Under diagnosis of asthma in school children and its related factors.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out on one thousand school children studying in three public schools of Delhi and Haryana between 10 to 17 year age group over the period of one year (2001-02). It aimed in studying under diagnosis of asthma in school children and its related factors. Questionnaires including details of medical, social, environmental factors precipitating asthma were filled by the parents and class teachers. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed. Based on questionnaires and PFT results, children were grouped as labeled and unlabeled asthmatics. Cough was found to be equally prevalent in both the groups while wheezing and shortness of breath were independent and significant factors associated with getting a physician diagnosis.