Current lifestyle and risk for asthma: Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and ETS.

Background: The increasing prevalence of asthma necessitates consideration of modifiable asthma risk factors, such as sedentary lifestyle, overweight/obesity, and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between asthma symptoms and the risk factors in young adolescents.

Methods: This cross-sectional study, as part of the Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I project, used standardized questionnaires based on ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) Phase I and Phase III questionnaires. In Gjilan, Kosovo, self-reported data from 1200 school children aged 13-14 years were collected.

Results: Overweight (BMI [body mass index] > 25 kg/m²) had a statistically significant association with asthma symptoms (p < 0.05), particularly with disturbed sleep due to wheezing (OR [odds ratio] = 3.93 [95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.27-12.12]) and the reported wheezing by females during or after exercise. Sedentary lifestyle (≥ 3 hours/day on a computer/television) was found to be associated with wheezing (OR = 1.89 [95% CI: 1.34-2.66]) and the diagnosis of asthma. ETS exposure was significantly associated with wheezing during or after exercise (OR = 1.67 [95% CI: 1.15-2.42]) and coughing at night (OR = 1.67 [95% CI: 1.19-2.33]).

Conclusion: The findings support the importance of sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and ETS exposure as asthma risk factors in young adolescents experiencing asthma symptoms. Future public health interventions should take these modifiable risk factors into account, especially in urban locations, in order to alleviate asthma morbidity.