Prevalence patterns of asthma and atopy in countries with developing market economies are not well described. This dearth of information is in the context of the well documented rising prevalence of atopy in countries with established market economies. Using the parent self-administered questionnaire developed by the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, this study begins to assess the prevalence pattern of atopy of school children 6-11 years of age in Ha Noi, Viet Nam and surrounding rural areas. It also begins to inquire into the potential environmental causes for differences in prevalence patterns in differing geographic locations. Preliminary data from Ha Noi of 969 school children (1460 questionnaires distributed for a response rate of 66.4%) shows a parent-reported prevalence of "ever wheezed or whistled in chest" of 24.9%, "wheezed or whistled in chest in last 12 months" of 14.9%, "ever had asthma" of 12.1%" and doctor diagnosed asthma of 13.9%. These values are higher than those obtained in the Asia-Pacific region by other ISAAC investigations. Potential causes for this discrepancy and potential environmental determinants will be discussed as well as further details of the full study that is being conducted.
Learning Objectives: 1) Appreciate the complexity of questionnaire survey tools in the context of multicultural research and collaboration 2) Appreciate the definition of asthma and atopy in self-administered questionnaires as opposed to clinical diagnosis and other objective measures 3) Understand the background in research in environmental determinants in respiratory health
Keywords: Children's Health, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.