RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Change in respiratory symptoms in young adults as they age: European community respiratory health survey 3 (ECRHS 3)
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 1809
VO 42
IS Suppl 57
A1 Deborah Jarvis
A1 Roger Newson
A1 Peter Burney
YR 2013
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/1809.abstract
AB Aim: To describe change in prevalence of asthma/asthma-like symptoms in European adults over 20 years. Method: In 1991/2, research centres sent a questionnaire to community based samples of adults (20-44yrs) asking about asthma symptoms (ECRHS1). A random sample of responders had clinic-based assessment. In 27 centres (12 countries) these intensively studied adults completed the same postal survey in 2000/2 & 2010/2 (ECRHS 2 & 3). Absolute change in symptoms from ECRHS 1 to 3 was estimated from logistic generalized estimating equations. Inverse propensity weights (for sex, age, smoking & symptoms at ECRHS1) were used to adjust for non-response. Results: Overall, 60.9% (8373/13747) of eligible adults took part in ECRHS3. Response was higher in women, older adults, non-smokers & those without wheeze in ECRHS1. Over the 20 yr period, the prevalence of symptoms fell or changed little but use of treatment for asthma increased.View this table:Change in symptoms ECRHS1-ECRHS3This broad pattern was seen in a) most centres b) the first, and the second, 10yrs of follow-up c) men and women d) younger and older participants. Conclusion: In young adults followed from 1992-2012 there was a marked increase in the use of asthma treatment, with a smaller reduction in wheeze and less marked changes in other symptoms.