Physician diagnosed asthma as reported by the parents in school children of South Punjab, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

To find the prevalence of doctor diagnosed asthma, as reported by the parents, in school children of South Punjab, Pakistan. It was a cross sectional, questionnaire based, descriptive survey of the children aged 3-18 years, in randomly selected primary and secondary schools, from October 2002 to March 2003. The data then was analyzed by the coauthor with Statistical Analysis System [SAS]. 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 asthma only in 129 [4%] of their children as was told to them by their doctor with almost equal distribution in boys [60] and girls [69] of 2%, respectively. Of these 129 children with doctor diagnosed asthma, 60 [47%] were boys and 69 [53%] were girls. Of the 1767 boys, the doctor diagnosed asthma as reported by parents was 3% [60]. Of the 1413 girls, the doctor diagnosed asthma as reported by parents was 5% [69]. The asthma was not reported in 14-18 years age. The asthma is taken as a stigma in our society and as such is not reported or disclosed rather denied. An extensive educational media campaign is required for awareness of the masses