Abstract

Prevalence of Asthma and Allergic Symptoms among General Population in Riyadh Region of Saudi Arabia

Author(s):Mohammad Fareed, Mohammad Meshal Al Meshal, Musaad Saad Al Balood and Kamal Halim

Objective: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting many adults and children across the world. Symptoms of atopic allergies are associated with early onset of asthma. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of asthma and allergic symptoms among the general population including adults and children in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and participants were of different age groups who lived in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. The information for their general characteristic and self-reported symptoms for asthma and allergy were recorded through a questionnaire which was distributed electronically on social media through the Survey Monkey website. Results: Total of 1496 respondents participated in this study. The overall prevalence of asthma was 8.62% and prevalence of allergy was 28.88%. Cases for allergy and pollen allergy were found to be significantly more (p<0.05) among subjects of age older than 18 years as compared to 18 years of age or less than 18 years of age. Cases of asthma were found to be significantly more (p<0.05) among males as compared to females. Cases of dust allergy were found to be significantly more (p<0.05) among females as compared to males. Cases of allergy were found to be significantly more (p<0.05) among children group of 13-18 years of age as compared to children group of 5-12 years of age. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study reports the prevalence of asthma and allergic symptoms among the general population of Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. This kind of more future research is recommended in this region with more sample size.

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