Prevalence of childhood asthma, rhinitis, and eczema in the Ternopil region of Ukraine – results of BUPAS study

ABSTRACTPurposeThe aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of allergic diseases and symptoms in children of the Ternopil Region (Ukraine) and to explore their familial and environmental correlates.Material/MethodsA cross-sectional study based on parental answers to a respiratory questionnaire based on ISAAC that included 4871 urban and rural children aged 6–14 years. Association of physician-made diagnoses and symptoms with environmental factors was examined by means of multivariate logistic regression.ResultsIncreased risk of asthma (1.7%) was associated with urban residence (OR=1.8; p=0.04) and high parental education (OR=1.8; p=0.02); spastic bronchitis (6.2%) with parental allergy (OR=1.3; p=0.03); atopic eczema (6.2%) with younger age (OR=1.3; p=0.03), high parental education (OR=1.3; p=0.03), parental allergy (OR=1.4; p=0.02), tobacco smoke at home (OR=0.7; p=0.01) and household density (OR=0.6; p=0.001); diagnosis of unspecified allergic sensitization (11.8%) was related to high parental education (OR=1.2; p=0.03), parental employment (OR=0.8; p=0.02) and pets at home (OR=1.2; p=0.06). Symptoms of chest wheezing (11.5%) were related to tobacco smoke at home (OR=0.8; p=0.06). Attacks of dyspnea (7.3%) were related to parental allergy (OR=1.4; p=0.007), and type of heating (OR=1.7; p=0.04). Hay fever symptoms (5.7%) were related to younger age (OR=1.3; p=0,01) and urban residence (OR=2.0; p<0.0001).ConclusionsExcept for asthma the prevalence of allergic diseases and symptoms as well as their correlates in children of Ternopil are similar to other estimates obtained in Eastern Europe. Low prevalence of asthma and relatively frequent occurrence of spastic bronchitis may suggest substantial underdiagnosis of childhood asthma.