Prevalencia de asma y su relación con la contaminación del medio externo en los niños y niñas de 2 a 5 años en los centros de desarrollo infantil municipales de la ciudad de Cuenca, 2012

Abstract

Asthma is considered one of the most frequent health problems. The ISAAC study in Latin America revealed the prevalence of asthma in 5 to 20% of children. Exposure to external pollutants is one factor associated with the increase of incidents of asthma because it modifies the pulmonary response to environmental triggers.

Objective: The objective is to determine the prevalence of asthma in children 2 to 5 years who are attending Cuenca’s public daycare and its relationship with environmental pollutants.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in children 2 to 5 years who attend public daycare centers in the city of Cuenca. The ISAAC questionnaire and a general questionnaire for collection of demographic data were used. External pollutants data was extracted from the reports of the Monitoring Network Air Quality of the Municipality of Cuenca. SPSS 15 was used to tabulate the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to demonstrate the relationship between asthma and its risk factors.

Results: The prevalence of asthma was 28.8%; the average age 42.24 months, with females more prevalent than males; prematurity RP 3.05 (95% CI 2.20 to 4.22 p = 0.00), family history for asthma RP 2.53 (95% CI 1.79 to 3.57 p = 0.00). External contaminants were presented as follows: heavy vehicular traffic near the CDI: RP 0.88 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.27 p = 0.47), half vehicular traffic:RP1,27 (IC 95% 0,88-1,82, p=0,20), location of housing in industrial area: MOP 1 , 31 (95% CI 0.80 to 2.14 p = 0.30), proximity to factories and / or industries RP 1.37 (95% CI 0.93 to 2.02 p = 0.12), levels above the standard environment of SO2, NO2, PS showed no statistical significance.

Conclusions: In our population, family history of asthma and premaurity increase the risk of asthma.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of asthma and its association with the external environment pollution in 2-5 years old children in the municipal child development centers in Cuenca city. 2012.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2-5 years old children of child development centers in Cuenca city. For the study of asthma was used ISAAC adapted questionnaire and a questionnaire to collect demographic data too. Levels of external contaminants were extracted from the reports of the monitoring network of air quality.

Results: Mean age was located at 43.87 month, active asthma prevalence at 39.5%, the distribution of external contaminants were: heavy vehicular traffic 8.9%, homes located in industrial zones 1.1%, presence of industries within 300 meters of housing 18.1%. ; SO2 levels above the environmental standard 60.5%; NO2 levels of 28, 4%, Ozone levels 0% and suspended particles levels higher than the environmental standard 8.9%. Suspended particles (PS) behaved as a risk factor for developing asthma with an OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.07 to 2.25, P <0.05). The prevalence of a history of preterm infants were 21.8%, mixed or formula nutrition 51.7% and a family history of asthma 26.6% this increase the risk of asthma at 1.52 times (95% CI 1.14 to 2.03, P <0.05) . Conclusions: In our population, family history of asthma and levels above the environmental standard of PS increase the risk of asthma.