Frequency Of Asthma In Adolescence And Its Determinants

Background: Asthma represents one of the most important cause morbidity among adolescents. Therefore, this study was conducted with an objective in mind to find out the frequency of asthma is one of the most vulnerable age groups i.e. adolescences. Moreover, the study was also meant to find out different determinants that are responsible for the attacks of asthma in this age group. Objective: To investigate the frequency of asthma in adolescence and its determinants. Material and Methods Study Design: It was a cross sectional study Study Setting and duration: This research was carried out in Capital Development Authority (CDA) Hospital. The duration of the study was 4 months, from 1st April, 2014 to 31st July 2014. Inclusion criteria: Asthma patients were selected from medical and pulmonology wards of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Hospital. Data Collection and analysis: Data was collected from the patients via a health questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of several open and close ended questions in order to collect personal, social, medical and environmental data. Results: Results showed that mean age of adolescents to develop asthma is around 17 years. The frequency of asthma is higher in male subjects as compared to females, 56.7% and 43.3% respectively. Frequent attacks of asthma are associated with symptoms like cough and difficulty in breathing (72.3% patients), waking up at night due to coughing and difficulty in breathing (65.1% patients) and wheezing (57.8% patients). Middle socioeconomic group and outdoor pollutants like dust and smoke are the most important determinants (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of asthma is quite high during adolescence (mean age 17 years). Outdoor pollutants like smoke and dust are the main determinants that govern the development of asthma in such individuals.