Household conditions, eczema symptoms and rhinitis symptoms: relationship with wheeze and severe wheeze in adolescents living in the Polokwane area, South Africa.
OBJECTIVE
Determine the prevalence and risk factors of wheeze and severe wheeze in 13-to 14-year-old children.


METHODS
The study was conducted August 2004 to February 2005 in the Polokwane area, South Africa.


RESULTS
The 12-month prevalence rate was 18.9% for wheeze and 9.2% for severe wheeze (n = 3,926). The presence of other allergic symptoms and industrial activities appear to increase the likelihood of wheeze, even more so for severe wheeze. Socioeconomic-related factors appear to have a protective effect on wheeze.


CONCLUSIONS
Wheeze appears to be a substantial public health problem in the Polokwane area.
Wichmann
Janine
J
School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa. janine.wichmann@up.ac.za
Wolvaardt
Jacqueline E
JE
Maritz
Chantelle
C
Voyi
Kuku V V
KV
D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004485:Eczema / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population