Indoor environmental quality and the prevalence of childhood asthma and rhinitis in Wuhan area of China

Indoor environmental quality is suspected to be at least part of the cause of the increasing prevalence of childhood asthma and allergy. This study is part of the China, Children, Homes, Health (CCHH) project, which was designed to identify the risk factors indoors that are associated with prevalence of asthma and allergy among children in China. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was carried out in Wuhan in 2011. The questionnaire was a modified (to Chinese building characteristics) version of a questionnaire used first in Sweden. The parents of 2193 children, aged 1–8 years, replied, a response rate of 91.4% (2193/2400). Prevalences of asthma and allergic symptoms were calculated, and a Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to identify risk factors. Prevalences of health outcomes are “wheezing last 12 months” 18.5%, “cough at night last 12 months” 15.4%, “doctor-diagnosed asthma” 6.0%, “rhinitis last 12 months” 48.7%, “doctor-diagnosed allergic rhinitis” 17.5%. Factors associated with increased risk for asthma, allergy and related symptoms include living in an urban area, dampness (significant), use of gas for cooking, new dwelling decoration (paint and furniture obtained during pregnancy), keeping pets and breast feeding less than 3 months. Factors associated with reduced risk as installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom. Home environmental factors are significantly associated with the prevalence of childhood asthma and rhinitis in Wuhan. Urbanization and dampness problems at home are significant risk factors for doctor diagnosed asthma and allergic rhinitis among children in Wuhan.