Parent reported wheeze in school children of South Punjab, Pakistan

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