Worldwide trends in the burden of asthma symptoms in school-aged children: Global Asthma Network Phase I cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children globally. The Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I study aimed to determine if the worldwide burden of asthma symptoms is changing. METHODS: This updated cross-sectional study used the same methods as the International study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III. Asthma symptoms were assessed from centres that completed GAN Phase I and ISAAC Phase I (1993-95), ISAAC Phase III (2001-03), or both. We included individuals from two age groups (children aged 6-7 years and adolescents aged 13-14 years) who self-completed written questionnaires at school. We estimated the 10-year rate of change in prevalence of current wheeze, severe asthma symptoms, ever having asthma, exercise wheeze, and night cough (defined by core questions in the questionnaire) for each centre, and we estimated trends across world regions and income levels using mixed-effects linear regression models with region and country income level as confounders. FINDINGS: Overall, 119 795 participants from 27 centres in 14 countries were included: 74 361 adolescents (response rate 90%) and 45 434 children (response rate 79%). About one in ten individuals of both age groups had wheeze in the preceding year, of whom almost half had severe symptoms. Most centres showed a change in prevalence of 2 SE or more between ISAAC Phase III to GAN Phase I. Over the 27-year period (1993-2020), adolescents showed a significant decrease in percentage point prevalence per decade in severe asthma symptoms (-0·37, 95% CI -0·69 to -0·04) and an increase in ever having asthma (1·25, 0·67 to 1·83) and night cough (4·25, 3·06 to 5·44), which was also found in children (3·21, 1·80 to 4·62). The prevalence of current wheeze decreased in low-income countries (-1·37, -2·47 to -0·27], in children and -1·67, -2·70 to -0·64, in adolescents) and increased in lower-middle-income countries (1·99, 0·33 to 3·66, in children and 1·69, 0·13 to 3·25, in adolescents), but it was stable in upper-middle-income and high-income countries. INTERPRETATION: Trends in prevalence and severity of asthma symptoms over the past three decades varied by age group, country income, region, and centre. The high worldwide burden of severe asthma symptoms would be mitigated by enabling access to effective therapies for asthma. FUNDING: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Boehringer Ingelheim New Zealand, AstraZeneca Educational Grant, National Institute for Health Research, UK Medical Research Council, European Research Council, and Instituto de Salud Carlos III.

The burden of asthma, hay fever and eczema in adults in 17 countries: GAN Phase I study.

AIMS: Asthma, hay fever and eczema are three common chronic conditions. There have been no recent multi-country data on the burden of these three conditions in adults; the aims of this study are to fill this evidence gap. METHODS: The Global Asthma Network Phase I is a multi-country cross-sectional population-based study using the same core methodology as the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase III. It provides data on the burden of asthma, hay fever and eczema in children and adolescents, and, for the first time, in their parents/guardians. RESULTS: Data were available from 193 912 adults (104 061 female; mean±sd age 38±7.5 years) in 43 centres in 17 countries. The overall prevalence (range) of symptoms was 6.6% (0.9-32.7%) for current wheeze, 4.4% (0.9-29.0%) for asthma ever, 14.4% (2.8-45.7%) for hay fever ever and 9.9% (1.6-29.5%) for eczema ever. Centre prevalence varied considerably both between countries and within countries. There was a moderate correlation between hay fever ever and asthma ever, and between eczema ever and hay fever ever at the centre level. There were moderate to strong correlations between indicators of the burden of disease reported in adults and the two younger age groups. CONCLUSION: We found evidence for a substantial burden of asthma, hay fever ever and eczema ever in the countries examined, highlighting the major public health importance of these diseases. Prevention strategies and equitable access to effective and affordable treatments for these three conditions would help mitigate the avoidable morbidity they cause.

The burden of asthma, hay fever and eczema in children in 25 countries: GAN Phase I study.

