Prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in children aged 6-7 in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema symptoms in school children aged 6-7 years. Design: A cross-sectional study of randomly selected primary schools for children. Setting: Government and private primary schools in Bahrain. Method: A standardized ISAAC-validated Arabic-translated questionnaire was distributed to 3,000 students aged 6-7 years in 18 primary schools which was to be completed by parents or guardians. Results: 1,951 questionnaires were completed. Participants included 1,094 males (56.1%) and 857 (43.9%) females. The prevalence of asthma was 10.8%, allergic rhinitis, 16.5% and eczema, 9.8%. The prevalence rates for physiciandiagnosed asthma were greater in males 13.3% than females 8.7% [CI (1.8-7.4)]. Symptoms of sneezing or blocked nose showed male gender predominance (18.3%) in comparison to females (14.2%) [CI (0.77-7.5)]. Ever diagnosed hay fever also followed the same pattern of a male predominance of 5.4% in comparison to 3.3% in females [CI (0.24-3.9)]. Female predominance was found in prevalence of itchy rash, 12.5% in comparison to males (8.5%) [CI (-6.9 to -1.2)]. 58.6% had symptoms of allergic rhinitis with a significant peak in the winter season [CI (50.9-66.3)], only 11.2%, had symptoms in the summer season [CI (6.48-16.4)]. Conclusion: Prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema symptoms found in this study were all similar to those reported in other Gulf neighboring countries; with a significant male predominance found in asthma and rhinitis, but not in atopic eczema.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Childhood Asthma in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

“…17,20,24,25 Compared to neighboring Gulf countries, the prevalence of lifelong wheezing is higher in this region. Kuwait, Sultanate Oman, and Bahrain reported a prevalence of 11.9%, 21 12.7%, 22 and 10.8%, 23 respectively, [26][27][28] which is lower than the prevalence in Qatar (34.6%), 29 and the United Arab Emirates with 44.2% for the age group 6-7 years and 33.1% for the age group 13-14 years. 30 Globally, the prevalence of asthma among school children ranged from 1.1% (Lucknow, India) to 23.2% (Costa Rica), 31 which is lower than the reported prevalence in the current study.…”

Asthma prevalence among Iraqi children

“…The prevalence of asthma in Iraq is rather high compared to nearby and neighboring countries. The prevalence of asthma among children in Iran was less than 11% [17], Bahrain 10.8% [18], Jordan less than 9.5% [19], Kuwait less than 16% [20], Oman less than 20.7% [21], and Syria less than 5.1% [22]. It is possible that the incorrect diagnosis or the lack of adequate studies and recent studies can affect the rates of asthma in children [23] [24].…”

Knowledge and Practice in Addressing Atopic Dermatitis Amongst Primary Care Physicians in The Kingdom of Bahrain- A Cross-Sectional Study

“…16,17 In Bahrain, a study showed that the prevalence of atopic dermatitis was around 10% in 2014, consistent with other population-based studies worldwide. 18 With the increase of atopic dermatitis worldwide, the study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of primary care physicians working in governmental sectors at Primary Care Health Centers concerning AD and identify whether their knowledge of atopic dermatitis requires strengthening. This study would directly impact management and disease outcomes and determine the areas dermatologists should focus on during training and teaching.…”