THE IMPACT OF SOME DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON THE SEVERITY OF ASTHMA IN CHILDREN

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between some demographic factors and the levels of severity among asthmatic children. METHOD: One hundred and twenty five asthmatic children aged between 6 months and 15 years were studied in pediatric and asthma clinics at King AbdulAziz University Hospital (KAUH). The assessment of clinical severity was based on the global strategy guidelines for asthma assessment and management. Subjects were grouped by age: infants (≤1 year), toddlers (1-3 years), preschool or kindergarten (3-6 years), school (6-12 years), and adolescents (12-15 years). Demographic data (age and sex) were analyzed for any statistical significance. RESULTS: Boys were 80 (64%) and predominated in all age groups except in infants. 10(8%) were infants, 22(17.6%) toddlers, 26 (20.8%) preschool or kindergarten, 49 (39.2%) school, and 18 (14.4%) adolescent. The levels of severity of asthma were intermittent 11 (8.8%), mild persistent 74 (59.2%), moderate persistent 33 (26.4%), and severe persistent 7 (5.6%). Frequency and severity of asthma were significantly higher in boys than girls (P<0.05) and at school age compared to other age groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION: This study demonstrated an increase in the frequency and severity of bronchial asthma in boys, particularly, those at school age. As stated in the literature, correlating demographic factors and clinical status can help in the prediction of the severity of asthma and possibly its outcome. This demands greater vigilance in the care of this group of asthmatics more than any others.