Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Asthma among Adolescents in Riobamba, Ecuador

A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Muñoz Mejía Daniela, MD. Espiritu Santo University of Specialities
  • Muñoz Mejía Juan Espiritu Santo University of Specialities
  • Dr. Nelson Muñoz Rodríguez Muñoz Allergy, Immunology and Paediatrics Research Group
  • Guananga Gutiérrez Andrea San Marco Polyclinic Hospital Bergamo, Italy
  • Ramírez Monar Gabriela National University of Chimborazo
  • Yadira Veloz Daquilema Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
  • Moyano Largo Nataly National University of Chimborazo
  • Oña Muso Diana National University of Chimborazo
  • Galo Guillermo Farfán Cano MD. Master on HIV Infection King Juan Carlos University

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a global health concern that affects millions of people and has substantial social and economic impacts. Despite its significance, research in Riobamba, Ecuador has been limited since 1998. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 791 adolescents in Riobamba to assess the prevalence of asthma. Poorly controlled asthma leads to negative outcomes such as school absenteeism and lower academic achievement. Research on asthma is crucial, particularly in underserved regions. Materials and Methods: We randomly selected four schools in Riobamba, collected data via questionnaires, and performed data analysis, including chi-square tests, to evaluate associations. Results: The study revealed a cumulative asthma prevalence of 7.39%, with no significant age or sex differences. Approximately 4.1% of adolescents had experienced 4–12 wheezing attacks in the previous year, and 10.9% woke up more than once a week due to wheezing. Exercise-induced asthma had a prevalence of 15.14%, while 20.07% reported a dry nighttime cough without an apparent cause. Conclusion: This study highlights the notable prevalence of asthma among adolescents in Riobamba, Ecuador, emphasizing the need for asthma management and preventive strategies. Comparisons with previous studies underscore the influence of geographic factors on prevalence. These findings contribute to the understanding of asthma prevalence in specific populations, and aid in interventions and policies.

Author Biographies

Muñoz Mejía Daniela, MD., Espiritu Santo University of Specialities

  1. Espiritu Santo University of Specialities (Samborondón, Ecuador).
  2. Muñoz Allergy, Immunology and Paediatrics Research Group (Riobamba, Ecuador).

Muñoz Mejía Juan, Espiritu Santo University of Specialities

  1. Espiritu Santo University of Specialities (Samborondón, Ecuador).

Dr. Nelson Muñoz Rodríguez, Muñoz Allergy, Immunology and Paediatrics Research Group

  1. Muñoz Allergy, Immunology and Paediatrics Research Group (Riobamba, Ecuador).
  2. University of Guayaquil (Guayaquil, Ecuador).
  3. University of Buenos Aires and the Association of Allergy and Immunology of Buenos Aires (Bs As, Argentina).
  4. Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo (Riobamba, Ecuador).

Guananga Gutiérrez Andrea, San Marco Polyclinic Hospital Bergamo, Italy

  1. San Marco Polyclinic Hospital Bergamo, Italy.
  2. Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, (Riobamba, Ecuador).

Ramírez Monar Gabriela , National University of Chimborazo

  1. Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo (Riobamba, Ecuador).
  2. Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, (Riobamba, Ecuador).

Yadira Veloz Daquilema, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

  1. Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, (Riobamba, Ecuador).
  2. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain).

Moyano Largo Nataly , National University of Chimborazo

  1. National University of Chimborazo (Riobamba, Ecuador).
  2. General Teaching Hospital of Riobamba (Riobamba, Ecuador).
  3. Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (Quito, Ecuador).

Oña Muso Diana , National University of Chimborazo

  1. National University of Chimborazo (Riobamba, Ecuador).
  2. Rafael Ruiz Primary Hospital (Pujilí, Ecuador).

Galo Guillermo Farfán Cano MD. Master on HIV Infection, King Juan Carlos University

  1. University of Guayaquil (Guayaquil, Ecuador).
  2. King Juan Carlos University (Mostoles, Spain)
  3. Hospital General Del Norte de Guayaquil Los Ceibos (Guayaquil, Ecuador).

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Published

2023-12-02

How to Cite

Muñoz-Mejía , D. ., Muñoz-Mejía , J., Muñoz Rodríguez, N., Guananga-Gutiérrez, A., Ramírez-Monar, G., Veloz-Daquilema , Y., Moyano-Largo, N. ., Oña-Muso, D., & Farfan-Cano, G. G. (2023). Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Asthma among Adolescents in Riobamba, Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Study. Ciencia Ecuador , 5(24), 12-19. Retrieved from https://www.cienciaecuador.com.ec/index.php/ojs/article/view/204

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 24 (2023): Los últimos apuntes de COVID-19, analgesia multimodal, ictus isquémico, entre otros

Section

Health, Life and Biological Sciences

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