Vol. 4, Issue 3, Part A (2018)

Aim: The objective is to assess the prevalence of bronchial asthma among school children and to associate the relationship between demographic variables and prevalence of bronchial asthma.

Materials and methods: By using quantitative research approach a descriptive study was adopted. The study was conducted in various schools of Chittoor. Convenient sampling technique was used. Prevalence of bronchial asthma was assessed in 1913 children aged between 7- 10 years by using structured questionnaire. The children were asked to get the questionnaire filled from their parents and return it within 3 days.

Results: The findings reveal that the prevalence of bronchial asthma in school children aged between 7-10 years was 10.82%. Majority, 49.2% had frequent intermittent coughing 5-6 times in a year, 32.2% had wheezing 3-4 times a day, 5329.9% experienced wheezing 1-2 times in a year, 29.9% experienced trouble sleeping due to cough, wheezing or shortness of breath 3-4 times in a year, 38.4% had trouble breathing limiting play/exercise/school/normal activities 5-6 times in a year and 35% had fatigue due to poor sleep 1-2 times in a year. There was a significant association between prevalence of bronchial asthma and age, family history of asthma and history of allergies at P<0.05 level.

Conclusion: The prevalence of bronchial asthma is found to be high. So there is a need for implementation of various control programs to reduce school absenteeism.