The Frequency of Asthma and Allergy Symptoms in Adults and its Related Factors

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of asthma and allergy symptoms and their relationship with sociodemographic factors in hospital admissions.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among a population of non-asthmatics aged 18–64 years who applied to the hospital between November 2020 and April 2021. The data of the study were collected through a sociodemographic form, asthma screening questionnaire, and an allergy questionnaire.
RESULTS: Of the 398 participants, 271 (68.1%) were female, and the mean age was 38.4±13.1 years. Of the participants, 45 (11.3%) have asthma, and 98 (24.6%) have allergy. In multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, the likelihood of asthma symptoms increased with education declining (OR=0.656, 95% CI=0.516–0.834, p=0.001). Moreover, the likelihood of allergy was found to be higher in those with a family history of asthma (OR=2.877, 95%CI=1.456–5.685, and p=0.002), and those getting younger (OR=0.969, 95%CI=0.950–0.988, and p=0.002).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: While asthma symptoms were less common in the study group, allergy symptoms were more common, and patients were living without a diagnosis. To increase awareness of asthma and allergy in society, education should be given by the health personnel, and messages should be given through mass media.