AIMS: There have been no worldwide standardised surveys of prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in school children for 15 years. The present study aims to provide this information. METHODS: Following the exact International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) methodology (cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey), Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I was carried out between 2015 and 2020 in many centres worldwide. RESULTS: The study included 157 784 adolescents (13-14 years of age) in 63 centres in 25 countries and 101 777 children (6-7 years of age) in 44 centres in 16 countries. The current prevalence of symptoms, respectively, was 11.0% and 9.1% for asthma, 13.3% and 7.7% for rhinoconjunctivitis and 6.4% and 5.9% for eczema. The prevalence of asthma ever was 10.5% and 7.6%, hay fever ever was 15.2% and 11.1% and eczema ever was 10.6% and 13.4%, respectively. Centres in low or lower middle gross national income countries (LICs or LMICs) had significantly lower prevalence of the three disease symptoms and diagnoses (except for hay fever). In children, the prevalence of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms was higher in boys, while the reverse occurred among adolescents. For eczema, while the prevalence among female adolescents was double that of males, there was no sex difference among children. Centre accounted for non-negligible variability in all disease symptoms (10-20%). CONCLUSION: The burdens of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema vary widely among the limited number of countries studied. Although symptom prevalence is lower in LICs and LMICs, it represents a considerable burden everywhere studied.

Worldwide time trends in prevalence of symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis in children: Global Asthma Network Phase I.

BACKGROUND: The Global Asthma Network (GAN), by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) methodology, has updated trends in prevalence of symptoms of childhood allergic diseases, including non-infective rhinitis and conjunctivitis ('rhinoconjunctivitis'), which is reported here. METHODS: Prevalence and severity of rhinoconjunctivitis were assessed by questionnaire among schoolchildren in GAN Phase I and ISAAC Phase I and III surveys 15-23 years apart. Absolute rates of change in prevalence were estimated for each centre and modelled by multi-level linear regression to compare trends by age group, time period and per capita national income. RESULTS: Twenty-seven GAN centres in 14 countries surveyed 74,361 13- to 14-year-olds ('adolescents') and 45,434 6- to 7-year-olds ('children'), with average response proportions of 90% and 79%, respectively. Many centres showed highly significant (p < .001) changes in prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis in the past year ('current rhinoconjunctivitis') compared with ISAAC. The direction and magnitude of centre-level trends varied significantly (p < .001) both within and between countries. Overall, current rhinoconjunctivitis prevalence decreased slightly from ISAAC Phase III to GAN: -1.32% per 10 years, 95% CI [-2.93%, +0.30%] among adolescents; and -0.44% [-1.29%, +0.42%] among children. Together, these differed significantly (p < .001) from the upward trend within ISAAC. Among adolescents, centre-level trends in current rhinoconjunctivitis were highly correlated with those for eczema symptoms (rho = 0.72, p < .0001) but not with centre-level trends in asthma symptoms (rho = 0.15, p = .48). Among children, these correlations were positive but not significant. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of non-infective rhinoconjunctivitis among schoolchildren may no longer be on the increase globally, although trends vary substantially within and between countries.

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 among children with asthma: evidence from Global Asthma Network.

BACKGROUND: Clinical presentations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among children with asthma have rarely been investigated. This study aimed to assess clinical manifestations and outcome of COVID-19 among children with asthma, and whether the use of asthma medications was associated with outcomes of interest. METHODS: The Global Asthma Network (GAN) conducted a global survey among GAN centers. Data collection was between November 2020 and April 2021. RESULTS: Fourteen GAN centers from 10 countries provided data on 169 children with asthma infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 was asymptomatic in 58 (34.3%), mild in 93 (55.0%), moderate in 14 (8.3%), and severe/critical in 4 (2.4%). Thirty-eight (22.5%) patients had exacerbation of asthma and 21 (12.4%) were hospitalized for a median of 7 days (interquartile range 3-16). Those who had moderate or more severe COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have exacerbation of asthma as compared to those who were asymptomatic or had mild COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) 3.97, 95% CI 1.23-12.84). Those who used inhaled bronchodilators were significantly more likely to have a change of asthma medications (adjOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.02-5.63) compared to those who did not. Children who used inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) did not differ from those who did not use ICS with regard to being symptomatic, severity of COVID-19, asthma exacerbation, and hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Over dependence on inhaled bronchodilator may be inappropriate. Use of ICS may be safe and should be continued in children with asthma during the pandemic of COVID-19.

