Epidemiology of bronchial asthma among school boys in Al-Khobar city, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of bronchial asthma among Saudi School boys at Al-Khobar city.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. The methodology included the distribution of a self administered questionnaire which was filled by the parents of 1482 school boys who satisfied the selection criteria of the study.

RESULTS: The prevalence rate of Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma and Physician Diagnosed Asthma were 9.5% and 8%. Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma school boys and their parents suffered significantly higher rates of allergenic diseases and environmental factors (pets at home, passive smoking) than non Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma among schoolboys in Al-Khobar city was more than that which was described earlier. However, this rate was less than those reported from other parts of the Kingdom but higher than the ones reported from Arab, developing and European countries. There is evidence that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a major role in the etiology of this disease. Based on the results of this study, appropriate and practical measures need to be taken to identify causes and initiate control programs.