The role of Human Development Index in the epidemiology of asthma in adolescents in Kosovo

Abstract

Background: Very limited information is available on the prevalence and risk factors of asthma in adolescents in Kosovo, and no study has previously addressed the role of Human Development Index (HDI) on asthma in the region. The present study addresses these two issues.Methods: Following the Global Asthma Network (GAN) methodology, a cross-sectional survey, through standardised self-completed questionnaires, was conducted in the following six centres of Kosovo: Ferizaj, Gjakova, Gjilan, Peja, Prishtina and Prizren. Current asthma symptoms (CAS) and severe current asthma symptoms (sCAS) were defined according to the GAN standards. Environmental questionnaire inquired about gender, exercise, screening time, siblings, truck traffic, use of paracetamol, pet ownership, and smoking habits. Height and weight were also measured. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in each centre along with meta-analyses to summarise the overall effects of each factor in the centres as a whole. Meta-regression of the prevalence rates was calculated using HDI as a moderator.Results: Participation rate was high (80.0–99.9%). Prevalence of CAS ranged from 4.6% to 11.3%, and sCAS from 1.7% to 4.5%. Factors associated with CAS were exercise, computer time, paracetamol use and dog ownership. sCAS was associated with paracetamol use and physical exercise. HDI explained 46% and 80% of prevalence variability of CAS and sCAS between centres, respectively.Conclusions: Prevalence of CAS and sCAS in Kosovo varies highly between centres. This variability is explained partly by HDI. Individual risk factors are common, with some determined inother studies conducted in other regions.

Prevalence of Atopic Eczema With or Without Wheeze in Kosovar Adolescents: Role of Gender, Exercise and Paracetamol.

“…Demographic and environmental characteristics of the 6 Kosovar centres have been already described 15 . Table 1 shows the prevalence of current eczema symptoms, severe eczema symptoms and eczema ever overall, and with and without wheeze, together with the respective 95% confidence intervals.…”

“…As for any GAN centre, all students (selected by grade or by age) of 13-14 years within all schools (Ferizaj, Gjakova, Gjilan, Peja, and Prizren) or within a random sample of them (Prishtina) were invited to participate to achieve the minimum required sample size of 1000. Additional details of the sample size and power are described elsewhere 12,14 Participation rates in Kosovo (80.0% or more) have been also described in detail previously 15 .…”

Effect of early‐life exposure to PM2.5 on childhood asthma/wheezing: a birth cohort study

“…Asthma is a common chronic disease that affects people of all ages particularly for children. The Global Asthma Report showed that 14% of the world's children experienced asthma symptoms 1,2 . The prevalence of asthma is still increasing globally 2–4 .…”