PREVALENCE OF ASTHMA IN THE HAVRE AREA

Background. - Prevalence of asthma is influenced by environmental fact ors which may be different from area to area. Population and methods. - A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out among 1,395 children attending primary schools in the city of Le Havre and the ca nton of Fecamp (Haute-Normandie). Questionnaires including data about the disease, familiy history, environmental and socio-economic factors were completed by the school physician in presence of the parents. Re sults. - Prevalence rate of asthma calculated from 1,193 questionnaire s was 7.8%. The logistic regression curves pointed out four risk facto rs: family history of asthma (odds ratio: 2.52) or hayfever (OR: 1.98) , atopic dermatitis (OR: 3.96), and parental smoking (OR: 1.79). Sex, socioeconomic status of parents, type of housing, presence of pets in the house were not related to prevalence of asthma. Frequency of cough during the day was only significantly different between bath areas. C onclusions. - The high level of school absence (21.1%) and frequency o f hospitalizations for acute asthma (20.4%) should lead health profess ionals and educators to improve management of asthma in these areas.