Asthma in an urban population in Portugal: a prevalence study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The prevalence and incidence of asthma are believed to be increasing but research on the true incidence, prevalence and mortality from asthma has met methodological obstacles since it has been difficult to define and diagnose asthma in epidemiological terms. New and widely accepted diagnostic criteria for asthma present opportunities for progress in this field. Studies conducted in Portugal have estimated the disease prevalence between 3% and 15%. Available epidemiological data present a significant variability due to methodological obstacles.

Aim

To estimate the true prevalence of asthma by gender and age groups in the population of the area covered by one urban Health Centre in Portugal.

Method

An observational study was conducted between February and Jul

SUBMITTER: de Sousa JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3121634 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature