Changes in Asthma Prevalence Among Children Aged 6-7 Years in Novosibirsk
Study Objective: To analyze changes in the prevalence of asthma among first-graders in Novosibirsk. Study Design: The study was conducted using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: Between October 2011 and March 2012, 3,270 parents of first-graders, aged 6 to 8, were asked to complete a written ISAAC questionnaire. This survey was conducted in all ten Novosibirsk districts. The questionnaire results were compared to those obtained in 2002. Results: This survey showed a statistically significant reduction in the prevalence of asthma symptoms during the first-graders' lives (-0.59% per year) and a significant decrease in the intensity of current symptoms (-0.31% per year). During the past 12 months, asthma symptoms were present in 6.7% of first-graders, and asthma was verified in 4.2% of children examined. In addition, the percentage of frequently-recurring asthma (more than 4 exacerbations per year) with nocturnal symptoms, significantly decreased among this population. Conclusion: The study showed marked positive changes in the prevalence rates of asthma. Current symptoms of concomitant allergic rhinitis have a strong negative influence on the course of asthma. This supports the need for further investigation of those factors involved in asthma's development and progression.