[Epidemiology of infantile asthma in the Le Havre region].
BACKGROUND
Prevalence of asthma is influenced by environmental factors which may be different from area to area.


METHODS
A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out among 1,395 children attending primary schools in the city of Le Havre and the canton of Fécamp (Haute-Normandie). Questionnaires including data about the disease, family history, environmental and socio-economic factors were completed by the school physician in presence of the parents.


RESULTS
Prevalence rate of asthma calculated from 1,193 questionnaires was 7.8%. The logistic regression curves pointed out four risk factors: family history of asthma (odds ratio: 2.52) or hay fever (OR: 1.98), atopic dermatitis (OR: 3.96), and parental smoking (OR: 1.79). Sex, socioeconomic status of parents, type of housing, presence of pets in the house were not related to prevalence of asthma. Frequency of cough during the day was only significantly different between both areas.


CONCLUSIONS
The high level of school absence (21.1%) and frequency of hospitalizations for acute asthma (20.4%) should lead health professionals and educators to improve management of asthma in these areas.
Le Roux
P
P
Département de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier, Le Havre, France.
Bourderont
D
D
Loisel
I
I
Collet
A
A
Boulloche
J
J
Briquet
M T
MT
Le Luyer
B
B
D000397:Air Pollution; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012572:School Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
Epidémiologie de l'asthme infantile dans la région du Havre.