Parental education moderates the association between indoor moisture environment and asthma in adolescents: the Greek Global Asthma Network (GAN) cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Asthma is a major contributor to childhood morbidity. Several environmental and socioeconomic status (SES) factors have been implicated in its etiopathogeneses such as indoor moisture and parental education level. Our study examined the association between exposure to indoor dampness and/or mould (IDM) with adolescent asthma and how parental education could modify or mediate this relationship. METHOD: A total of 1934 adolescents (boys: 47.5%, mean age (standard variation): 12.7(0.6) years) and their parents were voluntarily enrolled and completed a validated questionnaire on adolescents' asthma status, parental educational level, and adolescents' indoor exposure to IDM during three different lifetime periods, i.e., pregnancy, the first year of life and the current time. RESULTS: There was a significant modification effect of parental education only for the current exposure; higher parental education lowered almost 50% the odds of IDM and asthma (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.96, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI): (1.05-3.68) and aOR:1.55, 95% CI (1.04-2.32), for primary/secondary and tertiary parental education, respectively). CONCLUSION: Adolescents whose parents had a higher education level had lesser odds to have asthma, even if they were exposed to a moisture home environment. This could be attributed to the increased knowledge about asthma risk factors and the improved measures for the amelioration of moisture-home environment that highly educated parents are more likely to take. Further research is needed in order to elucidate the interweaved role of family SES in the aforementioned relation.

Hierarchical analysis of Mediterranean Dietary pattern on atopic diseases' prevalence in adolescence: The Greek Global Asthma Network study.

INTRODUCTION: The contribution of dietary patterns in the occurrence of atopic diseases, mainly asthma, allergic rhinits, and eczema is ambiguous. Our study examined the association between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the prevalence of atopic diseases in adolescence. METHODS: A total of 1934 adolescents (boys: 47.5%, mean age [standard variation]: 12.7[0.6] years) enrolled voluntarily. Participants completed a validated questionnaire on atopic disease status, dietary habits, and other sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. KIDMED score was used for the evaluation of adherence to the MedDiet. Discriminant analysis was applied to the hierarchy of foods and beverages consumed in relation to the presence of atopic diseases. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses revealed that adolescents with moderate and good adherence to the MedDiet had 34 and 60% lower odds of having any asthma symptoms, respectively, and 20 and 41% lower odds of having any allergic rhinitis symptoms, respectively, adjusted for several confounders. The food group with the most important contribution to the MedDiet was cooked and raw vegetables, followed by fruits (Wilk's λ = 0.881 and λ = 0.957, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study provided evidence for a strong and inverse association between the level of adherence to the MedDiet and the occurrence of asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms and signified the importance of contribution of fruits and vegetable consumption in this association. Thus, the promotion of MedDiet could be an efficient lifestyle intervention that can contribute to the reduction of the burden of these atopic diseases in adolescents.

Combined impact of healthy lifestyle factors on risk of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in school children: ISAAC phase III.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is not the key focus of prevention strategies. A Healthy Lifestyle Index (HLI) was developed to examine the combined effect of modifiable lifestyle factors on asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema using data from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase III. METHODS: Information on symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, eczema and several lifestyle factors was obtained from children aged 6-7 years through written questionnaires. The HLI combined five lifestyle factors: no parental smoking, child's adherence to Mediterranean diet, child's healthy body mass index, high physical activity and non-sedentary behaviour. The association between the HLI and risk of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema was evaluated using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models. FINDINGS: Data of 70 795 children from 37 centres in 19 countries were analysed. Each additional healthy lifestyle factor was associated with a reduced risk of current wheeze (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.89), asthma ever (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.92), current symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.97) and current symptoms of eczema (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98). Theoretically, if associations were causal, a combination of four or five healthy lifestyle factors would result into a reduction up to 16% of asthma cases (ranging from 2.7% to 26.3 % according to region of the world). CONCLUSIONS: These findings should be interpreted with caution given the limitations to infer causality from cross-sectional observational data. Efficacy of interventions to improve multiple modifiable lifestyle factors to reduce the burden asthma and allergy in childhood should be assessed.

