% in children and 8.8% in adolescents, in Mexico was 26.1% in children and 23.9% in adolescents, and in Spain was 19.7% in adolescents. 12,14,15 The most recent report from a multicenter GAN study reported that the prevalence of current wheeze and asthma ever in adolescents was 11.1% and 10.5%, respectively; whereas in children they were 9.1% and 7.6%, respectively.…”

Sociodemographic factors, health behavior, parental or workplace smoking, and adult asthma risk in the United States

“…Several studies have shown that parental smoking history is associated significantly with asthma risk, especially among children and adolescents [19,20]. Limited studies have shown this association in adults [21].…”