PREVALENCE OF ASTHMA SYMPTOMS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THE WELLINGTON REGION, BY AREA AND ETHNICITY

Aims. To compare the self-reported prevalence of asthma symptoms, amon g 12 to 15 year olds in three districts in the greater Wellington regi on, and to compare prevalence among three ethnic groups - Maori, Pacif ic Island and others. Methods. Third form students from 13 secondary s chools in the Wellington region, were surveyed using a video questionn aire and a standardised written questionnaire, during July 1991. Resul ts. Using the video questionnaire, the prevalence of wheeze during the previous 12 months was similar in Wellington city (32%), Lower Hutt ( 38%), and Porirua (37%); the corresponding findings using the written questionnaire were 28%, 27% and 30% respectively. The reported prevale nce was also similar among Maori (38% using the video and 29% using th e written questionnaire) and other children (36% and 30% respectively) , but lower among Pacific Island children (31% and 20% respectively). The prevalence and frequency of severe attack of wheezing was similar in all three districts and all three ethnic groups. Conclusions. These findings contradict previous speculations of possible differences in asthma prevalence or severity within the greater Wellington region. Th ey are consistent with other evidence that there are at most minor dif ferences in asthma prevalence between Maori and nonMaori children in N ew Zealand; however, asthma prevalence may be lower among Pacific Isla nd children. Thus ethnic differences in asthma morbidity and mortality are not likely to be due to differences in prevalence, but more likel y relate to differences in access to and delivery of asthma care.