The Global Asthma Network rationale and methods for Phase I global surveillance: prevalence, severity, management and risk factors.

The Global Asthma Network (GAN), established in 2012, followed the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). ISAAC Phase One involved over 700 000 adolescents and children from 156 centres in 56 countries; it found marked worldwide variation in symptom prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema that was not explained by the current understanding of these diseases; ISAAC Phase Three involved over 1 187 496 adolescents and children (237 centres in 98 countries). It found that asthma symptom prevalence was increasing in many locations especially in low- and middle-income countries where severity was also high, and identified several environmental factors that required further investigation.GAN Phase I, described in this article, builds on the ISAAC findings by collecting further information on asthma, rhinitis and eczema prevalence, severity, diagnoses, asthma emergency room visits, hospital admissions, management and use of asthma essential medicines. The subjects will be the same age groups as ISAAC, and their parents. In this first global monitoring of asthma in children and adults since 2003, further evidence will be obtained to understand asthma, management practices and risk factors, leading to further recognition that asthma is an important non-communicable disease and to reduce its global burden.

Do fast foods cause asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema? Global findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase three.

BACKGROUND: Certain foods may increase or decrease the risk of developing asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema. We explored the impact of the intake of types of food on these diseases in Phase Three of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. METHODS: Written questionnaires on the symptom prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema and types and frequency of food intake over the past 12 months were completed by 13-14-year-old adolescents and by the parents/guardians of 6-7-year-old children. Prevalence ORs were estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for confounders, and using a random (mixed) effects model. RESULTS: For adolescents and children, a potential protective effect on severe asthma was associated with consumption of fruit ≥3 times per week (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97; OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.97, respectively). An increased risk of severe asthma in adolescents and children was associated with the consumption of fast food ≥3 times per week (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.49; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.42, respectively), as well as an increased risk of severe rhinoconjunctivitis and severe eczema. Similar patterns for both ages were observed for regional analyses, and were consistent with gender and affluence categories and with current symptoms of all three conditions. CONCLUSIONS: If the association between fast foods and the symptom prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema is causal, then the findings have major public health significance owing to the rising consumption of fast foods globally.

Prevalence of rhinitis and associated factors in adolescents and adults: a Global Asthma Network study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and associated factors in adolescents and in their parents/guardians. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, applying a standardized and validated written questionnaire. Adolescents (13-14 years old; n=1,058) and their parents/guardians (mean age=42.1 years old; n=896) living in the city of Uruguaiana, southern Brazil, responded to the Global Asthma Network standard questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adolescents was 28.0%, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, 21.3%, and severe forms of allergic rhinitis, 7.8%. In the adults, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 31.7%. Some associated factors with allergic rhinitis in adolescents include low physical exercise (OR 2.16; 95%CI 1.15-4.05), having only one older sibling (OR 1.94; 95CI 1.01-3.72) and daily meat consumption (OR 7.43; 95% CI 1.53-36.11). In contrast, consuming sugar (OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.12-0.93) or olive oil (OR 0.33; 95%CI 0.13-0 .81) once or twice a week, and eating vegetables daily (OR 0.39; 95%CI 0.15-0.99) were considered factors negatively associated. In adults, exposure to fungi at home (OR 5.25; 95%CI 1.01-27.22) and consumption of meat once or twice a week (OR 46.45; 95CI 2.12-1020.71) were factors associated with the medical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, while low education (OR 0.25; 95%CI 0.07-0.92) was found to be a factor negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adolescents is high, as well as its medical diagnosis in adults living in Uruguaiana. Environmental factors, especially food habits, were associated with findings in both groups.

