METHODS: Exhaustive searches were conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge Core Collection, Embase, and Google Scholar. The selection criteria included studies reporting asthma prevalence in individuals aged 0 to 19 years, using validated questionnaires. Data were extracted and synthesized using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of asthma in Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) countries, among the 514,468 children and adolescents included in this meta-analysis, was 10.61%, synthesized from 95 studies. Among the countries studied, Qatar exhibited the highest prevalence at 16.69%, followed by Saudi Arabia at 16.57%, Iraq at 16.22%, Oman at 15.20%, and Afghanistan at 14.90%. Adolescents showed a slightly higher prevalence of asthma at 10.10% compared to children at 9.70%. Boys exhibited a higher prevalence at 11.48% compared to girls at 9.75%. Urban areas demonstrated a higher prevalence at 11.27% than rural areas at 8.29%.
CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to reduce asthma prevalence in Arab countries and address underdiagnosis in African nations within the EMRO are crucial. Targeted interventions should focus on addressing environmental triggers and improving access to healthcare. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities and healthcare infrastructure are necessary in African countries. Collaborative action is essential to alleviate the asthma burden and promote respiratory health across the EMRO region.
方法:在数据库中进行了详尽的搜索,包括PubMed,Scopus,WebofKnowledgeCoreCollection,Embase,谷歌学者。选择标准包括报告0至19岁个体哮喘患病率的研究,使用经过验证的问卷。使用DerSimonian和Laird随机效应模型提取和合成数据。
结果:东地中海区域办事处(EMRO)国家的哮喘总体患病率,在这项荟萃分析中纳入的514,468名儿童和青少年中,为10.61%,从95项研究中合成。在研究的国家中,卡塔尔的患病率最高,为16.69%,其次是沙特阿拉伯,占16.57%,伊拉克为16.22%,阿曼为15.20%,阿富汗占14.90%。青少年的哮喘患病率略高,为10.10%,而儿童为9.70%。男孩的患病率更高,为11.48%,而女孩为9.75%。城市地区的患病率为11.27%,高于农村地区的8.29%。
结论:在EMRO中努力降低阿拉伯国家的哮喘患病率并解决非洲国家的低诊断问题至关重要。有针对性的干预措施应侧重于解决环境触发因素和改善获得医疗保健的机会。非洲国家需要加强诊断能力和医疗基础设施。协作行动对于减轻整个EMRO地区的哮喘负担和促进呼吸健康至关重要。