AUTHOR=Navuluri Neelima , Lagat David , Egger Joseph R. , Birgen Elcy , Diero Lameck , Murdoch David M. , Thielman Nathan , Kussin Peter S. , Que Loretta G. , Paul Devon 

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

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=68

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1606030

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2023.1606030

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objectives:</bold> 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.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> 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.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> 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 &gt;50 ppb after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and tobacco use.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Airway disease is a significant health problem in Kenya affecting a young population who lack a significant tobacco use history.</p>