Comparison of allergic asthma-related factors according to socioeconomic characteri̇stics among children and adolescents in health centers in Mosul, Iraq

In health facilities in Mosul, Iraq, the study's objective is to investigate and analyze the effects of various socioeconomic parameters, such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, level of education, etc., on elements connected to allergic asthma (AA) in young people. This study examined the prevalence of asthma and related risk factors in 290 children and adolescents with asthma aged 6 to 17 years who received medical care in these healthcare facilities. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) scale was used to measure the prevalence and severity of asthma and associated risk factors, and a personal information form was used to collect socioeconomic data. Assuming a significance level of P<0.05, the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software using various statistical procedures including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, ANOVA and independent samples t-test. According to the study, nose symptoms were more severe in children aged 11 to 14 than in those aged 6 to 10 and 15 to 17 (p=0.001) and in smokers (p<0.001). Children aged 6 to 10 and 11 to 14 had more skin problems than those aged 15 to 17 (p<0.001), and smokers had more skin problems (p<0.001). Asthma symptoms were more severe in those aged 11 to 14 than in those aged 6 to 10 (p<0.001) and 15 to 17 (p<0.001). Smokers showed higher prevalence and severity of asthma and allergy symptoms (p<0.001), as did adolescents from higher socioeconomic statuses. Asthma and allergy symptoms were more common and severe among smokers as well. Smokers had higher prevalence and severity of these symptoms (p<0.001), and children aged 6 to 10 had more severe specific asthma and allergy symptoms than children aged 15 to 17 (p<0.001) and 11 to 14 (p=0.046), respectively. Smokers had higher incidence and severity of these characteristics (p<0.001), and these factors were more severe in children aged 6 to 10 compared to those aged 11 to 14 and 15 to 17 (p<0.001). In conclusion, this study highlights the impact of various socioeconomic parameters on allergic asthma in young individuals in Mosul, Iraq. The findings demonstrate that nose and skin symptoms, as well as asthma severity, were influenced by age, smoking status, and socioeconomic status. These results emphasize the importance of considering these factors when managing allergic asthma in children and adolescents. Targeted interventions and preventive measures tailored to specific age groups, addressing smoking habits, and addressing socioeconomic disparities are recommended for effective asthma management.