[Geographical variation of asthma prevalence among Mexican children during the COVID-19 pandemic].

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the geographic variation in the prevalence of asthma in children, according to their place of residence in Mexico.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the epidemiological surveillance system dataset for respiratory diseases in Mexico carried on. From 27 February to 5 November 2020, a total of 1,048,576 subjects were screened for SARS-CoV2 infection, of which 35,899 were children under 18 years of age. The strength of the association was estimated by odds ratio (OR).

Results: Of 1,048,576 patients who attended for SARS-CoV2 infection detection, 35,899 corresponded to pediatric patients who met the study criteria. The estimated national prevalence of asthma was 3.9% (95% CI: 3.7-4.1%). The nationwide prevalence of asthma was 3.9% (95% CI: 3.7% - 4.1%); the minimum was 2.8% (Southeast region) and the maximum 6.8% (Southeast region). Compared to the South-West Region that presented the minimum prevalence at the national level, the Northwest (OR = 2.41) and Southeast (OR = 1.33) regions showed the highest risk of asthma in pediatric population.

Conclusions: The prevalence of asthma in children differed markedly among the different regions of Mexico; two regions, Northwest and Southeast, stood out. This study puts into context the role of the environment on the prevalence of asthma in children.