Risk factors in asthmatic patients in Croatia

The aim of this case-control study was to investigate whether some factors, that are associated with development of asthma, are significantly more pre sent in the observed group of asthmatic patients, in comparison to the cont rol group. Participants included 111 cases with asthma, and 108 controls wi th no asthma. Data obtained from cases and controls were compared according the sex. The study was performed using a specially developed questionnaire and data were collected from medical documentation of cases. Results showe d that a significantly high proportion of cases had lower socio-economic st atus, higher proportion of atopic diseases, and were more exposed to dampne ss in working environment, and passive smoking, both at home and at work. Cases also exibited poorer sustainment of physical strains and psychologica l stresses, and considered their life quality was greatly reduced by asthma . Among asthmatic participants, there were fewer current smokers and non-sm okers, and more ex-smokers.