Adherence to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Atopic Diseases' Prevalence in Adolescence: The Greek Global Asthma Network Study.

OBJECTIVE: Atopic diseases are among the most common morbidities in children and adolescents. The association between adherence to an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern and the prevalence of atopic diseases among adolescents was examined. METHODS: A total of 1934 adolescents (boys: 47.5%, mean age (standard deviation): 12.7 (0.6) years) were voluntarily enrolled. Participants completed a validated questionnaire on atopic disease status as well as one assessing dietary habits and other sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. A special Diet Anti-inflammatory Index (DAI) score was calculated for the evaluation of adherence to an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern. RESULTS: A total of 6.9% of the participants reported current asthma symptoms, while 25.3% reported rhinitis symptoms and 8.9% reported eczema. Adolescents with high adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet were 58% less likely to have asthma symptoms compared with those with low adherence when adjusted for multiple confounders (p < 0.01). No significant associations were observed between the level of adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and eczema. CONCLUSION: An anti-inflammatory diet seems to be independently associated with a lower prevalence of asthma in adolescents. Thus, pediatricians and other healthcare providers should promote anti-inflammatory dietary patterns as a preventive measure for atopic diseases from early stages of life.

Global Asthma Network Phase I Syria asthma surveillance and the impact of the war.

Background: Asthma is the most prevalent chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in children. It causes extensive morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC Phase III 2001-3), there have been no worldwide standardised surveys of prevalence and severity of asthma in school children. The Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I aims to provide this information. We participated in GAN with the aim of tracking changes in Syria and comparing the results to those of ISAAC Phase III. We also aimed to track the impact of war pollutants and stress. Methods: GAN Phase I, following the same methodology of ISAAC in a cross-sectional study. The same ISAAC questionnaire translated into Arabic was repeated. We added questions about displacement from home, and the impact of war pollutants. We also added the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS Score). In this article, we focused on the prevalence of 5 core asthma indicators (wheezing in the past 12 months, wheezing ever, severe wheeze, exercise wheeze and night cough) in adolescents from two centres in Syria: Damascus and Latakia. Additionally, we investigated the impact of the war on our two centres, while the DASS score was investigated only in Damascus. We surveyed 1,100 adolescents from 11 schools in Damascus and 1,215 adolescents from 10 schools in Latakia. Results: In Syria, which is a low-income country, wheeze prevalence before the war in ISAAC III was 5.2% for 13-14-year-old, whilst it was 19.28% in GAN during the war. Prevalence of severe asthma symptoms was 2.5% in ISAAC III and 12.8% in GAN. Wheezing appearing after the war or becoming more severe was statistically significant p=0.0001. War is associated with higher exposure to new environmental chemicals and pollutants and higher anxiety and depression scores. Conclusions: It is paradoxical to note that in Syria, current wheeze and severity are much higher in GAN (19.8%) than in ISAAC III (5.2%), which seems positively associated with war pollution and stress.

