title: Prevalence of exercise-induced asthma in schoolchildren in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine, Jamaica.
abstract: A cross-sectional study was done, focusing on the prevalence of exercise-induced asthma in Jamaica and variables that may account for this rate. No previous study of this nature had been undertaken, and the investigators contend that there is a need to identify children who suffer from this condition but are unaware of it. A sample of 214 students from primary and secondary schools in the Corporate Area were chosen and given questionnaires to complete. Eighty-four of the children reported a history consistent with that of exercise-induced asthma and were further subjected to stress testing for a definitive diagnosis of this condition. A prevalence of 20.8% [C.I. +/- 5.35] was identified which reflected a rate comparable to that recorded in North America. There was a significantly higher prevalence in children of primary school ages, but all other variables considered for significance testing to determine associations between these and the prevalence of EIA proved not significant. A recommendation has been made for opportunity screening by medical practitioners.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, U.W.I., Jamaica.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Longsworth
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007563:Jamaica / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*