Risk factors for asthma in children in Hefei, China / 中国当代儿科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the risk factors for asthma in children in Hefei, China and to provide a strategy for asthma control in this region.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 400 children with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma, as well as 400 children of comparable age, sex, living environment, and family background, who had no respiratory diseases, were selected for a case-control study. A survey questionnaire survey was completed for all children. The obtained data were subjected to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for asthma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The logistic regression analysis showed that a family history of allergy, allergic rhinitis, infantile eczema, no breastfeeding, air-conditioning and passive smoking were the risk factors for asthma in children, with odds ratios of 9.63, 7.56, 4.58, 2.16, 1.73, and 1.55 respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In order to reduce the incidence of asthma, we should advocate breast feeding, promote outdoor activities, keep ventilation natural, prevent passive smoking and cure allergic rhinitis.</p>