Prevalence of asthma symptoms and allergic diseases with ISSAC method in children, Shiraz 2009

Asthma is the most important chronic disease in children and the most common cause of school absenteeism. Its prevalence has been raised due to increased environmental and industrial. This study were designed and implemented to estimate the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Shiraz children.

A cross sectional study was carried out in 3000 male and female students that selected multistage sampling method in 2009. Data were collected based on ISSAC standard questionnaire. After entering data into the SPSS software the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases was calculated. Statistical analysis carried out with chi-squared test at 0.05 significant levels.

Prevalence of asthma, rash, eczema and atopic diseases in the total 3000 participated students were 3.8%, 10.4%, 18.3% and 42% respectively. Prevalence of rash, eczema and atopic diseases, runny eyes and wheezing after exercise in both sexes showed significant differences (p<0.05) but there were no significant difference between two sex in asthma, hay fever, impaired speaking disorder, runny nose and dry cough (p>0.05).

The results of this study revealed that the prevalence of asthma in Shiraz children is less than some other cities. However, acceleration in trend of asthma in recent years would be a threat and this phenomenon requires serious attention of authorities and health policymakers.