Regional Variation in the Prevalence of Asthma Symptoms among Omani School Children: Comparisons from Two Nationwide Cross-sectional Surveys Six Years Apart.

摘要: Objectives: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) highlighted the presence wide variations asthma prevalence between within countries. aim this study was to determine changes its symptoms across different regions Oman.  Methods:  Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted as part ISAAC phases I (1995) III (2001) two age groups (6-7 13-14 years) from nation-wide samples Omani school children, with 7,067 participants 1995 (3,893 young 3,174 older group) 7,879 2001 (4,126 3,753 group).  Results:  Over period six years, Sharqiya (Eastern) region continued have highest self-reported diagnosis all both groups, a significant increase wheeze past 12 months (from 8.7% 13.8%; p=0.002) 13.8% 17.8 %; p=0.046) group, night cough 21.6% 27.8%; p=0.039) group. All other had lower rates showed either no change or decline one symptoms. among wheezy children remained unchanged regions. In addition, under-diagnosis remains problem only 60% severe reporting surveys.  Conclusion:  The geographic variation persists further region. findings also suggest and/or poor recognition which not improved over time.