Factors associated with asthma symptoms in Colombian subpopulations aged 1 to 17 and 18 to 59: Secondary analysis of the study "Prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Colombia 2009-2010"

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory lung disease, is one of the leading causes of disability, demands on health resources, and poor quality of life. It is necessary to identify asthma-related risk factors to reduce the presence and development of symptoms. This study aimed to explore the association of multiple possible factors with asthma symptoms in two subpopulations, children, adolescents, and adults, in six cities in Colombia. This was an observational analytical case-control study based on a cross-sectional study conducted as a secondary analysis of the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Colombia during 2009 and 2010. Weighted logistic regressions were conducted for each population. Out of the 5978 subjects in the cross-sectional survey, 747 were identified as cases, and 3109 were identified as controls. The prevalence of asthma was 30.8% in the child and adolescent population and 14.7% in the adult population. Among the various factors studied, those associated with asthma symptoms in children/adolescents were: a family history of asthma (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3-4.7) and rhinitis (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1-3.6); acetaminophen consumption at least once a month (OR 3.6; 95% CI 2.1-6.2); and the presence of birds at home (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1-3.8). Regarding food consumption: fruit consumption (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.1-12.7). In adults, the factors that showed significant association were: a family history of allergic diseases (rhinitis OR 3.3; 95% CI 2.3-4.6), atopic eczema (OR 4.4; 95% CI 2.8-7.0), or asthma (OR 1.8;95% CI 1.3-2.6); acetaminophen consumption at least once a month (OR 2.0; 1.5-2.8); the presence of dogs at home (OR 1.4;95% CI 1.03-1.8), exposure to second-hand smoke (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2-2.2), and exposure to exhaust fumes during the day (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.04-2.7). Our findings suggest that different cultural, environmental, and family factors are associated with asthma symptoms in children and adolescents, and these associations are evident in both males and females.