Asthma prevalence and the impact of nutritional status on prescribed asthma medications in children

Introduction. Asthma and obesity are the most common chronic health disorders in children. Although heredity plays a significant role in their development, environmental factors and early exposure have contributed to the increasing incidence of both disorders in recent decades. The aim of the study was to estimate asthma prevalence in schoolchildren in Indjija, Srem District, Serbia, and to investigate differences in nutritional status of children with asthma as well as differences between their nutritional status and prescribed asthma medications. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Primary Health Center in Indjija. Of all the medical records of children aged 6 - 14 years, a cohort of children with asthma was formed. The retrospective study evaluated their nutritional status and the prescribed asthma medications. Results. The prevalence of asthma in children aged 6 - 14 was 6.9%. Children with asthma were significantly more overweight and obese (40.5%) than children without asthma. Boys accounted for 63.7% of children with asthma, with a statistically significant gender difference. Abnormal nutritional status was found in 44.3% of children with asthma and boys with asthma were significantly more obese (23%) compared to girls (7.8%). Overweight and obese children with asthma were not prescribed significantly more medications to relieve asthma symptoms than normal-weight children. Conclusion. The prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren in Indjija was 6.9%. Children with asthma were more likely to be overweight and obese than children without asthma, whereas boys with asthma were significantly more obese than girls. No significant differences were found between their nutritional status and prescribed asthma medications.