ABSTRACT
Background: Asthma prevalence in adults is globally increasing with variations between and within countries. Data are lacking regarding the prevalence of asthma among adults in Najran area , the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Objectives: The study aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors for asthma symptoms in Najran University students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Najran University Saudi students during the academic year 2017–2018. A modified translated International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was distributed to Najran University Saudi students, males and females aged 18 and above living in Najran for more than 1 year. Samples were taken using multistage random sampling. Results: A total of 418 participants (269 males and 149 females) with a mean age of 21.05 ± 1.56 were included in the study. The prevalence of asthma depending on the wheezing symptom in the past 12 months was 27% and physician-diagnosed asthma was 13.6%. Most of the asthmatic subjects (>85%) have intermittent symptoms. The first-degree family history, active tobacco smoking, allergic rhinitis (AR), dust, and smoke are the major risk factors for asthma symptoms. Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of self-reported asthma symptoms among adults in Najran University associated with a high prevalence of AR, which needs particular attention by the health stakeholders.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the prevalence rates of asthma symptoms in Brazil, its Regions and State capitals, according to data from the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey, 2012. Furthermore, it aims to compare the prevalence of asthma in the capitals evaluated by PeNSE 2012 with previous results of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). METHODS: Cross sectional study of 9th grade students at public and private schools of all Brazilian states and the Federal District (Brasília). A self reported questionnaire containing items from the ISAAC was applied in order to identify the presence of asthma symptoms. RESULTS: The results of PeNSE indicate a high prevalence of asthma symptoms (23.2%) and of reports of a previous medical diagnosis of asthma (12.4%). Of the five state capitals in which the PeNSE results were compared to the ISAAC, São Paulo, Curitiba and Porto Alegre presented an increase in the prevalence of asthma symptoms. In Salvador, there was a reduction. CONCLUSION: Brazil is among the countries with the highest prevalence of asthma in the world, and the prevalence is still growing. .
OBJETIVO: Descrever as prevalências de sintomas de asma no Brasil, regiões e capitais, segundo a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE), 2012. Além disso, comparar tais prevalências nas capitais - identificadas na PeNSE 2012 - com resultados de estudos anteriores do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em que foram incluídos escolares do 9º ano de escolas públicas e privadas de todos os estados brasileiros e do Distrito Federal. Um questionário estruturado autoaplicável com questões do ISAAC foi utilizado para identificar a presença de sintomas de asma. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da PeNSE apontam para a alta prevalência de sintomas de asma (23,2%) e de relato de diagnóstico de asma no passado (12,4%). Entre as cinco capitais em que os resultados da PeNSE foram comparados com os do ISAAC, São Paulo, Curitiba e Porto Alegre apresentaram crescimento da prevalência de sintomas de asma ao longo dos inquéritos, e em Salvador houve uma redução. CONCLUSÃO: O Brasil está entre os países com mais altas prevalências de asma no mundo e esta prevalência ainda está em crescimento. .