Asthma management and control in children, adolescents, and adults in 25 countries: a Global Asthma Network Phase I cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally. This study aimed to assess asthma medicine use, management plan availability, and disease control in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood across different country settings. METHODS: We used data from the Global Asthma Network Phase I cross-sectional epidemiological study (2015-20). A validated, written questionnaire was distributed via schools to three age groups (children, 6-7 years; adolescents, 13-14 years; and adults, ≥19 years). Eligible adults were the parents or guardians of children and adolescents included in the surveys. In individuals with asthma diagnosed by a doctor, we collated responses on past-year asthma medicines use (type of inhaled or oral medicine, and frequency of use). Questions on asthma symptoms and health visits were used to define past-year symptom severity and extent of asthma control. Income categories for countries based on gross national income per capita followed the 2020 World Bank classification. Proportions (and 95% CI clustered by centre) were used to describe results. Generalised structural equation multilevel models were used to assess factors associated with receiving medicines and having poorly controlled asthma in each age group. FINDINGS: Overall, 453 473 individuals from 63 centres in 25 countries were included, comprising 101 777 children (6445 [6·3%] with asthma diagnosed by a doctor), 157 784 adolescents (12 532 [7·9%]), and 193 912 adults (6677 [3·4%]). Use of asthma medicines varied by symptom severity and country income category. The most used medicines in the previous year were inhaled short-acting ß2 agonists (SABA; range across age groups, 29·3-85·3% participants) and inhaled corticosteroids (12·6-51·9%). The proportion of individuals with severe asthma symptoms not taking inhaled corticosteroids (inhaled corticosteroids alone or with long-acting ß2 agonists) was high in all age groups (934 [44·8%] of 2085 children, 2011 [60·1%] of 3345 adolescents, and 1142 [55·5%] of 2058 adults), and was significantly higher in middle-to-low-income countries. Oral SABA and theophylline were used across age groups and country income categories, contrary to current guidelines. Asthma management plans were used by 4049 (62·8%) children, 6694 (53·4%) adolescents, and 3168 (47·4%) adults; and 2840 (44·1%) children, 6942 (55·4%) adolescents, and 4081 (61·1%) adults had well controlled asthma. Independently of country income and asthma severity, having an asthma management plan was significantly associated with the use of any type of inhaled medicine (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2·75 [95% CI 2·40-3·15] for children; 2·45 [2·25-2·67] for adolescents; and 2·75 [2·38-3·16] for adults) or any type of oral medicine (1·86 [1·63-2·12] for children; 1·53 [1·40-1·68] for adolescents; and 1·78 [1·55-2·04] for adults). Poor asthma control was associated with low country income (lower-middle-income and low-income countries vs high-income countries, adjusted OR 2·33 [95% CI 1·32-4·14] for children; 3·46 [1·83-6·54] for adolescents; and 4·86 [2·55-9·26] for adults). INTERPRETATION: Asthma management and control is frequently inadequate, particularly in low-resource settings. Strategies should be implemented to improve adherence to asthma treatment guidelines worldwide, with emphasis on access to affordable and quality-assured essential asthma medicines especially in low-income and middle-income countries. FUNDING: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Boehringer Ingelheim New Zealand, AstraZeneca, UK National Institute for Health Research, UK Medical Research Council, European Research Council, the Spanish Instituto de Salud Carlos III. TRANSLATION: For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Time trends and risk factors for rhinoconjunctivitis in New Zealand children: an International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) survey.

AIM: To investigate prevalence, time trends and factors associated with rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis not related to acute infections in New Zealand. METHODS: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) surveyed children aged 6-7 and 13-14 years for symptoms of these conditions. Five New Zealand centres were surveyed on two occasions (Phase One and Phase Three) 8-10 years apart. In Phase Three, questions were included on environmental factors, which might be associated with rhinoconjunctivitis. We report findings related to symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis among 24 190 New Zealand children. RESULTS: Symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis in the past year were reported in 11.4% of 6- to 7-year-old children and 18% of 13- to 14-year-old adolescents in Phase Three compared with 9.5 and 19.1%, respectively, in Phase One. Severe symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis were reported in 0.5% of children and 0.8% of adolescents. Current symptoms were more common in males at 6-7 years and in females of 13-14 years, and Maori and Pacific Island ethnic groups had higher prevalence compared with those of European descent, especially in the older age group. For immigrant children, there was a very strong positive relationship between symptoms and length of time resident in New Zealand, supporting the probable importance of environmental factors. A positive association was found between symptoms and use of paracetamol in infancy or in the last year, and weaker associations were noted for antibiotic use, exercise, and regular pasta ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: Further study of environmental factors is recommended.

