Parent reported wheeze in school children of South Punjab, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

To find the prevalence of wheeze as reported by the parents in school children of Southern Punjab Pakistan. It was a cross sectional, questionnaire based survey of the children aged 3-18 years, in randomly selected primary and secondary schools, from October 2002 to March 2003. The data was analyzed using Statistical Analysis System. Of 6120 questionnaire sent to the parents/guardians, we received 3180 back [52%]. Of the 3180 respondents, 1767[56%] were for boys and 1413[44%] were for girls. The median age was 8.25 years. Around 71% of children were between 4 to 11 years of age. The parents reported wheeze in 222[7%] of their children with a slight predominance in boys 120[4%] than in girls 102[3%]. The wheeze was not reported in 14-18 years age group. Childhood wheeze was reported in children by 7% parents. Most of the time wheeze is not reported or disclosed rather denied. An extensive educational media campaign is required for creating awareness in masses regarding wheeze