New Patterns of Childhood Asthma Pevalence in Six Asian Countries: Comparison of ISAAC Phases I and III

Lee, Ha Baik; Shin, Su A; Oh, Jae Won

Abstract

PURPOSE: Over the past few decades, prevalence of childhood asthma has increased worldwide. However, in some countries, it remains stable or even decreased. Nationwide cross-sectional surveys were performed to obtain comparable data of the prevalence in Korea and other Asian countries (China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Philippines).
METHODS
The collaborative international phase III studies were carried out in 1995 and 2000 using a Korean versions of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) written questionnaire (WQ) and a video questionnaire (VQ). In 1995, 15,894 children aged 12-15 years were enrolled in this study, and in 2000, 15,481 children from the same 34 selected schools were investigated. Prevalence of asthma or ever-wheeze had steadily increased until 1995.
RESULTS
Both lifetime and past 12-month prevalence of wheeze decreased or reached the plateau from 1995 to 2000; 17.0% vs. 13.0% and 13.4% vs. 12.8% for 6-7 years old children, and 9.5% vs. 4.9% and 8.5% vs. 8.5% for 13-14 years old children, respectively. Prevalences of asthma in China, Hong Kong and Singapore have generally decreased, whereas it remained stable or slightly increased in Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines.
CONCLUSION
Prevalence of asthma symptoms decreased or reached the plateau in Korean children during a period of 1995 to 2000 and was generally stable in the other Asian countries. This was attributed to greater awareness of symptoms, diagnosis and proper management by patients and physicians together with a successful 'National Asthma Campaign' in Korea and other countries.