PREVALENCE OF UNDIAGNOSED BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN OF AGE GROUP 5-15 YEARS IN CENTRAL INDIA

Dr. Yamini Jamod; Dr. Rajesh Tikkas; Dr. Sharmila Ramteke

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

PREVALENCE OF UNDIAGNOSED BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN OF AGE GROUP 5-15 YEARS IN CENTRAL INDIA

Dr. Yamini Jamod, Dr. Rajesh Tikkas, Dr. Sharmila Ramteke

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Limited community-based studies cause paucity of data on prevalence of asthma among school-going children in India. AIM: To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed asthma in school-going children of age group 5-15 years in various localities of Bhopal, India. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study was done in both government and private schools of Bhopal, each one from one zone of the city, using multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Modified ISAAC questionnaire was provided for the parents to fill and PEFR measurements of the included children was done. Any child who was a known case of asthma or any other respiratory/chronic systemic illness was excluded from the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of undiagnosed asthma was found to be 14.9%. This was higher in males(17.65%) and in children of 5-8 years age group(16.66%). Association of various risk factors with asthma in children was not found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There is a high proportion of undiagnosed asthma in school going children. More studies are required to solidify this data and increase awareness amongst the children, their parents and the society.