Prevalence of Wheezes and Asthma among Preschool Children (1-6 Years) in Rural Sudan 2016

Background: Asthma has increased in many countries over recent years and there is little information regarding the prevalence of current wheezing episodes and asthma among preschool children in rural areas of Sudan.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of current wheezes, diagnosed asthma and risk factors among preschool children in rural Sudan.

Materials and Methods: A cross section study was carried out in seventeen rural areas that were randomly selected from three states in Sudan. The eligible study population was preschool children 1-6 years of age. A total of 3352 preschool children from 890 households (3-5 children per household) were included in the study. A questionnaire adapted from the international study of asthma and allergies in children (ISAAC) was used. Descriptive statistics was presented and chi-square test at 95% CL was used to test the associations of current wheezes, asthma and risk factors.

Results: There were 1633 males (48.7%) and 1719 females (51.3%) with mean age 4.03+1.83 years. Children who ever had wheezing episode were 684(20.4%) and those who had current wheeze accounted to 558 (16.6%). Children who were diagnosed with asthmatic by a doctor were 233 (7.0%). Sex was associated with current wheezes in favour to male preschool children than females, 299 (53.6%) and 259 (46.4%) respectively, p-value 0.014. Difficulty in sleep, speech and play because of current wheezing episodes were found in 172(30.8%), 274(49.1%) and 281 (50.4%) preschool children respectively. Preschool children who experienced any type of allergy (respiratory or skin) and cough without flu or chest infection during the last 12 months accounted to 200 (36.0%) and 371 (66.5%) respectively.

Presence of smokers, animals and fumes in the households of preschool children were significantly associated with wheezing episodes, p-values 0.014, 0.014 and 0.001 respectively. There was also a significant association between being diagnosed with asthma and the presence of smokers, fumes and trees in the households, p-values 0.022, 0.039 and 0.020 respectively.

Conclusions: The prevalence of wheezes and asthma among preschool children in rural Sudan is alarming. Smoking, fumes and animals were significantly associated with wheezes. Strengthening of asthma prevention and control in rural Sudan and raising community awareness are recommended.