Prevalence of childhood bronchial asthma and its risk factors in Kom Hamada district, Beheira Governorate, Egypt

Background: Asthma is common and potentially serious chronic disease that imposes a substantial burden on patients, their families and the community. Objective:To estimate the prevalence of bronchial asthma among children in kom Hamada District,Beheira Governorate, Egypt and identify its risk factors in the community setting. Methods:This was a community-based cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in kom Hamada District (Beheira Governorate) Egypt. The targeted population was 1450 children from both sexes aged 2–16 years (mean 9.04 ± 4.2) living in the study locality. A proportional multi-stage cluster sample was taken from both rural and urban areas. Data were collected by a questionnaire completed by older children themselves or by the help of guardians of younger children. Asthma was diagnosed according to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Results:Our Logistic regression for the predictors of bronchial asthma among the studied group showed that family history of asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis, contact with birds and younger age are significant good predictors of bronchial asthma among the studied group. As regard the relation between speech limitations (sever attacks) in last 12months and some risk factors, our study reported that, there was a significantly association between family history of conjunctivitis, contact with birds and speech limitations in last 12months.alsoThere was a significantly difference at occurrence of asthma symptoms at night regarding presence of family history of asthma, family history of dermatitis, contact with birds, contact with pets. Conclusion: Bronchial asthmawas highly prevalent among children and adolescents in kom Hamada District. A positive family history of asthma and the presence of one or more type of other atopic diseases were significantly associated risk factors for asthma development.