Prevalence and environmental risk factors for respiratory symptoms among elementary school children in a city

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and to determine their environmental risk factors in school children living in a city where traffic is particularly heavy. METHODS: From November 12th to November 19th, 2002, we sent questionnaires to parents for children's health and environmental factors, and ninety eight percent (516) of parents responded. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of chronic respiratory illness was 12.2% and 13.2% for wheeze, and 6.6% for physician diagnosed asthma. Using multiple logistic regression model, we found that family history of asthma(OR=3.47, 95% CI 1.36-8.78), atopy dermatitis(OR=5.48, 95% CI 2.37-12.66), and pets at home(OR=3.22, 95% CI 1.26-8.23) were associated with chronic respiratory illness in last 12 months. We also found that family history of asthma(OR=3.28, 95% CI 1.16-9.31), atopy dermatitis(OR=2.89, 95% CI 1.11-7.54), and short distance between the house and road(OR=2.85, 95% CI 1.03-7.87) were associated with asthma in last 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Elementary school children in a city had a relatively high prevalence of chronic respiratory illness and symptoms. In addition to genetic factors, pets at home and outdoor air pollution are associated with respiratory illness and Symptoms in school children.

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