Risk and Triggering Factors Associated with Bronchial Asthma Among School-Going Children in an Urban City of Coastal Karnataka

Authors

  • Sowmini P. Kamath Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore
  • Shrividya Shrishakumar Kasturba Medical college, Manipal University, Mangalore
  • Animesh Jain Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0250-3608
  • Anand Ramakrishna Kasturba Medical College Manipal University, Mangalore
  • Shantharam B Baliga Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v37i1.16634

Keywords:

allergens, asthma, questionnaire, risk factors, smoke

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is common in childhood and is a major public health issue. The objectives of this study were to identify risk and triggering factors associated with asthma among school children.

Material and Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted among 6-15 years old children, over two months in two private schools at Mangalore city. Trigger factors were assessed as per asthma trigger inventory (ATI). Responses were graded from 0-5 score based on ‘never’,’ rarely’, ‘sometimes’, ‘most of the time’ and ‘always’. A predesigned questionnaire suiting the city environment was prepared and used to assess the risk and triggering factors. Analysis was done using SPSS version 16.

Results: Asthma and allergic rhinitis in parents (34.1%,40.7%), smoking at home(24.2%), exclusive breast feeding absence (27.5%),early weaning(24.2%), living in a flat (37.4%) and pets at home(37.4%) were risk factors noted. As per ATI, it was found that ‘having a cold’ was the most frequently selected trigger at 94.5% (47.3% ‘sometimes’, 2.2% ‘always’), followed by ‘running’ at 79.1% (27.5% ‘sometimes’, 13.2% ‘always’), and ‘house dust’ at 69.2% (31.9% ‘sometimes’, 6.6% ‘always’). The highest mean was for infections, (2.228, SD=0.546), followed by physical exercise (2.167, SD=0.331). Animal allergens had lowest mean (1.527, SD=0.104), followed by psychological triggers at second lowest (1.579, SD=0.181). However none of the risk and trigger factors had statistical significance with asthma.

Conclusion: Avoiding exposure to probable triggers and identifying risk factors would aid in planning effective strategic measures with better quality of life.

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Author Biographies

Sowmini P. Kamath, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore

Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics

Shrividya Shrishakumar, Kasturba Medical college, Manipal University, Mangalore

MBBS graduate, Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical college, Manipal University, Mangalore

Animesh Jain, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore

Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine,

Anand Ramakrishna, Kasturba Medical College Manipal University, Mangalore

Professor, Department of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (PTCD)

Shantharam B Baliga, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore

Professor, Department of Pediatrics

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Published

2017-10-04

How to Cite

Kamath, S. P., Shrishakumar, S., Jain, A., Ramakrishna, A., & Baliga, S. B. (2017). Risk and Triggering Factors Associated with Bronchial Asthma Among School-Going Children in an Urban City of Coastal Karnataka. Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 37(1), 59–66. https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v37i1.16634

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Section

Original Articles