Self-reported asthma symptoms among adults aged 20-30 years in a Nigerian university: a cross sectional study

Background: Despite concerns about the increasing incidence of asthma in developing countries, there is insufficient data on burden and risk factors for asthma among adults in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of thisstudy was to determine the prevalence of asthma among young adults in north-central Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried among 20-30 year old medical undergraduates of the University of Jos, Nigeria. A modified version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey stage 1questionnaire was administered to subjects to obtain bio data, asthma symptoms, and possible risk factors. Factors associated with current asthma symptoms were evaluated using logistic regression models. Results: A total 177 of 185 questionnaires were returned(response rate 95.7%). Forty two (22.7%) persons reported at least one asthma symptom in the 12 months preceding the study, with 16.4% (29) reporting episodes of recurrent wheeze. Nine persons (5.1%) had a previous diagnosis of asthma; 24.1% among persons with recurrent wheeze in 2 the 12 months preceding the study (x2 =24.59; p<0.01).There was no association between asthma and household smoking, cooking fuel and parental level of education. Conclusions: We found a high frequency of asthma symptoms among persons aged 20-30 years. Risk factors for asthma in this population require further evaluation.Keywords: Bronchial Asthma, Sub-Saharan Africa, Lung disease, Obstructive lung disease, Respiratory disease.High Med Res J 2013;13:8-1