Asthma and allergic diseases present a major health burden. Information on the
prevalence of these diseases indicates that these diseases are increasing in various parts of the
world. It was hoped that this study would be helpful to health system policy-makers in
planning allergy prevention programs in the region.
The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases and relation between the various risk
factors involved were assessed among schoolchildren in the city of Bushehr, Iran. The
ISAAC Phase I and III questionnaires were completed by parents of 1280 children aged 6-7
years and self-completed by 1115 students aged 13-14 years.
The prevalence of atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma among 6-7 year-old students
were 12.1%, 11.8% and 6.7%, respectively. While, the prevalence of these diseases among
13-14 year-old students were found to be 19%, 30% and 7.6%, respectively. There was an
association between asthma and allergic rhinitis as well as eczema (p<0.05). Consumption of
fast food as a risk factor was significantly associated with asthma (p=0.03).
The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases was high among schoolchildren in the city
of Bushehr, Iran. Also an association was observed between the fast food consumption and
asthma.
Keywords: Allergic rhinitis; Asthma, Atopic eczema; Children; ISAAC; Prevalenc