The Prevalence of Self-reported Respiratory Symptoms, Asthma and use of Asthma Medication Among Young Adolescents from Southeast Kosovo

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by episodes of airway narrowing leading to manifestations of symptoms such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough, that may resolve spontaneously or following treatment. Aim: The aim of this paper was to present the collected data related to the prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms, asthma, and use of asthma medication among school children aged 13-14 years from the city of Gjilan, a municipality located in southeast Kosovo. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study realized during the year 2018 as a part of the Project of Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I. The study elaborated randomly selected sample of 1200 school children from the city of Gjilan, in the southeast of Kosovo. The mean age was 13.4±0.51 with median IQR=13 (13-14). About 618 (51.5%) were male and 582 (48.5%) were female with the relation between the genders of 1:1.1. The percentage difference between the genders was not statistically significant (Difference test: Difference 3% [(-0.99-6.99) CI 95%]; Chi-square=2.159; df=1 p=0.1417). The prevalence of wheezing/ whistling in the chest EVER and the last 12 months was 12.7% vs. 6.4% respectively with no significant association between gender and symptoms (p>0.05) (Table 1). About 1132 (94.3%) had no attacks of wheezing in the last 12 MONTHS, 59 (4.9%) had 1-3 attacks, 7 (0.6%) had 4-12 attacks and 2 (0.2%) had>12 attacks. The analysis did not indicate a significant association between gender and the frequency of wheezing attacks (none / 1-3 / ≥ 4) for Pearson Chi-square: 2.5501; df=2; p=0.2801. Conclusion: This study has found moderately low asthma prevalence among adolescents in the southeast region of Kosovo, with no significant association between genders. Although, should be considered as an urgent need the proper examination, because asthma seems to be under-diagnosed and also untreated. It's possible that doctors in our country hesitate to diagnose asthma or the parents themselves and the children deny it.

Prevalence, time trends and treatment practices of asthma in India: the Global Asthma Network study

“…Preliminary data from few other global centers have shown mixed results regarding time trends in the prevalence of current wheeze. [20][21][22] Data from a single center in Mexico showed a 7.9% increase in the prevalence of current wheeze in both age groups compared with ISAAC phase III. 20 On the other hand, the GAN phase I study conducted in Bangkok suggests a similar prevalence of current wheeze in the younger age group and slightly lower prevalence in the older age group when compared with the ISAAC phase III.…”

“…The world total data showed a significant decline in current wheeze, with both increase and decrease noted as per individual centre. Preliminary data from few other global centres have shown mixed results regarding time trends in the prevalence of current wheeze [ 20 – 22 ]. Data from a single centre in Mexico showed a 7.9% increase in the prevalence of current wheeze in both age groups compared with ISAAC Phase III [ 20 ].…”

Untreated Allergy Among Middle School Students: Associations with Socioeconomic Adversities and Academic, Behavior, and Health Difficulties

“…8 Hence, early diagnosis and treatment of allergy (generally centered on allergycauses identification/reduction/elimination, allergen immunotherapy, symptomatic treatment, and antihistamines) 1,4,5,7,9,10 are important to prevent its consequences. Unfortunately, some studies showed that many people with allergic diseases did not receive physician treatment (for instance 20% to 70% for asthma) 1,[11][12][13][14] and have impaired quality of life. 15 Some doctors hesitate to diagnose asthma and some parents/children deny it.…”

“…15 Some doctors hesitate to diagnose asthma and some parents/children deny it. 11 The socioeconomic costs of allergy and its consequences are much higher than allergy-treatment cost. 1,4 During adolescence, emotional brain development (involving changes in limbic and cognitive control circuitry) is particularly pronounced, while the demand for self-regulation across various emotional and social situations would be highest.…”

“…These problems have been poorly addressed. Studies on undiagnosed allergy and lack of treatment mainly focused on asthma, 1,[11][12][13][14] associated poor socioeconomic status, and impaired quality of life. 12,13,15 Parents with low education generally have less health problems knowledge, health care access, and treatment-adherence.…”