Prevalence of asthma and wheeze in primary school children in northern Jordan.

In order to determine the prevalence of asthma and wheeze in Northern Jordan, a questionnaire was distributed to 3540 school children aged 6-12 years in Irbid City. The completed questionnaires were returned by 3182 children, a response rate of 90%. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 4.1%. Wheezing was reported by 8.3% of children. The male:female ratio was 2:1 for both conditions. In order of frequency, the triggering factors were respiratory tract infections, cold environment, exercise and dust. Statistically significant associations between wheezing (including asthma) and a family history of asthma, recurrent chest infections, eczema, allergic rhinicis and parental smoking were detected. Mode of delivery, breastfeeding and the presence of pets at home were not significantly associated. The prevalence of childhood asthma in Northern Jordan is similar to that in some countries of the developed world. Underdiagnosis may explain the relatively low prevalence of asthma found in this study population.