Background: Information on the magnitude of the problem of childhood asthma in rural areas of Iran and the factors influencing its occurrence is inadequate. This study was carried out to measure the prevalence of asthma among school-aged children in Zarinshahr and factors, which determine its occurrence.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based study carried out in 33 randomly selected school classes in Zarinshahr. The age of participants ranged from 6 to 13 years.
Results: Overall, 1309 questionnaires were returned. The prevalence rates of asthma diagnosed previously, asthma ever in life, current asthma, nocturnal symptoms and exercise induced cough were1.2%, 14.7%, 5.9%, 11.3%, and 19.4%, respectively. Allergic rhinitis and allergic chronic cough were presented in 1.9% and 2.4% of the children.
Conclusion: A positive family history of similar disorder, early childhood respiratory infection, paternal smoking and keeping cats at home were significant factors influencing the development of asthma, while children's gender and parental education did not.