Prevalence and Risk Factors of Childhood Asthma and Allergic Disease at Exposed Area By Emission of Cement Padang Factory

Background. Prevalence of asthma in children is  increasing,  especially in the industrial city. Padang city has Padang cement factory which is located near from community where people surrounding can inhale the dust pollutant emission from cement production, including children. We want to know the prevalence and risk factor of asthma and allergic disease in this area.

Methods. During May-June 2015, we conduct a cross sectional study to children around the Cement Padang  factory, based on distance of house from the factory, <5 km (exposed area) and > 10 km (no exposed area).  Children age from 0-15 years were selected. We used ISAAC questionnaire to determine asthma and allergic disease.  Data was taken from the parent, with informed consent, including asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis symptoms and some risk factors. Data was analyzed with chi-square test.

Results. This study found 90 children,  43 (47.8%) from exposed area, most of them were female  46 (51.1%). The most age group is 1-5^th(48.8%).  More than half  (54%) have normal nutritional status, but 33.3% undernourish. Asthma prevalence and atopic dermatitis was found higher in no exposed area than exposed area (19.5% vs 13.9% and 39.1% vs 37.2%),  but allergic rhinitis  was higher in exposed area (60.4% vs 58.6%), no significance difference. Atopic history of the mother was higher in exposed area (34.8% vs 17.3%). Other inhaled pollutan like pet, cigarretes smoke, kapok mattress, vapor from gasoline were higher in no exposed area, but no significance difference.  

Conclusion. In exposed area of Cement Padang factory, the prevalence of rhinitis allergy was higher than asthma and atopic dermatitis, but no significance difference.