Have the prevalence of eczema symptoms increased in the Mexican pediatric population? Prevalence and associated factors according to Global Asthma Network Phase I.

Background: In children, atopic dermatitis or eczema is the most common inflammatory disease of the skin. According to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase IIIB in Mexico, 5.8% of children and 4.9% of adolescents had eczema symptoms. In 2012, Global Asthma Network (GAN) was established to update the prevalence of eczema and estimate potential factors contributing to its development. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and associated factors for atopic eczema symptoms and diagnosis in children and adolescents according to GAN Phase I and compare the results with ISAAC Phase IIIB in Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter survey was conducted in 15 Mexican centers during the period of 2015-2017 using the GAN Phase I questionnaires in children (6-7-year-olds) and adolescents (13-14-year-olds). The prevalences obtained from the GAN Phase I study, were compared with ISAAC Phase IIIB results; a Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted between temperature, relative humidity, and altitude and eczema symptoms, and a logistic regression was performed to predict current eczema symptoms by age group. Results: A total of 35 777 children and 41 399 adolescents were included. Since ISAAC Phase IIIB, the prevalence of itchy rash in the past 12 months significantly increased in the children's group [6.6% (95% CI 5.7-7.4) vs 7.8 (95% CI 7.5-8.1), p = 0.000] and adolescents' group [5.8% (95% CI 5.0-6.7) vs 6.7% (95% CI 6.5-7.0), p = 0.000].In the adolescents' group, the prevalence of nocturnal awakenings caused by rash symptoms on more than one night per week had a negative correlation between altitude (Spearman's Rho = -0.558, p value = 0.031), and a positive correlation with the average annual temperature (Spearman's Rho = 0.604, p value = 0.017) and annual relative humidity (Spearman's Rho = 0.742, p value = 0.002). The most significant associations in children were the presence of sneezing or runny or blocked nose in the past 12 months [(OR 3.13, 95% CI 2.60-3.77), p = 0.000], the use of paracetamol in the first year of life ([OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.15-2.01), p = 0.003] and the use of antibiotics in the first year of life [(OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.08-1.55) p = 0.004]. Moreover, altitude at 100-1000 m above sea level was associated with current eczema symptoms in adolescents (p = 0.001). Conclusions: There has been a significant increase in eczema symptoms in both age groups since ISAAC Phase IIIB study. Additionally, eczema symptoms were associated with temperature, relative humidity, asthma, hay fever symptoms, the use of paracetamol and antibiotics.

Parental Education Moderates the Relation between Physical Activity, Dietary Patterns and Atopic Diseases in Adolescents.

Background: Atopic diseases, particularly asthma, eczema, and rhinitis, are among the most common chronic diseases in childhood, with several factors implicated in their pathogenesis. Our study examined the role of parental education in the association between diet, physical activity, and atopy in adolescents. Methods: 1934 adolescents (47.5% boys) aged 13−14 years old reported information about their diet and physical activity and their parents reported their highest educational level. The moderating role of parental education level (primary/secondary vs. tertiary) in the relation between lifestyle patterns and atopic diseases was examined with logistic regression analyses. Results: High consumption of dairy products was inversely associated to adolescents' asthma and rhinitis symptoms overall, but this relation was almost 50% stronger for the adolescents with high parental education level background. The same pattern of reduction of the odds was noticed also regarding the association among the high intake of fruits, vegetables, pulses, with all three atopic diseases and the adherence to a physically active lifestyle only with current asthma and eczema (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Adolescents who are physically active and consume a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and pulses and a lower intake of fast-food and sweets, and their parents/guardians having higher education, are less likely to have any current symptoms of asthma, eczema, and rhinitis than the ones who have low educated parents.

Prevalence of asthma symptoms and associated factors in adolescents and adults in southern Brazil: A Global Asthma Network Phase I study.

