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=Volume 68 - 2023

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=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 were calculated.  Multivariable models assessed correlates of airflow obstruction and FeNO.
Results: 392 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. Women had 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 without significant tobacco use history.