Current prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren in San Sebastián (Spain)

• Published in: Anales de pediatría (Barcelona, Spain : 2003) Spain : 2003), 2006-03, Vol.64 (3), p.224-228
• Main Authors: Oñate Vergara, E, Pérez-Yarza, E G, Emparanza Knörr, J I, Figueroa de la Paz, A, Sardón Prado, O, Sota Busselo, I, Aldasoro Ruiz, A, Mintegui Aramburu, J
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Subjects: Asthma - epidemiology; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Spain - epidemiology
• ISSN: 1695-4033

To determine the current prevalence of asthma in children aged 6-12 years old in San Sebastian (Guipuzcoa, Spain). An observational, cross sectional study was performed in 6-12-year-old children in schools. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was employed. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was investigated using the free running test, with peak expiratory flow (PEF) measured with a peak flow meter as the main measurement. The ISAAC questionnaire (n = 919) was distributed to 460 boys (50.1%) and 459 girls (49.9%) with a mean age of 8 years (SD 1.87). The response rate to the questionnaire was 93 % (n = 855). Participation in the free running test was 90.8% (n = 835). A total of 89.88% of the children (n = 826) completed both tests. The questionnaire of symptoms and signs compatible with asthma revealed a current prevalence of asthma of 25.56% (n = 216) and a cumulative prevalence of 25.44% (n = 85). Nocturnal asthma was found in 29.37% (n = 47) and severe asthma in 9.27% (n = 14). Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was found in 23% of the participants. An epidemiological diagnosis of asthma (asthma-related symptoms plus bronchial hyperresponsiveness) was made in 6.54%. The current prevalence of asthma in 6-12-year-old schoolchildren in San Sebastian, determined through symptoms and signs compatible with asthma in the previous year and a positive free running test, is similar to that reported in other national studies.