[Prevalence of asthma, respiratory symptoms and allergic disorders among adolescents in the province of Aquila].

OBJECTIVE

Estimates the prevalence of asthma and other allergic disorders in a random group of adolescents living in the L'Aquila area, which was not covered by SIDRIA (Italian Studies on Respiratory Disorders in Children and the Environment). The second phase of the study showed considerable regional variations within Italy, with a higher prevalence of asthma and wheezing in Central Italy.

DESIGN

This study used the same standardised questionnaire of SIDRIA and included 1100 adolescents aged 13-14 years, between January-March 2004.

RESULTS

Prevalence of lifetime asthma was 6.7%, cumulative and current prevalence of wheezing were 19.1% and 9.0% respectively. A relatively high proportion of adolescents, 29.2%, reported night cough and 3.6% symptoms of severe asthma. Lifetime prevalence of hay fever and eczema were respectively 17.8% and 6.7%. Prevalence rates of allergic rhinitis and atopic-eczema symptoms were higher in females. The risk of asthma was associated to exposure to: pollen, to house dust mite and to paternal smoking, whereas current smoking in the adolescents was significantly associated to wheezing during the previous 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Although asthma prevalence is relatively low in L'Aquila area, it represents an important public health problem that requires further researches into genetics, environmental and medical care factors.