Background: Epidemiological data have shown that the prevalence
of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in children is still
increasing, namely in Africa. However, there are no epidemiological
studies on asthma or allergic diseases in Angolan children.
Objective: To study the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases
in Angolan children.
Methods: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study, using the
ISAAC study methodology, in the province of Luanda, Angola in 6-7-yearold
children. Forty-six (8.3%) public schools were randomly selected.
Data were analysed using the SPSS Statistics version 24.0 software.
Results: A total of 3080 children were studied. Results showed that the
prevalence of asthma (wheezing in the previous 12 months) was 15.8%, that
of rhinitis (sneezing, runny or blocked nose in the previous 12 months)
was 19% and that of eczema (itchy skin lesions in the previous 12 months)
was 22%, without differences between sexes. Rhinitis was associated with
a higher number of episodes of wheezing episodes, disturbed sleep and
night cough, in children with asthma. Rhinitis, eczema, Split-type air
conditioning system, antibiotic intake in the child's first year of life,
frequent intake (more than once per month) of paracetamol and active
maternal smoking were associated with a higher risk of having asthma,
whereas electrical cooking was associated with a protective effect.
Conclusion: Asthma and allergic diseases are highly prevalent in children
from Luanda. A strategy for preventive and control measures should be
implemented.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
