Prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren in Patras, Greece: four questionnaire surveys during 1978-2003.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of asthma and wheezing has risen during the past four decades. Recent reports suggest that the "asthma epidemic" has reached a plateau.


OBJECTIVE
To examine further trends in the prevalence of childhood diagnosed asthma and wheezing in an urban environment in Greece.


METHODS
A population-based cross-sectional parental questionnaire survey was repeated among third-grade and fourth-grade school children (8-10 years) of public primary schools in 2003 in the city of Patras, Greece, by using methods identical to that of surveys conducted in 1978 (completed questionnaires, n = 3003), 1991 (n = 2417) and 1998 (n = 3076).


RESULTS
2725 questionnaires were completed in the 2003 survey. The prevalence rates of current asthma and/or wheezing in 1978, 1991, 1998 and 2003 were 1.5%, 4.6%, 6% and 6.9%, respectively (p for trend <0.001). The lifetime prevalence of asthma and/or wheezing in the three more recent surveys was 8%, 9.6% and 12.4%, respectively (p for trend <0.001). The male:female ratios of current asthma and/or wheezing in the four surveys were 1.14:1, 1.15:1, 1.16:1 and 1.22:1, respectively. The proportion of those with wheezing diagnosed with asthma has increased during the study period, more so among non-current children with asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show a continuous increase in the prevalence of asthma and wheezing among preadolescent children in Patras, Greece, over 25 years, albeit at a decelerating rate. There seems to be a true increase in wheezing, despite some diagnostic transfer, particularly among younger children. The male predominance of the disease has persisted in the population of this study.
Anthracopoulos
Michael B
MB
Respiratory Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Patras, Rio-Patras, Greece. manthra@otenet.gr
Liolios
Evangelos
E
Panagiotakos
Demosthenes B
DB
Triantou
Katerina
K
Priftis
Kostas N
KN
D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires