Asthma triggers in primary school pupils aged 6-11 years in a Nigerian population

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with rising incidence the world over even in the pediatric population. This study aims to identify the common triggers of asthma in the environment. Methods: The study was descriptive cross-sectional, with a study population of 836-registered Nigerian primary school pupils from 39 randomly selected schools in Kano metropolis. Information was obtained from the pupils and their parents/caregivers using questionnaires. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16 developed by IBM cooperation. Qualitative data (sex, social class, and suspected trigger factors) were represented as percentages, Chi-square (χ2 ) test was used to determine associations between the categorical variables and a P ≤ 0.05 was presumed statistically significant. Results: Asthma was diagnosed in 101 pupils. There were 56 (55.4%) males and 45 (44.6%) females, and a corresponding male: female ratio of 1.24:1. It was observed that common cold, household dust exposure, physical exercise as well as exposure to wood smoke and insecticides were the most common trigger factors but patients can have more than one trigger factor for their acute exacerbations. Conclusion: Against the background of the common disease provocateurs, it is suggested that the relevant control strategies along with the required avoidance recommendations of the common risk agents be pursued by the appropriate health policy-making bodies and managing physicians, respectively. For maximum relevance to the vulnerable population, these control strategies may be usefully included as part of a comprehensive package of the school health program.