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. 2023 Aug 17:68:1606030.
doi: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606030. eCollection 2023.

Asthma, Airflow Obstruction, and Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation Prevalence in Western Kenya: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Neelima Navuluri  1   2 , David Lagat  3 , Joseph R Egger  2 , Elcy Birgen  2 , Lameck Diero  3 , David M Murdoch  1 , Nathan Thielman  2   4 , Peter S Kussin  1   2 , Loretta G Que  1 , Devon Paul  5   6
Affiliations

Asthma, Airflow Obstruction, and Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation Prevalence in Western Kenya: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Neelima Navuluri et al. Int J Public Health. .

Abstract

Objectives: Determine the prevalence of airway disease (e.g., asthma, airflow obstruction, and eosinophilic airway inflammation) in Kenya, as well as related correlates of airway disease and health-related quality of life. Methods: A three-stage, cluster-randomized cross-sectional study in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya was conducted. Individuals 12 years and older completed questionnaires (including St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD, SGRQ-C), spirometry, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing. Prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Multivariable models were used to assess correlates of airflow obstruction and high FeNO. Results: Three hundred ninety-two participants completed questionnaires, 369 completed FeNO testing, and 305 completed spirometry. Mean age was 37.5 years; 64% were women. The prevalence of asthma, airflow obstruction on spirometry, and eosinophilic airway inflammation was 21.7%, 12.3% and 15.7% respectively in the population. Women had significantly higher SGRQ-C scores compared to men (15.0 vs. 7.7). Wheezing or whistling in the last year and SGRQ-C scores were strongly associated with FeNO levels >50 ppb after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and tobacco use. Conclusion: Airway disease is a significant health problem in Kenya affecting a young population who lack a significant tobacco use history.

Keywords: Kenya; airway inflammation; asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; cross-sectional study; epidemiology; pulmonary disease; spirometry.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) by sex (Eldoret, Kenya, 2017).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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