BACKGROUND: The Global Asthma Network (GAN) aims to find out the current status of the prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema using global surveillance to achieve worldwide recognition and improve the management of asthma, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to verify the associated factors for asthma in adolescents and their respective parents/caregivers. METHODS: Adolescents (13-14 years old; n = 1058) and their respective parents/caregivers (mean age = 42.1 years, n = 896) living in the town of Uruguaiana, Southern Brazil fulfilled the standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Although the prevalence of wheezing in the past 12 months was higher among adults than adolescents (18.4% vs. 15.8%, respectively), adolescents showed more severe wheezing and worse control over the disease revealed by higher consumption of short-acting beta-2 agonists; going to the emergency room; hospitalization in the last year and dry night cough. Smoking and paracetamol use were associated with risk for developing asthma symptoms and consuming seafood/fish was protective. For the adults smoking (10 or more cigarettes/day) and exposure to mould in the house were associated with risk for asthma symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents have a high prevalence of asthma symptoms and few have an action plan. Adults do not have their disease under control and they use more relief than preventive medication. Differences in associated factors could determine the outcomes in asthma control among adolescents and their parents.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with allergic rhinitis in Mexican school children: Global Asthma Network Phase I.

BACKGROUND: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) showed a wide variability in prevalence and severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) and rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC), in addition to other atopic diseases (Asher et al, 2006).1 The Global Asthma Network (GAN) has continued to study these conditions. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of AR and ARC in children and adolescents in Mexico and to assess their association with different risk factors. METHODS: GAN Phase I is a cross-sectional, multicentre survey carried out in 15 centres corresponding to 14 Mexican cities throughout 2016-2019 using the validated Spanish language version of the GAN Phase I questionnaires. The questionnaires were completed by 35 780 parents of 6-7 year old primary school pupils (children) and by 41 399 adolescents, 13-14 years old. RESULTS: The current and cumulative prevalence of AR was higher in the adolescents (26.2-37.5%, respectively) in comparison to the children (17.9-24.9%, respectively), especially in female participants. This tendency was also observed in the current prevalence of ARC, where 15.1% of female adolescents reported nasal symptoms accompanied with itchy-watery eyes in the past year. The most important risk factors for AR and ARC were the presence of wheezing in the past 12 months, wheezing in the first year of life, the previous diagnosis of asthma and eczema symptoms. Furthermore, allergic symptoms had a negative tendency concerning altitude. CONCLUSION: This is the largest AR epidemiological study ever conducted in Mexico. It shows an increase in AR prevalence, as well as significant associations with modifiable risk factors, which could help to establish recommendations to reduce the burden of this condition.

Exploring the Relation between Atopic Diseases and Lifestyle Patterns among Adolescents Living in Greece: Evidence from the Greek Global Asthma Network (GAN) Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Diet and physical activity might be associated with the risk of allergic diseases in childhood. However, evidence in literature is sparse and diverse. We aim to examine the associations between four healthy dietary consumption pattern drinks, plus the adherence to a physically active lifestyle with atopic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema) in adolescence and their relative importance. METHODS: A total of 1934 adolescents (921 boys, 47.5%) and their parents completed a validated questionnaire assessing atopic diseases' symptoms prevalence in the past 12 months, as well as nutritional and physical activity information. Four healthy dietary and one physical active lifestyle patterns were identified and logistic regression was applied to assess their relation with allergic diseases. RESULTS: A high weekly consumption of fruits, vegetables and pulses and low consumption of unhealthy foods was negatively associated with all atopic symptoms while adherence to a physical active lifestyle was inversely associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms and dairy products with asthma and eczema symptoms in the past 12 months after adjustment for several confounders (all p < 0.05). Fruits, vegetables and pulses consumption per week emerged as the most important lifestyle pattern negatively associated for all atopic diseases, after the adjustment for all the remaining lifestyle patterns and confounders (all p < 0.05) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a high fruit, vegetable and pulse intake should be the first lifestyle intervention every clinician and public health care worker evolving in the management of atopic adolescents should encourage and promote.