Some risk factors of bronchial asthma in adults / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In recent years, there is no scientific epidemiological data about prevalence and risk factors of bronchial asthma among population in Mongolia. Goal The aim of this study was to define some risk factors of bronchial asthma among urban adults. Materials and Methods: 1201 adults were randomly chosen aged over 20 years who lives in different districts of Ulaanbaatar city. The participants were interviewed using a modified questionnaire of “Global Initiative for Asthma” - GINA. Besides demographic data, information on smoking habits and atopic symptoms was collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to calculate odds ratio of various potential risk factors. The lung function of subjects was checked using a spirometry Easyone, calculating the indexes Forced expiratory volume 1sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio. Results: Of the respondents, 606 were males (50.5%) and 595 were females (49.5%). Asthma was more frequent in female than in male. The prevalence of wheezing and physician-diagnosed asthma was higher in overweight and obese than in normal weight. The BMI was higher in group with wheezing than in group without wheezing (p<0.01). 54% of subjects with bronchial asthma were smokers. The mean value for FEV1 was 2.86±0.85 L and FVC was 3.60±0.94 L in overall and the lung function was lower in smokers than in non-smokers with bronchial asthma. 28.4% of subjects with allergic rhinitis has current asthma, while 11.6% of subjects without allergic rhinitis has asthma (p<0.01). Conclusion: Female sex, advancing age, history of allergic rhinitis, tobacco smoking and body mass index were associated with significantly higher odds of having asthma.