Predictors of Asthmatic Children's Quality of Life in Damietta Governorate, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt

2 Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt

3 Department of Chest Diseases, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is the most prevalent illness among children and teenagers. It is considered a major cause of morbidity. The physical, social, and psychological domains of childhood asthma are all affected.
Aim of the work: To measure the pediatric asthma quality of life [PAQOL] levels within asthmatic children and its main predictors in Damietta, Egypt.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was carried out utilizing a questionnaire that assesses [PAQOL] levels with related socio-demographic factors and asthma control levels. Asthma control level was tested by an asthma control test questionnaire. PAQLQ as a dependent variable and other plausible independent variables were analyzed by a stepwise linear regression model.
Results: Two hundred participants, aged 7–17 years were included; [56%] were females, [30.5%] residing in urban areas, and [77%] had belonged to middle and low socioeconomic classes. Gastro-esophageal reflux [GER] was shown to have a significant positive correlation with allergic rhinitis [P< 0.01] and obesity [P< 0.01]. Otherwise, GER was shown to be negatively correlated with asthma control status [P< 0.01]. Mean ± standard deviation [SD] of overall, activity and Emotion domains scores of QOL were 4.51± 1.3, 4.52± 1.25, and 4.54± 1.39 respectively. While more than 50% of the symptoms domain scores were more than 4.7. Low socioeconomic level [P< 0.01], poor asthma control [P< 0.01], and positive history for controller medications [P< 0.05] were significant predictors for lower asthmatic children's quality of life.
Conclusion: Asthmatic children tend to have a poorer quality of life. To provide effective asthma treatment to the general public, prescribers and patients must both understand and be educated. Healthcare providers should consider PAQOL with greater attention to children with poor socio-economic standards and uncontrolled asthma in the management plan.  

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