Prevalence of Bronchial Asthma among Secondary School Students

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma, a prevalent chronic respiratory condition, poses a significant health concern among secondary school students in Bangladesh, particularly in the bustling urban centers with associated environmental challenges. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bronchial asthma and its associated factors among secondary school students. Method: This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to June 2023, aimed to assess the prevalence of bronchial asthma among 250 secondary school students (aged 10-15 yrs) in Bangladesh. The study employed a structured questionnaire, including the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) asthma questionnaire, to collect socio-demographic details and assess asthma prevalence. Results: The findings revealed a mean age of 12.9 years, with an equal distribution of males and females. Notably, 11.6% had been diagnosed with asthma by a doctor. Factors such as sex, age, monthly family income, history of childhood pneumonia, and passive smoking exposure showed significant associations with bronchial asthma. Logistic regression analysis identified being male (OR=2.32, p=0.042), a history of childhood pneumonia (OR=3.10, p=0.007), and maternal asthma (OR=2.739, p=0.032) as predictors of bronchial asthma. The prevalence was higher in males and those with a history of childhood pneumonia or maternal asthma. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive health initiatives targeting the identified risk factors to mitigate the impact of bronchial asthma on the health and academic performance of secondary school students in Bangladesh. Addressing childhood pneumonia and reducing passive smoking exposure are crucial strategies for preventing the development of bronchial asthma in this vulnerable population.