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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
SETTING: The few epidemiological studies on asthma
and allergic diseases performed in Africa have shown
that the prevalence of these diseases is high or increasing.
No such studies have been performed in Angola.
OBJECTIVE : To determine the prevalence of asthma
and other allergic diseases in Angolan adolescents.
DESIGN: This was a descriptive, observational, crosssectional
study in the province of Luanda, Angola, using
the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in
Childhood study methodology in adolescents aged 13
and 14 years. Twenty-three (12%) public schools were
randomly selected. Data were analysed using the
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0
software.
RESULTS : A total of 3128 adolescents were included.
The prevalence of asthma (wheezing in the previous 12 months) was 13.4%. The prevalence of rhinitis (sneezing,
runny or blocked nose in the previous 12 months)
was 27% and that of eczema (itchy skin lesions in the
previous 12 months) was 20%; both were more
prevalent in girls. Rhinitis was associated with a greater
number of episodes of night cough in adolescents with
asthma. Rhinitis and eczema, a split-type air conditioning
system, and frequent intake (more than once per
month) of paracetamol were associated with a higher
risk of having asthma.
CONCLUSION: Asthma and related allergic diseases are
a public health problem in adolescents from Luanda.
Preventive and control measures should be implemented.
Description
Keywords
Adolescents - Angola Asthma Prevalence Risk factors