Trends in the prevalence and severity of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema

J Natl Med Assoc. 2009 May;101(5):414-8. doi: 10.1016/s0027-9684(15)30925-1.

Abstract

The increase in prevalence of asthma and other allergic diatheses has rarely been documented in the developing sub-Saharan countries. We assessed time trends in symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema among children in Ibadan, Nigeria, with cross-sectional data from 2 International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire-based surveys conducted 7 years apart in 1995 and in 2001-2002. The prevalence of current wheeze increased nonsignificantly in the 6- to 7-year age group (4.8%-5.5%) and significantly in the 13- to 14-year age group (10.7%-13.0%) (p = .249 and p = .005, respectively). The 12-month prevalence of allergic rhinoconjuctivitis decreased insignificantly in the 6- to 7-year age group (p = .833) but significantly in the 13- to 14-year age group (p = .001), while the diagnosis of atopic eczema decreased in both age groups. The current findings suggest that the symptoms of asthma have only increased significantly in the Nigerian adolescents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Asthma / epidemiology*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic / epidemiology*
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic / physiopathology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / epidemiology*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nigeria / epidemiology
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prevalence
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / epidemiology*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / physiopathology
  • Sickness Impact Profile
  • Surveys and Questionnaires